Universal Makes Massive Announcement Regarding Its Brand New Theme Park In Texas
Universal just announced the opening date for a brand new theme park in Texas, and the concept behind it is genuinely different from anything the company has built before. Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, opens July 1, 2026, and it is not a smaller version of Universal Studios or a junior edition of Epic Universe. It is the first theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences has ever built, specifically from the ground up, for families with young children.
That distinction matters. This is not a park that accommodates young kids. It is a park built around them.
What the Park Is
Universal Kids Resort covers 20 acres in Frisco, a fast-growing suburb of Dallas, with exactly the family demographic this kind of destination is designed for. Seven themed lands fill the park with franchises that resonate with the preschool and early elementary crowd.
The movies and characters being featured are DreamWorks’ Shrek, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots, and DreamWorks’ Trolls. Of course, there will also be Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club. And for the young adventurers, Jurassic World Adventure Camp. Along with Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants, Bikini Bottom. And Isle of Curiosity featuring DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse.
That lineup covers a remarkable range of what young children are actually watching and loving right now and it does so without relying on franchises that skew toward teenagers or adults.
Beyond the themed lands, the park is designed with interactive elements throughout including water blasters, bubble blowers, and sidewalk chalk areas for creative play. Multiple sensory gardens provide calming spaces designed for families who need to pause and reset, inviting guests to explore through touch, sound, and color in nature-inspired settings. The inclusion of dedicated sensory spaces reflects a level of intentionality about accessibility that is increasingly important and often underdelivered at major theme park destinations.
The Hotel
Universal Kids Resort Hotel sits at the park entrance with 300 rooms and family suites sleeping up to five or six guests depending on room type. Dining is designed for young eaters, an outdoor pool is available, and hotel guests receive Early Park Admission as part of package options.
Tickets and Passes
One-day and two-day general admission tickets are on sale now. The Universal Kids Resort Silver Annual Pass provides 12 months of access with applicable blockout dates, and parking options are available. A Create Your Own Package lets families bundle tickets, hotel accommodations, and flights with exclusive benefits, including Early Park Admission and free merchandise delivery. A specialty one-and-a-half-day ticket option is also available as part of the package structure.
Hotel rooms are available for stays beginning June 30, with room types ranging from Standard Queen to Family Suites that sleep up to six.
Universal Kids Resort opens July 1. Three weeks from today. For families with young children looking for a theme park built around their kids rather than adults, the opening date is now set.
