Get ready, parents! A new kids theme park is coming to North Texas. See photos
A new North Texas theme park will feature rides and experiences tied to “Shrek,” “Minions,” “Jurassic World” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
Universal Destinations & Experiences unveiled more details for its planned Universal Kids Resort in Frisco on Wednesday. The resort, which was first announced in January 2023 and will open sometime in 2026, is being built east of the Dallas North Tollway and north of Panther Creek Parkway.
The resort is specifically designed and developed for families with young children, and will feature seven lands based on Universal’s brands and characters.
“Universal Kids Resort embodies the spirit of igniting thrill that drives everything we create — designed to bring our youngest guests and families together through play, creativity, and beloved characters and stories,” Universal Creative president Molly Murphy wrote in a news release. “It’s a destination made for kids and, as a regional theme park, brings Universal’s signature storytelling to families close to home.”
Universal Kids Resort to open in Frisco
Here’s a look at what attractions will be a part of the theme park:
- DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp
- DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar
- Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club
- Jurassic World Adventure Camp
- DreamWorks’ TrollsFest
- Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom
- Isle of Curiosity
Families will enter the park through the Isle of Curiosity, a “whimsical gateway with space for kids to explore.”
This is where kids will be able to meet and greet with Gabby from “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” the main character from the popular Netflix series and feature film.
At DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, families will find a waterlogged paradise that Universal promises as “ogre-sized” fun. Families can meet Shrek and Fiona and play in two interactive areas — Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash.
On the flip side of the “Shrek” universe, the DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar area will feature carnival games. There will also be opportunities to meet the titular hero, along with Mama Luna and Perrito from “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.”
At Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, the Minions will try to rein in their evil purple counterparts that were introduced in “Despicable Me 2.” Universal said families can take part in the “action-packed” competition or just relax and enjoy the water-soaked area.
Jurassic World Adventure Camp will feature chances to meet newly hatched baby dinosaurs and the opportunity to get a Pteranodon’s view of the park through climbing up the Lookout Towers.
At DreamWorks’ TrollFest, families can meet Poppy, Branch and more characters at a glitter-filled meet and great. There will also be two interactive play areas in Poppy’s Playland and Trolls Critter Crawl.
Finally, the Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants Bikini Bottom area will feature appearances by the square-shaped character and his many friends. Families can also catch a breather at Mussel Beach, or get into some splashing fun at Pineapple Paradise.
In addition, Universal said the resort will feature multiple sensory gardens designed to give families opportunities to “pause, reset and connect.” A 300-room themed hotel will also be part of the resort.
“We envisioned this park through the unbridled creativity of kids where infinite imagination, curiosity and free-spirited play were core to our design philosophies,” said Brian Robinson, executive vice president and chief creative officer at Universal Creative, in a press release. “It produced a park that’s pure joy and an absolute celebration of what it is to be a kid.”
This story was originally published October 15, 2025 at 1:32 PM.
