Los Angeles with kids

Universal Studios Hollywood with Kids: a Plan for the Day

Universal Studios Hollywood fits into one big day: a compact park on two levels, with Super Nintendo World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the famous Studio Tour and a mix of gentle rides and thrill rides.

By Play Your Trip · Updated · 3 min read

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Here's a plan that beats the lines, then what suits which ages. Ride heights and hours change, so check the park's official site and app before you go.

A day at Universal Studios Hollywood

Nintendo first, the lower lot before the crowds, the Studio Tour in the afternoon.

  1. Opening

    Super Nintendo World (opens Google Maps)

    Go straight here at opening: Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge has the longest lines later. Power-Up Bands (sold separately) let kids play the land's interactive games.

    Official site

  2. Morning

    Lower Lot rides (opens Google Maps)

    Take the long escalators down for Jurassic World (you will get wet), Transformers and the Mummy (older kids) while lines are short.

  3. Lunch · Lunch

    Lunch in the Upper Lot

    Eat early (around 11:30) to beat the rush; mobile ordering in the app helps.

  4. Afternoon

    The Studio Tour (opens Google Maps)

    About an hour on a tram through real film sets and backlots, with special effects along the way. Great for every age.

  5. Late afternoon

    Wizarding World of Harry Potter (opens Google Maps)

    Hogsmeade, Butterbeer, wand shows, Flight of the Hippogriff for younger riders and the Forbidden Journey for older ones.

  6. Evening

    Little ones' corner and shows (opens Google Maps)

    Super Silly Fun Land's water play and the Secret Life of Pets ride suit the youngest; finish with a show.

What suits which ages

  • Toddlers and preschoolers: Super Silly Fun Land, the Studio Tour, character meetings, shows and Super Nintendo World's games.
  • Ages 5 to 8: add The Secret Life of Pets, Flight of the Hippogriff and Mario Kart (if tall enough).
  • Ages 9 and up: Jurassic World, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers.

Good to know

  • Height limits: several big rides need at least 40 inches; Mario Kart needs 40 inches, with a companion for kids under 48 inches. Measure your kids before you go and check the official list.
  • Child Switch: one adult waits with a child too small to ride, then swaps without queuing again.
  • Skipping lines: Universal Express (sold with admission) skips regular lines once per ride; early access options sometimes let you into Super Nintendo World before opening.
  • The Studio Tour changed in 2025: the Fast & Furious section closed in March 2025, so older reviews mention a scene that's gone.
  • Getting there: the Metro B Line stops at Universal City/Studio City, with a free shuttle up the hill.

Questions

Is Universal Studios Hollywood good for young kids?

Yes, with a plan: Super Silly Fun Land, the Studio Tour, Super Nintendo World's games and several gentle rides suit young children, and Child Switch helps families with mixed heights.

How tall do you need to be for Mario Kart at Universal Hollywood?

40 inches, and kids under 48 inches must ride with a companion. Check the park's site for the current list.

Can you do Universal Studios Hollywood in one day?

Yes: arrive before opening, do Super Nintendo World first, the Lower Lot next, and the Studio Tour in the afternoon.