Universal Kids Resort is no longer just a future project on the Frisco skyline. Universal’s new child-focused theme park in Texas is set to open on July 1, 2026, giving families a summer launch date for a resort built around Shrek, Minions, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, Trolls, Puss in Boots and Gabby’s Dollhouse.

The Frisco park marks a different kind of bet for Universal. Instead of copying the scale and thrill-heavy formula of its Orlando and Hollywood parks, Universal Kids Resort has been designed as a regional family destination for younger children. The company says the resort will feature seven themed lands with rides, shows, character encounters, food, merchandise and play areas made for families with young kids.

That focus is important. Many major theme parks are built around teenagers, adult fans and high-speed attractions. Universal’s Texas resort is aiming at a younger audience by mixing gentle rides, splash play, interactive storytelling and familiar characters that children already know from films and television.

What will open at Universal Kids Resort?

The opening lineup gives Universal a broad mix of DreamWorks, Illumination, Nickelodeon and Jurassic World brands. DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp will bring guests into Shrek and Fiona’s fairytale world, with Shrek’s Swamp Splash and Smash and Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After among the key family attractions.

Jurassic World Adventure Camp adds the biggest adventure angle, including Jurassic World: Cretaceous Coaster, Mr. DNA’s Double Helix Spin, Jurassic World Lookout Towers and close-up baby dinosaur encounters, including a baby Raptor experience.

For Nickelodeon fans, SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom will recreate locations such as Mussel Beach, Jellyfish Fields and Mrs. Puff’s Boating School. The land gives Universal a strong television-based area that can appeal to both children and parents who grew up with the show.

Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club brings the Despicable Me franchise into the park with a water-soaked attraction built around Yellow Minions and Purple Minions. It is likely to be one of the resort’s most active summer draws because of its splash-focused design.

The remaining lands widen the park’s appeal. DreamWorks’ TrollsFest will feature Poppy, Branch, Rhonda’s TrollsFest Express, Poppy’s Playland and a glitter makeover experience. DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar will include meet-and-greets, Swings Over Del Mar, carnival games, an interactive puppet show and a sensory garden. Isle of Curiosity, featuring DreamWorks’ Gabby’s Dollhouse, will serve as a play-focused area with food, shaded seating, free-roam activities and a Gabby dance party.

Tickets, hotel and Universal’s bigger expansion plan

Universal has confirmed that one-day tickets, two-day tickets, annual passes and hotel packages will be available for the Frisco resort. The property also includes a 300-room Universal Kids Resort Hotel, allowing families to turn the park visit into a short stay rather than a single-day trip.

The Texas opening comes during a wider expansion push for Universal Destinations & Experiences. The company opened Epic Universe in Orlando in 2025 and has also moved forward with plans for a future UK resort near London. Swikblog previously covered that project in its report on Universal Studios UK getting the green light for a Bedfordshire theme park.

Universal Kids Resort could stand out because it is not trying to be the biggest Universal park. Its strength is the clear audience: families with young children who want recognizable characters, manageable rides, shaded spaces, water play and hotel convenience. With seven lands opening together on July 1, the Frisco resort gives Universal a new way to compete for family travel spending in Texas and beyond.