Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas: Themed Lands, Hotel Details & What Families Can Expect (Opening 2026)

By The Play District® | National Family Travel Coverage

A brand-new destination built specifically for young families is coming to Texas — and it’s unlike anything Universal has created before.

Universal Destinations & Experiences has unveiled new details about Universal Kids Resort, opening in 2026 in Frisco, Texas. Designed specifically for families with young children, this new regional theme park will feature seven immersive lands, interactive play areas, character meet-and-greets, sensory-friendly spaces, and a 300-room themed hotel just steps from the park.

Here’s everything families need to know.

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Where Is Universal Kids Resort Located?

Universal Kids Resort will open in Frisco, Texas in 2026.

Unlike Universal Orlando or Universal Hollywood, this concept is being developed as a regional theme park experience — bringing Universal’s signature storytelling and beloved characters to families closer to home.

The Seven Themed Lands at Universal Kids Resort

The park will feature seven immersive lands designed through a child’s lens — encouraging exploration, imagination, creativity, and free-spirited play.

The lands include:

• DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
• DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar
• Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
• Jurassic World Adventure Camp
• DreamWorks’ TrollsFest
• Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
• Isle of Curiosity

Each area centers around interactive environments rather than high-intensity thrill rides, making this park especially appealing for families with younger children.

Isle of Curiosity (Park Entrance)

Families will enter through Isle of Curiosity, a whimsical gateway designed for open-ended exploration.

Highlights include:

• A special meet-and-greet with Gabby from DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse
• A themed dance party experience
• Play-focused spaces to explore and imagine

This land sets the tone for the entire resort — playful, colorful, and intentionally built for kids.

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DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp

Shrek’s Swamp transforms the ogre’s home into a water-filled playground for families.

Guests can:

• Meet Shrek and Fiona
• Take photos in the iconic onion carriage
• Explore two interactive play areas:
  • Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp
  • Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash

Expect splash zones, tactile play, and movement-based fun.

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Puss in Boots Del Mar

This carnival-style land inspired by Puss in Boots offers character interaction and playful challenges.

Families can:

• Meet Puss in Boots, Mama Luna, Perrito, and friends
• Take on interactive carnival games including Barriles de Leche and El Gato’s Meow

This area blends storytelling with hands-on play experiences.

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Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club

This water-focused play zone features Yellow Minions attempting to rein in their Purple counterparts.

Families can:

• Participate in interactive water play
• Meet the Minions
• Relax and enjoy the playful chaos

Expect splash-filled fun and high-energy movement.

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Jurassic World Adventure Camp

Designed for younger explorers, this land delivers scaled adventure and immersive discovery.

Highlights include:

• Meeting a newly hatched baby dinosaur
• Climbing the Lookout Towers play structure
• Viewing the park from a “Pteranodon’s perspective”

This area focuses on exploration and awe rather than intense thrills.

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DreamWorks’ TrollsFest

Music and energy take center stage at TrollsFest.

Families can:

• Meet Poppy, Branch, and the Trolls crew
• Explore two interactive play areas:
  • Poppy’s Playland
  • Trolls Critter Crawl

Expect bright colors, dancing, and high-energy play.

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SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom

Families can dive into an undersea-inspired land featuring:

• Meet-and-greets with SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy
• Exploration at Mussel Beach
• Splash play at Pineapple Paradise

This land emphasizes imaginative nautical adventure.

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Sensory Gardens & Inclusive Design

One of the most exciting features announced is the inclusion of multiple sensory gardens throughout the park.

These calming, nature-inspired spaces are designed to:

• Provide moments to pause and reset
• Encourage tactile exploration
• Offer balance within a full day of play

For families with young children, especially those who benefit from sensory-friendly spaces, this is a meaningful addition to the theme park experience.

Universal Kids Resort Hotel

After a full day of play, families can stay at the on-site 300-room Universal Kids Resort Hotel.

The hotel:

• Is colorfully themed and designed specifically for families
• Sits just steps away from the park
• Serves as the entrance to Universal Kids Resort

This integrated design creates a seamless stay-and-play experience.

What Makes This Resort Different?

According to Universal Creative leadership, the park was envisioned through “the unbridled creativity of kids.”

Unlike traditional theme parks built around major thrill rides, Universal Kids Resort prioritizes:

• Interactive play areas
• Character engagement
• Creative exploration
• Sensory-friendly environments
• A regional destination model

This marks a notable evolution in how large entertainment brands are designing experiences specifically for younger audiences.

When Does Universal Kids Resort Open?

Universal Kids Resort is scheduled to open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas.

Additional details regarding attractions, entertainment, merchandise, and dining are expected to be announced soon.

What This Means for Families

Universal Kids Resort signals a meaningful shift in how major entertainment brands are designing theme park experiences for younger audiences. Instead of scaling down thrill attractions, this concept is being built from the ground up with children in mind — prioritizing interactive play, character engagement, sensory-friendly spaces, and immersive storytelling.

For families in Texas and across the country, this represents a new kind of destination: one that blends the scale and creative power of Universal with an experience intentionally designed for early childhood and elementary-aged guests.

As theme parks continue expanding with kid-first concepts — including the recently announced new land at LEGOLAND — we’re seeing a broader industry movement toward immersive environments tailored specifically for young families.

The Play District® will continue tracking major family destination developments nationwide, bringing you timely updates, planning insights, and expert coverage as more details are released ahead of the 2026 opening.

Be sure to follow The Play District® for ongoing national theme park and family travel updates.

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