Texas' New Family-Friendly, First-Of-Its-Kind Theme Park Resort Is Coming In 2026

Texas is home to America's largest indoor waterpark, and it doesn't end there. It's also a state offering several family-friendly destinations. 2026 is bringing a new surprise for Texas families and visitors, and this development is all about kids. Universal Destinations & Experiences is about to open a new theme park resort known as Universal Kids Resort. This resort is coming to Frisco, and it's going to be the company's first theme park to focus on younger children specifically. Instead of the usual thrill-based parks Universal is known for, this one is being marketed as a place filled with imagination, and playful, memorable moments for every member of the family to share.

This new kids resort in Frisco will be located north of Dallas, stretching across about 97 acres. Visitors from within the U.S. can get there via Dallas North Tollway. For those flying with their kids, the closest major airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Dallas Love Field (DAL) is another option. You can use a rideshare service or rent a car from either airport.

Within the park, there will be seven themed lands inspired by some of the biggest blockbusters among kids, with interactive and colorful worlds based on "Shrek," "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Jurassic World," "Trolls," and "Minions." You can expect live puppet shows, dance parties, rides, and character meet-and-greets, all designed to be kid-friendly. Another interesting thing is that the resort features an on-site hotel with 300 rooms. Expect to see colorful interiors, as well as a layout that makes sense for parents and their little ones, with quick and easy access to the park. This will make it simple for families to settle in and enjoy every minute without stress.

The difference lies in the way this new resort has been designed. They focused on considering how things look and feel from a child's perspective. That's why everything in the resort (be it the signage, the colors chosen, or even how far you have to walk) was carefully planned to be fun and comfortable for kids. This isn't just meant to be a smaller version of Universal's usual parks. It's a whole new approach and experience entirely made to resonate with kids. According to Universal Kids Resort's senior show producer, Randolph Borden, "This is a park that young kids are going to know immediately is for them."

Indeed, each of the seven themed lands comes with its own kind of interactive adventure, as kids can encounter dinosaurs in Jurassic World Adventure, splash around and enjoy boat cruises with the Minions, or jump into SpongeBob's wild world of Bikini Bottom. There's also TrollsFest, all about music, dancing, and letting kids experience some real creative moments. There's just that energy everywhere, with plenty of chances to allow kids to play around, have fun, and be themselves.

And when it's time to slow down for some calmer moments, the park also features sensory gardens for that purpose. Such spots are meant to be more relaxed, so families can take a break, and catch their breath before heading back for more fun. With all these intentional features in place, it's crystal-clear that Universal Kids Resort is gearing up towards becoming one of the most amazing U.S. vacation spots for parents with young children.