Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids

I recently ventured to Universal Studios Hollywood with kids and had so much fun! It’s been years (more like a decade) since my last visit to the theme park and so much has changed…for the better! I wanted to wait till the boys were a little older (3+) so we could all enjoy our first family visit. There’s something for everyone and I’m gonna break down our family favorites.

Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids

What To Pack

Definitely take your stroller and pack it up with reusable water bottles, snacks, extra clothes, swimsuit & towels (there’s a splash area), and sunblock. There’s no tram ride from the parking lot to the entrance, so don’t worry about taking the stroller apart.

Download The App

With any theme park, if they’ve got an app – download it before you go in! The Universal Studios Hollywood mobil app will show you wait times, height requirements, alert options, and there’s a map that’ll help find the important things like the nearest restrooms and restaurants. And don’t worry, there’s free WiFi access throughout the park and City Walk as well!

Attractions and Entertainment

Universal Studios Hollywood is filled with action packed entertainment and rides. So before you head straight to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (yes, I had to stop myself), I highly suggest taking the studio tour first! And if you’re heading there during peak season or on a weekend, I recommend getting the Universal Express pass for a ONE-TIME express access to each ride, attraction and seated show.

| The World Famous Studio Tour |

This attraction brought back so many memories for me and I’m so happy I got to experience it with the kids. The tour is about 60 minutes, so be sure to use the restroom before you get in line. You’ll be given 3D glasses to view King Kong 360 3D and Fast & Furious – Supercharged! The tram takes you throughout the lot for some movie magic. It may be scary for younger kids, so make sure they’re sitting towards the center.

| Super Silly Fun Land |

Your Minion loving kids will love this area! It’s a Minion-themed play zone located next to the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride. You’ll find carnival games to play, a water-play area, and Ronan’s favorite, the “Silly Swirly Fun Ride.” Another favorite…photo opportunities with MINIONS!!

| The Wizarding World of Harry Potter |

I saved this part of the park for last. I’m a huge Harry Potter fan and I’ve been looking forward to this visit since it opened. The kids aren’t but they still had the best time. There’s so many photo opportunities but first, BUTTER BEER! For a family fun ride, there’s Flight of the Hippogriff.

While we were sipping on Frozen Butter Beer, we got to catch the Triwizard Spirit Rally – super fun for Potterheads! Fans can also purchase the perfect wand from Ollivanders™ and cast spells throughout the land. We didn’t, this time around…but we’ll be back!

| Heigh Requirements |

Here are some of the height requirements from the rides we went on.

Studio Tour – No height requirement
Flight of the Hippogriff – 38″
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – 40″
The Simpsons Ride – 40″
Transformers: The Ride 3D – 40″
Silly Swirly Fun Ride – Kids under 48″ require supervising adult

| Child Switch |

We definately took advantage of their “child switch” program since both Danny and I wanted to go on a ride. You just let them know at the ride’s entrance…there’s even a special room for you to wait in!

| Shows |

Watching a LIVE show is my favorite way to take a break from the rides and Universal Studios Hollywood has plenty of them. Including: Water World, Universal’s Animal Actors (a favorite of mine), Special Effects Show, and there’s a DreamWorks Theatre featuring Kung Fu Panda.

| Character Meet & Greets |

This was Ronan’s favorite part of the visit! He got to meet several Minions and his favorite Transformers: Optimus Prime and Bumblebee! And there’s more – just ask park employees (or check the app) for character times/locations.

| Food & Drinks|

There’s so many themed-food and drink options at Universal Studios Hollywood, I honestly didn’t know where to start! One thing was for sure…Butter Beer was on my list and a visit to Moe’s Tavern for some real Duff Beer was a must!

Since the boys love the Minions, we opted to have lunch at Gru’s Lab Cafe and got ourselves a cupcake (to share). Next time, I’m having a Krusty Burger! And of course, because of my love for Harry Potter, we ate at Three Broomsticks for dinner…and it did not disappoint.