Everything isn’t bigger in Texas. Universal’s new theme park, Universal Kids Resort near Dallas, is much smaller than its sister properties in Florida and California – on purpose. From the resort’s 20-acre footprint to its low height requirement on rides, “Everything in our park is designed for kids,” Page Thompson, president of New Ventures for Universal Destinations and Experiences, told USA TODAY during a media preview, ahead of the park’s opening. “And as we designed it, every turn and decision is based on what parents need in the moment for the kids, while the kids are having the best time of their lives,” said Brian Robinson, Executive Vice President & Chief Creative Officer, Universal Creative Studio. Here’s what families can expect when the park opens in July. What is unique about Universal Kids Resort? All of Universal’s theme parks have kid-friendly areas, like DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida and Illumination’s Minion Land at Universal Studios Hollywood, but most of their parks are known for big thrills. Universal Kids Resort is the only one entirely focused on young guests. It’s built for kids’ needs with details like canopied play areas, changing rooms near splash pads, child-height decor, dining options for picky eaters and kid-size toilet-seats in restrooms. It’s also built for their interests. The park has seven lands − all tied to franchises kids are already familiar with. In clockwise order from the front of the park: Isle of Curiosity, which features Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse” IIllumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay ClubDreamWorks’ TrollsFest DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar Jurassic World Adventure Camp Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom None of the lands feel very big, but they’re big on theming. “Not only do you get to see these characters and there's incredible attractions, but the world is built around you,” Robinson said. The resort’s team members also contribute to the park’s atmosphere. “We've trained our team members very carefully to try to provide experience to the kids, getting down to kid height, communicating with the kids. There's a lot of enthusiasm among the team members,” Thompson said. “We actually added a special day of training to train them how to think like a kid and interact with kids. So we're really trying to focus on creating a very unique experience here.” How many rides are at Universal Kids Resort? There are 12 rides across the resort, all of which are outdoors and can be ridden by both kids and adults. Some rides are relatively tame, while others like the high-flying Swings Over Del Mar and Minions-themed Bello Bay Cruise will thrill even big kids and grown-ups. Other types of attractions include shows, character meet-and-greets, climbing structures and wet and dry play areas. Families with young children could ride all the rides, see the shows and meet multiple characters in a day, if lines aren’t too long, but the park isn’t meant to be treated like a checklist. It’s meant to go with the flow of kids’ pacing, which may mean spending a whole hour at a splash pad or being done after just a few experiences. Sensory gardens with calming nature sounds, plants kids are welcome to touch and benches are available to help guests reset in a less stimulating environment. “That was an intentional part at the very beginning of our process to really think about inclusivity and accessibility for all of our guests, different ways that kids want to play and need to play,” said Molly Murphy, president of Universal Creative. “And we're very also proud of that our park is a Certified Autism Center and so more than 80% of our team members are trained by that and all of our attractions have a sensory rating.” What ages is Universal Kids Resort for? All ages are welcome at the park, but it’s made for young kids and their families. “This is a tremendous experience for kids 3 to 8 years old and the adults that come with them to really get out of the house and to be together and come home with a whole treasure trove of incredible family photos that they'll look back on with happiness and pride for years,” Thompson said. When in 2026 will Universal Kids Resort open? Universal Kids Resort officially opens July 1, but it’s offering a guest preview June 24 to June 29, with discounted tickets. Not all experiences may be available during previews. Where will Universal Kids Resort be located? The park’s address is 1 Universal Parkway in Frisco, about 30 minutes north of Dallas by car. The area is served by two airports: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). The region is already home several themed destinations including Peppa Pig Theme Park, which opened last year and is geared toward preschoolers, and Six Flags Over Texas, which offers thrills for all ages. Thompson said Universal considered a lot of markets before choosing the Dallas area, which he noted is among the five largest markets in the United States and home to many of the nation’s fastest growing communities. “Frisco was really attractive because, first of all, the location right off the Dallas North Tollway is fantastic, but also because Frisco had already a lot of attractions that draw millions of people here every year, like the Dallas Star and the FC Dallas soccer team and the PGA course that they just built, so many other things,” he said. “And from day one, the people of Frisco have just been fantastic partners for us.” How much will Universal Kids Resort be? Prices vary by date. One-day park tickets start at $54.99 for guests age 2 and older. Preview tickets will cost slightly less, $49.99. Silver annual passes are currently sold out but cost $129.99 with blockout dates. That’s just over the starting price of one day at Universal Studios Florida or Universal Islands of Adventure, and less than the starting price for Universal Epic Universe. Will Universal Kids Resort have hotels? There is one 300-room hotel at the very front of the park. The hotel’s address is different from the park’s address, even though they are adjacent. It’s located at 5700 Panther Creek Parkway in Frisco. Like the park, it is bursting with bright colors like teal, lime green and fuchsia, and thoughtful details for families, like bathtubs in every room configuration and bunk beds for kids. Rooms sleep up to five or six guests, with connecting rooms available for even larger parties. Guests staying at the hotel benefit from early park admission. They can also have in-park merchandise purchases delivered to the hotel, so they don’t have to carry souvenirs around all day, but the biggest perk is being able to walk back to the hotel for nap time or midday pool break. USA TODAY reporter Eve Chen was provided access by Universal. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.