Is Universal Studios Hollywood Good for Toddlers? Honest Take
Universal Studios Hollywood built its reputation on thrill rides, Halloween Horror Nights, and intellectual property aimed squarely at tweens and teens. So should you bother dragging a little kid through the turnstiles? Is Universal Studios Hollywood good for toddlers, or is it a day of you riding while your two-year-old eats a pretzel and judges you?
The short answer: yes and no. There is genuinely enough to fill a fun day with a toddler — a handful of rides they can do, a splashpad, a dino playground, roaming characters, and themed lands worth walking even when nobody is riding anything. But the ride lineup for short kids is thin, the park is built into a hillside, and if you only have one Southern California park day, the toddler options at Disneyland blow it out of the water. Read on for who should go, who should skip it, and how to do it without setting your wallet on fire.
Is Universal Studios Hollywood Good for Toddlers?: Things to Consider
1. The Park is Two Levels
2. There Aren’t Many Toddler Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood
3. Child Switch is Your Friend
4. Is Universal Express Worth It for Toddlers?
5. What Toddler-Friendly Shows Are Left?
6. The Park is Swimming with Characters
7. The Splashpad is Worth a Visit
8. There is a Great Play Area
9. You Can Knock it Out in a Day
10. Your Toddler Might Be Able to Get in for Free
11. What Do You Need to Bring?
12. There Are Cute Restaurants
13. There is No Dedicated Baby Care Center
14. You Can Rent a Stroller
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
Is Universal Studios Hollywood Good for Toddlers?
1. The Park is Two Levels
The park is basically planted on the side of a mountain. It makes for a nice view, but it does not make for easy stroller navigation.
Attractions are split between the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot. The good news for you: almost everything a toddler can actually do — Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the splashpad, Silly Swirly, the Secret Life of Pets ride, the Studio Tour, and most of the shows — lives on the Upper Lot. The Lower Lot is heavier on thrill rides (Transformers, Jurassic World, Revenge of the Mummy) that your short person can’t or shouldn’t ride anyway.
To get between the two levels you ride a long series of outdoor escalators, or you jockey with a herd of fellow stroller parents for one of the elevators. Get ready to throw down. The escalators are a non-starter with a stroller, so plan to either fold and carry, or budget extra time for the elevator scrum.
2. What Rides Can a Toddler Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood?
Is Universal Studios Hollywood toddler friendly? Not really when it comes to rides. If your kid isn’t tall, you can count your real options on one hand and you won’t need all your fingers. Most of the marquee attractions sit behind a 40″ companion minimum, and the park keeps adding more of them — its first outdoor roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, opens in summer 2026 going about 72 mph, which is to say, not a toddler ride by any stretch.
Here’s the saving grace: every section of the park is heavily themed, so it’s worth a stroll even when nobody is riding anything. Don’t skip the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, or Springfield U.S.A. with little kids — the walk-through theming is half the value of the ticket when your crew is too short for the rides.
Pro tip: Universal loves motion simulators. Don’t forget motion sickness medication.
Bonus pro tip: Download the Universal Hollywood app before your trip. It has a map and current wait times.
Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood for Toddlers with Low or No Height Requirements
The Secret Life of Pets
The Secret Life of Pets ride is a must-do with a toddler. The indoor, air-conditioned queue takes you through various apartments from the movie. The queue alone is worth a walk.
The ride itself is a slow-moving ride through various scenes from the movie with a ton of animatronics and detail.
Location: Upper Lot
Height requirement: 34″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Silly Swirly Fun Ride
Silly Swirly Fun Ride is a stereotypical toddler ride. It is basically a ride in a circle in the Despicable Me-themed section of the park. While the ride is not that exciting, it comes with an amazing view.
Location: Upper Lot
Universal Hollywood ride height requirement: 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
The World Famous Universal Hollywood Studio Tour
This backlot tour is a commitment, clocking in at around an hour. A guide narrates while a tram rolls you through actual working movie lots, crash sets, and famous facades. There’s no height requirement and toddlers technically can ride, but an hour is an eternity to a small child strapped into a tram with no escape hatch.
Heads up if you read about this tour in an older guide: the lineup has changed. The Fast & Furious – Supercharged segment that used to cap off the tour was removed in 2025, and the long-running King Kong 360 attraction was converted from 3D to a standard 2D presentation in early 2026. King Kong is still a giant screaming ape in a dark tunnel, so it can absolutely startle a sensitive little kid, glasses or no glasses.
Pro tip: There are no bathrooms available during this ride. None. Make sure your kids go beforehand. There are bathrooms right next to the queue.
Studio Tram Tour Universal Hollywood location: Upper Lot
Universal Studios Hollywood requirements for height: None
Will toddlers like it?: Questionable at best
Rides for Tall Toddlers
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Despicable Me is a motion simulator wherein you become a Minion and travel through Gru’s laboratory. There is a cute pre-show during which a member of the audience’s personal hygiene is called into question. The ride itself has lots of fun colors and bright lights. It is great for toddlers.
Location: Upper Lot
Height requirement: 40″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Flight of the Hippogriff
Flight of the Hippogriff is one of the Harry Potter rides at Universal Hollywood. It is a teeny, tiny roller coaster. It is not worth a substantial wait.
Universal Hollywood location: Upper Lot
Height requirement: 39″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
The Simpsons Ride
The Simpsons Ride is the mother of all motion simulators. You are sure to feel sick at the end if you are sensitive. Toddlers, on the other hand, will probably feel fine.
Location: Upper Lot
Universal Hollywood height requirement: 40″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Transformers
Transformers is another motion simulator ride, this time in cars that move through a track. Employees yell at you in line for funsies. While a toddler can technically ride, it is unlikely to be a favorite.
Location: Lower Lot
Universal Hollywood height restrictions: 40″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Eh
Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge is an augmented-reality dark ride where you wear AR goggles and “throw” shells at Team Bowser. If your kid is tall enough, it’s likely to be a hit. Good news for planning: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD no longer requires a timed virtual-line reservation on most days — you can usually just walk in, except on the busiest holiday-level crowd days. That actually helps the “knock it out in a day” math.
Location: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Height requirement: 40″ to ride with a supervising companion, 48″ to ride alone
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
3. Utilize Universal Studios Hollywood Child Switch
What can toddlers do at Universal Studios Hollywood? Not ride most rides. Don’t let your short child hold you back. You can still go.
The child switch program allows the whole family to wait in line once. One adult waits with the child while the other rides, then the adults switch without waiting a second time.
Pro tip: You can utilize this program even if your child is tall enough for the ride but doesn’t want to try it.
Bonus pro tip: If you have an older child, he or she can likely ride with both adults.
4. Is Universal Express Worth It for Toddlers?
Universal Express lets you into a shorter line once per ride. It does not come cheap — in 2026 it routinely runs somewhere in the ballpark of $200 to $300 per person depending on the date, and it costs even more if you buy it at the gate. Check current pricing before you commit, because it moves around constantly.
For a toddler trip, the verdict is easy: skip it. You won’t have any trouble getting onto the handful of rides a short kid can actually ride, especially if you arrive early. Express pays off when you’re chasing big-kid thrill rides at peak crowds — not when your itinerary is the splashpad, Silly Swirly, and a tram tour. Save that money for the third churro your toddler will demand and then refuse to eat.
5. What Toddler-Friendly Shows Are Left?
Fair warning: the show lineup is thinner than it used to be. Two old toddler staples, the Animal Actors show and the Special Effects Show, both permanently closed back in January 2023 — their old sites are being repurposed for the new Fast & Furious coaster. If a friend (or an out-of-date blog post) tells you to catch the trained-dog show, gently break the news. What’s left are essentially two stop-worthy shows, plus a continuously running theater. Always check the day’s schedule on the app, since times and refurbishments change.
DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda
Officially the DreamWorks Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda, this is a motion-simulator theater starring Po and the gang. There’s some 4D-type business — minor shaking, a few in-theater effects — but it’s mild enough that most toddlers handle it fine. It’s a great air-conditioned reset for the afternoon meltdown hour. Check the app for showtimes, and don’t assume it runs continuously every day.
Location: Upper Lot
Will toddlers like it?: Yes
Universal Hollywood WaterWorld
WaterWorld is a long-running 20-minute stunt show featuring jet skis, fire, and big explosions — it’s been running since 1995 and is still one of the better free spectacles in the park. It is genuinely loud. You may want noise-canceling headphones if your child hates loud noises. One heads-up: WaterWorld closes periodically for refurbishment (it was down for several weeks in early 2026), so confirm it’s running on the app before you build your day around it.
Location: Upper Lot
Will toddlers like it?: Questionable at best
6. There Are Tons of Characters
You can meet characters throughout the day in various locations for free. These may include characters from the Transformers, Minions, Simpsons, Shrek, Curious George, Frankenstein, and Scooby Doo. There is even a giant raptor.
Unlike Disney, the characters roam fairly freely and without much handling. This makes for some priceless pictures. On our last trip, Frankenstein casually petted a security dog.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the giant Donkey from Shrek that talks to you.
7. Don’t Miss the Splashpad
The Despicable Me section of the park has a large water play area that will be a big hit with toddlers. They will get wet. Plan your day accordingly.
Location: Upper Lot
8. There is a Great Play Area
Is Universal Studios fun for toddlers? The dinosaur-themed playground in the Jurassic World area certainly is. Kids can dig for fossils, climb on dinosaur bones, and burn off some of that bottomless toddler energy — which, after a morning of being strapped into a stroller, is exactly what everyone needs. It’s down on the Lower Lot, so build it into your loop rather than backtracking for it.
Location: Lower Lot Universal Hollywood
9. You Can Knock it Out in a Day
Universal Studios Hollywood is a lot smaller than its Orlando counterpart. It only has one theme park. You can easily do everything a toddler wants to do in a day or less.
Pro tip: Toddlers aren’t big fans of lines. Check a crowd calendar to pick the best time of year to visit. Generally speaking, when kids are in school, it will be less crowded.
Bonus pro tip: Arrive early. Like before the park opens early. Your toddler will be awake already, and most teens won’t. The park will be much less crowded than it will be in the afternoon.
Extra bonus pro tip: Check the park map and make a rough touring plan before you arrive. Toddlers can’t ride most of the big-ticket attractions, so you’ll actually have less competition than the average guest for the ones they can do. If the Simpsons Ride is on your list, hit it first — those lines balloon in the afternoon. For a full age-by-age breakdown of what’s worth your time, see our guide to Universal Studios Hollywood rides by age.
10. Your Toddler Might Be Able to Get in for Free
Kids ages two and under get in free at Universal Studios Hollywood. Even if your toddler doesn’t get much out of the day, free admission means they’re guaranteed to clear the value bar. The “child” ticket kicks in at age three (it runs roughly ages 3 to 9 and costs a few dollars less than adult), and the real question is whether the rest of the family thinks the day was worth the price. For reference, single-day adult tickets have been starting around $100 for low-season weekdays bought through resellers — gate prices and peak dates run higher, so check current pricing. Fortunately, there are ways to save.
Pro tip: Parking is not free, and it got noticeably pricier in late 2025. General parking now runs about $40 before 5 p.m. (dropping to roughly $10 after 5 p.m.), with preferred and front-gate lots climbing to around $60 to $75, and valet starting near $25. Confirm the current rates before you go. Some hotels offer free shuttles — consider picking one that does, or staying within walking distance. We love the Hilton Los Angeles-Universal City, which is an easy walk to the park and CityWalk; here’s our full review of the Universal Hollywood Hilton if you’re weighing it.
Short Kids Pay Less
Your toddler will be free, but your older kids won’t. Universal has historically offered a discounted “child under 48″” rate, sometimes only available at the gate. Whether that exact program still exists can change year to year, so if you’ve got a short-but-not-free kid, call ahead or check the official site for the current price and figure out the best deal for your crew.
Visit at an Off Time
Universal Hollywood prices vary by the day. You will get a better Universal Studios Hollywood deal at off-peak times.
Check for Specials
If you don’t have a short kid, tickets for Universal Hollywood are generally cheaper online than at the gate. You can sometimes find a deal that includes a free day. Check the offerings at the time of your visit.
Universal Hollywood Packages
Universal Hollywood does not have its own hotels, but you can purchase a vacation package that includes an off-property hotel stay and other tourist attractions. Do the math carefully here. You may be able to do better on your own.
Consider an Annual Pass
If you plan to visit multiple times, do the math on an annual pass. One thing worth factoring in now that parking has gotten expensive: the higher-tier passes (Gold and above) include free general parking, which can quietly tip the math in their favor if you’re coming back more than once or twice.
Military Discount
The park offers deals for military personnel. You must purchase them from a military ticket office.
Discount Tickets Through Third Party Brokers
You can purchase Universal Studios Hollywood tickets for less through third-party brokers like Undercover Tourist, Get Your Guide, Tiqets, and Viator.
AAA Discount Tickets
You may be able to purchase discounted tickets through AAA.
Groupon
You may be able to find discount tickets on Groupon. This is not always your best option. Be sure to do the math.
Multiple Attraction Passes
If you are visiting multiple tourist attractions in the area, a pass from Go City may make sense for you.
11. What Do You Need to Bring?
You shouldn’t overpack, but you will be able to shove a lot of junk in your stroller. Keep in mind that you will leave your stroller unattended regularly. Don’t leave anything that you will be devastated to lose.
Pro tip: Check the weather before you go so you know what to expect.
Bonus pro tip: Check out our free packing list for Universal Hollywood, and if this is part of a bigger trip, our broader Southern California packing list.
The following items should be in your day bag:
A. A poncho
B. A hat or sunglasses
F. Sunscreen
G. A portable phone charger (the app will drain your battery)
H. Baby stuff you need in a typical day
I. Snacks (Note that the park only allows you to bring in water, small snacks, and food for people with special dietary needs.)
12. Where Should You Eat?
Universal has a ton of themed restaurants. Some are better than others. Most can accommodate dietary restrictions. Talk to an employee if you need something specific.
Pro tip: The restaurants have menus posted online. Check them to see what interests you.
Bonus pro tip: Eat at an off time. Wait times will be better.
Consider trying the following restaurants with toddlers:
Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck
Bumblebee Man’s is a food truck serving tacos, obviously, in the Simpsons section of the park. The food is decent and reasonably priced.
Location: Upper Lot
Lard Lad Donuts
Lard Lad Donuts is a Simpsons-themed counter service with giant donuts. Like one donut serves at least four people giant.
Location: Upper Lot
Minion Cafe
Minion Cafe serves some of the best food at Universal Hollywood at a fair price. Some of the choices include sandwiches, nachos, salad, and pasta. Do not miss the Felonious Float.
Location: Upper Lot
Three Broomsticks
Three Broomsticks is a Harry Potter-themed quick service that serves English food for all three meals. You can get Butterbeer here as well. What you cannot get are soft drinks. Universal really committed to the theming on this one.
Location: Upper Lot
13. There is No Dedicated Baby Care Center
Disney parks offer baby care centers. Universal does not. If you need to nurse, you can do it at the first aid station.
14. You Can Rent a Stroller
The park has strollers for rent. You will be much better off bringing your own, but a rental is an option in a pinch.
Final Verdict: Is Universal Studios Hollywood Good for Toddlers?
Is Universal Studios Hollywood good for toddlers? Yes and no — and the honest tiebreaker is how many vacation days you’ve got.
You can absolutely fill a fun day. Between the Secret Life of Pets ride, the splashpad, the dino playground, the roaming characters, and walking lands as good-looking as Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, your toddler will have a great time and you won’t regret going. Just go in clear-eyed: the genuine toddler ride count is small, the park keeps adding thrill rides your kid can’t ride, and the show lineup shrank after the 2023 closures.
So if Universal is one stop on a longer Southern California trip, go and enjoy it. But if you only have one precious park day with a little kid, head to Disneyland instead — there is simply far more for a toddler to actually do there. That verdict hasn’t changed, and the math still favors the mouse.
FAQ: Universal Studios Hollywood with Toddlers
What rides can a toddler actually go on at Universal Studios Hollywood?
The genuinely toddler-friendly rides are the Secret Life of Pets ride (34″ with a companion), Silly Swirly, and the World-Famous Studio Tour, which has no height minimum. With a “tall toddler” who clears 40″ with a companion, you add Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the Simpsons Ride, Transformers, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, and Flight of the Hippogriff (39″). Most of the marquee attractions require a 40″ companion minimum, so a small kid’s real list is short.
Is one day enough at Universal Studios Hollywood with a toddler?
Yes. It’s a single-gate park and far smaller than its Orlando sibling, so you can comfortably do everything a toddler cares about in one day, often with time to spare. Arrive before opening, ride what they can ride early, and use the afternoon for the splashpad, playground, and shows.
Do toddlers get in free?
Children ages two and under are free. The discounted “child” ticket starts at age three (roughly ages 3 to 9). Older kids who are still short may qualify for a separate reduced rate in some years, so check the official site or call ahead.
Should I buy Universal Express for a toddler trip?
No. Express runs into the hundreds of dollars per person and only pays off when you’re chasing big thrill rides at peak crowds. With a toddler, arriving early gets you onto the few rides they can ride without it.
Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland for toddlers?
For toddlers specifically, Disneyland. It has dramatically more rides little kids can actually go on, plus characters, parades, and Fantasyland built for exactly this age. Universal is a great add-on, but if you’re choosing only one, Disneyland wins for the under-five crowd — see our top Disneyland attractions for toddlers and our broader guide to saving money on Disney trips.
This is cool and loves the art on the wall. Great for taking pictures as well. Thank you for sharing!
Awesome! Will be saving this for future travel to Universal Studios Hollywood!
This is cool and loves the art on the wall. Great for taking pictures as well. Thank you for sharing!
So many great tips!
Great tips for moms!
This is such a helpful list of tips! It will be a big help for planning a trip with my grandkids. Thanks for sharing!