Universal is opening a new theme park this year! Universal Kids Resort is located in Frisco, a suburb north of Dallas, Texas. It’s aimed at families with young children, but it’s fun for both kids and kids-at-heart!

Universal Kids Resort

Universal Kids Resort will have seven lands themed after Shrek, SpongeBob, Minions, Trolls, and Jurassic World. The theme park has had an unspecified “opening in late 2026” for months, but now Universal has just announced the opening date — mark your calendars for July 1st, 2026!

Universal Kids Resort will officially open on July 1st, 2026! This includes all of the Universal Kids Resort theme park lands and the attached hotel.

Universal Kids Resort hotel

When Universal Kids Resort opens, it will be the first theme park with a SpongeBob SquarePants land! Hop on Jellyfish Fields Jamboree, where you’ll ride your own jelly angler and go jellyfishing with SpongeBob. Or, visit Mrs. Puff’s Boating School, where you swerve, spin, and even go backwards on her driving course. Once you’re done with rides, you can meet SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, and Sandy. Bikini Bottom will also have Goofy Goober’s restaurant that serves the iconic Goofy Goober Sundaes from the show!

©Universal

There will also be two separate Shrek-themed lands! Shrek’s Swamp features Shrek and Fiona’s Happily Ogre After, a family-friendly ride that takes guests through the love story of an ogre and a princess. You can also head to Shrek’s Swamp Splash and Smash, a water play area built for Shrek’s triplets, featuring two separate play zones designed for younger kids.

Shrek and Fiona’s Happily Ogre After ©Universal

The second Shrek land is themed after the spin-off film series Puss in Boots. Puss in Boots Del Mar features a swing ride called Swings Over Del Mar, which carries guests high above a festive kitty adoption day celebration alongside Puss in Boots, Perrito, and Mama Luna. Or, you can watch Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day!, a live show with puppet performances and some Spanish-language moments worked into the fun. And of course, you can meet the cat himself, Puss in Boots!

©Universal

We’re so excited to visit Universal Kids Resort when it opens. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more theme park news!

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