FRISCO, Texas—Texas families will soon have a new destination for imagination, adventure, and play as Universal Kids Resort prepares to welcome guests on July 1 in Frisco.
The highly anticipated attraction marks a first for Universal Destinations & Experiences: a theme park built specifically for families with young children. Designed for kids ages 3 to 8, the 20-acre resort offers a more intimate and accessible alternative to traditional theme parks while bringing beloved characters and stories to life through immersive experiences.
The opening represents another milestone in the rapid growth of Frisco, a city that has become one of Texas’ premier destinations for sports, entertainment, and family tourism.
“Everything at Universal Kids Resort was designed with young families in mind,” Universal officials said when announcing the opening date.
Bringing Favorite Characters to Life
The park features seven themed lands inspired by some of the most recognizable children’s franchises in entertainment.
Families can step into the colorful worlds of Shrek, Puss in Boots, Trolls, Minions, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Gabby’s Dollhouse. Each area offers a combination of rides, interactive play spaces, character meet-and-greets, and live entertainment tailored to younger audiences.
Unlike larger destination parks that can require extensive walking and long days of navigating crowds, Universal Kids Resort was intentionally designed on a smaller scale. Attractions are positioned to allow families to easily move throughout the park while maintaining a sense of discovery and adventure.
Many experiences encourage hands-on participation, allowing children to climb, explore, splash, and interact with their favorite characters rather than simply observe them.
A Resort Built for Families
Complementing the theme park is a new 300-room themed hotel located just steps from the entrance.
The hotel was designed to extend the storytelling experience beyond the park gates, offering themed guest rooms, family-friendly dining, recreational amenities, and convenient access to attractions.
The resort model reflects a growing trend in family travel, where parents seek destinations that combine entertainment, convenience, and experiences designed specifically for younger children.
Industry observers note that while Texas already offers major amusement parks and attractions, Universal Kids Resort fills a unique niche by focusing almost exclusively on elementary-age children and their families.
A Win for Frisco and North Texas
Local leaders have welcomed the project as both a tourism driver and an economic investment.
The resort is expected to attract visitors from across Texas and neighboring states, generating economic activity for hotels, restaurants, retailers, and other businesses throughout the region.
Frisco has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, earning national recognition for its sports facilities, corporate relocations, and family-friendly amenities. The arrival of Universal further strengthens the city’s reputation as a destination for visitors and residents alike.
Tourism officials anticipate the attraction will become one of the region’s signature family destinations, particularly for parents seeking a shorter, more manageable vacation experience than larger theme park resorts in other states.
A New Chapter for Family Entertainment in Texas
As opening day approaches, excitement continues to build among families eager to experience the newest addition to Texas’ growing tourism landscape.
For Universal, the Frisco resort serves as a test of a new theme park concept centered on younger children. For Texas families, it offers something simpler: a place where favorite stories come to life and where children can be the stars of the adventure.
When the gates open on July 1, Universal Kids Resort will not only introduce a new attraction to North Texas—it may also redefine what a family theme park experience can look like.
