Fans of Shrek, the Minions and SpongeBob SquarePants in Frisco, Texas and beyond will be thrilled to hear that a new theme park is opening this summer, bringing together some of their favourite heroes and anti-heroes.
First announced in January 2023, Universal Kids Resort will officially open to the public on 1 July in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area, marking the opening of Universal’s first park designed specifically for young children and families.
It will offer immersive experiences where children can play, sing, dance and explore alongside some of their favourite characters, including Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Puss in Boots and the Minions.
Get ready for the Grand Opening of Universal Kids Resort on July 1, 2026. 🎉
— Universal Kids Resort (@universalkidstx) May 28, 2026
Plan your “kidcation” now! Tickets, on-site hotel packages, and the park’s first annual pass option are now on sale. https://t.co/k1LEKHsNKi pic.twitter.com/iBJqRKVaib
“It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with and play together,” Sarah Gibbon, Vice President and Executive Producer at Universal Creative, said in a statement in February 2025. “At each point, we considered how we could design a place especially for kids where they could explore, imagine and adventure with their families and friends.”
Seven “lands” will be featured inside the park. One of the most eagerly awaited attractions is the Isle of Curiosity, where visitors can dance with Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse at her “cat-tastic” dance party.
In DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, children can explore wet and dry play areas inspired by the famous ogre’s world, which were built for Shrek and Fiona’s triplets. Meanwhile, in Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, yellow and purple Minions face off, with guests finding themselves caught in the middle while aboard their boats.
Dinosaur enthusiasts can experience Jurassic World at the Jurassic World Adventure Camp, which features a family rollercoaster full of twists and turns, as well as the Pteranodrop, which offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the park.
Explore the splashier side of Universal Kids Resort at Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club. Coming to Frisco, Texas in 2026! https://t.co/DDTrN37uLx pic.twitter.com/XtweNBY3Ke
— Universal Kids Resort (@universalkidstx) April 15, 2026
Of course, SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom in Nickelodeon will also boast several attractions. Guests can board the Jelly Angler at the Jellyfish Fields Jamboree, take a tour of Bikini Bottom on the Barnacle Bus, have a splash at the Bobbing Barrels or try out Mrs Puff’s Boating School.
The fun continues at DreamWorks’ Trolls Fest with the King Troll Techno Dance Party and an entertaining Trolls-themed stage show. Those looking for a quieter but no less enjoyable experience can visit DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar, where they can soar through the air on Swings Over Del Mar or sit back and enjoy a puppet show.
“Beyond the highly-engaging attractions and shows, families will find ample areas to rest and also enjoy themed food and beverages and shop for fun character souvenirs. Each of these areas elicits wonder with a lush, colourful environment”, said Dan Cuffe, Universal Kids Resort Vice President and General Manager.
Take center stage and join Princess Poppy, Branch, and others at the most colorful, wacky and glittery music festival of Troll time! Opening 2026. https://t.co/9ra7yagmCG pic.twitter.com/6WfBUWgbqy
— Universal Kids Resort (@universalkidstx) April 4, 2026
A number of sensory gardens will also be available throughout the resort, offering calmer spaces for guests who want to take a break between adventures.
Families can visit for the day or extend the fun by staying overnight at the on-site hotel alongside their favourite characters. The 300-room hotel is located within the resort’s 39-hectare site, with the initial 8-hectare theme park footprint allowing plenty of room for future expansion.
The park currently sells 1- or 2-day passes, an annual pass, and customisable packages that include 1.5-day passes.
