There was a time when I wondered, “is Universal Studios for toddlers”? Are the parks were worth visiting for younger kids? Family travel comes at a price and parents want to know which Orlando attractions for toddlers will be their best investment in family memories. Well, after 3 days of nonstop fun at Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure, I can say YES! When planning things to with toddlers in Orlando, you can’t go wrong with these 2 theme parks in Orlando for toddlers and these 10 easy rides.
Universal Studios for Toddlers
It’s true, I wondered is Universal Studios kid-friendly for our youngest kiddos. Would there be enough kid rides at Universal Studios to justify the visit? Which rides at Islands of Adventures for kids would my family love most? Especially with the more obvious Orlando toddler activities that include the big Mouse right next door, the rides at Universal Orlando offered every family member plenty of fun!
At the time of our vacation to Orlando, our kids were young. My daughter was 4 years old and my son was 2 years old. They are both tall for their age, but all the attractions at Universal listed below are things that my toddler could do. Each of the featured rides at Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventures meets the 36-inch height restriction but does not include any rides with a 40-inch height restriction.
Things to do with Toddlers in Orlando
Rides at Universal Studios Orlando
Universal for kids is much easier than you’d expect! The rides at Universal Studios Orlando are not as spread out as other parks, making walk distances shorter. The first 4 attractions are easy rides in Universal Orlando located in the Kid Zone. Your toddler will love these Universal studios rides for kids!
1. Curious George Water Park Area (Universal Orlando): Easily the best waterpark in Orlando for toddlers! There are many interactive features of this park, areas to get drenched or just sprinkled, all your senses were on overdrive here. If you’re chasing a toddler around, come prepared with dry clothes for yourself as well!
Not to be missed right next to the Kid Zone is an arena of balls that is out of this world… using vacuums and suctions, balls are flying from every direction. My kids were in HEAVEN and really did learn a lot about gravity and airflow, etc. We easily spent 3 hours here the first day and returned to the Kid Zone area of Universal Orlando each day thereafter. It’s a safe and great adventure for toddlers!
2. Woody Woodpecker Roller Coaster (Universal Orlando): My toddler barely made the height restriction of 35 inches. If you have a timid child, it maybe best to sit this one out. However, our kids loved this pint-sized roller coaster and we rode it at least 20 times during our stay.
Universal Studios Rides for Kids
Universal Studios for Kids
3. Pet Actors Show: For our animal lovers, this Universal Studios attraction is great. We scheduled our day around the show times and really enjoyed the Pet Actors Show. It’s funny and fast-paced – perfect for little one’s attention spans. Also, after the show, we were able to chat with the animal trainers and learn how to work with animals. Total score!
Related: Christmas at Universal Studios + Harry Potter World
4. Fival’s Playgroud: A little less hectic than Curious George area, Fival’s Playground gives a baby-sized experience of water play. For smaller toddlers or parents looking for less water and more play, this is a good bet. Located near the bigger rides at Orlando Universal Studios, this spot was perfect to hang out while our group enjoyed them.
Island of Adventures Rides
5. Character Meet and Greet (both parks): The Spiderman Meet-and-Greet experience is near the ride, in a building attached to the themed shop, so we had to introduce our boy to him! You can’t see Spiderman from the street, so our son was in awe when he finally saw his favorite superhero in person! Way too small for the ride, this attraction was a great way to enjoy the magic of imagination with our kids. Dora and friends, Simpsons and so many other character sightings can be met in both parks.
6. Jurassic Park area (Island of Adventure): Of the Island of Adventures attractions for kids, Jurassic Park is a gold mine for toddlers and preschoolers! We met this young dinosaur as we were walking around and the kids thought it was so cool. Years later, the kids STILL talk about this moment of magic! Don’t forget to visit the Dinosaur Discovery Center to cool off, check out life-size dinosaurs and catch a dinosaur being hatched if you’re lucky (happens every 15 minutes).
7. Flying Adventure ride (Island of Adventure): This was in Jurassic Park and was our favorite of the Island of Adventures rides for the little ones. It’s actually restricted FOR kids and their parents, which made it one the best rides at Universal Studios for our young family.
Island of Adventures Attractions
Best Rides in Universal Studios Orlando
8. Dr. Seuss Landing (Island of Adventure): Oh, the places you’ll go in Dr. Seuss Landing! This is a couple Universal Islands of Adventure rides that are great for kids here. The flying One Fish, Two Fish ride, Cat in the Hat ride and the classic carousel were all favorites. You won’t be bored strolling through this area either.
9. Minions ride (Universal Orlando): This was awesome! The kids laughed nonstop! My toddler was able to ride at 36 inches, but only in the stationary seats. This line gets fairly long, so we were happy to have our Express passes, making it easy for us to ride it multiple times. The stationary seats made the ride seem like a 3d movie and the kids loved it. Right across the way, both kids were able to ride the Shrek ride without a problem too.
10. Harry Potter attractions (both parks): My little kids know very little about the Harry Potter books or movies but for those of us who have read the books this area is mandatory! Both Harry Potter lands in each parks are striking in their beauty and truly take you into the lives of Hogwarts.
Related: Harry Potter Party Pt 1 and Pt 2
Bonus 11. Men in Black (Universal Orlando): Not suitable for toddler, my oldest kid LOVED this ride! It’s interactive and engaging. Make sure to take advantage of Universal’s child swap rooms and you’ll big kid will be able to ride the ride twice in a row!
We had a blast at Universal Orlando – even with a toddler and preschooler in tow!
