A common misconception about Universal Orlando Resort is that its theme parks are geared mostly toward teens and adults. However, Universal Epic Universe is a whole new story — offering an incredible lineup of attractions, shows, and interactive experiences designed with kids in mind.
From soaring through the skies in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk to casting spells in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Epic Universe offers an unforgettable day of fun that caters to a wide range of ages and comfort levels. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, elementary-aged adventurers, or first-time thrill-seekers, something is waiting behind every portal.
(Check out similar info on these guides for Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.)
What height do my kids have to be to enjoy the rides at Universal Epic Universe?
Before you make a plan, measure your kids in the shoes they’ll be wearing in the park. Some of the rides, even those specifically designed for young children, have minimum height requirements, so if you know the magic number for your child, you’ll see what you can attempt to ride and where you should steer clear (for the next few years, at least).
Tip: we all shrink a small amount as we go about our day, so if there’s a ride that will be a close call height-wise, try to hit it in the morning before that normal daily spine compression kicks in.
Skip to: Celestial Park | SUPER NINTENDO WORLD | Dark Universe | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic | How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Celestial Park: A Fantastic First Stop for Kids at Epic Universe
Celestial Park is the heart of Universal Epic Universe, serving as the gateway to all the other realms — but it’s much more than just a crossroads. This open-air space offers a variety of experiences that younger guests and families can enjoy.
While this area is home to the high-speed Stardust Racers roller coaster (which has a height requirement of 48 inches), younger guests don’t have to sit on the sidelines. The attraction offers child swap, so thrill-seekers in your group can ride while little ones wait in a comfortable area with another family member.
For those not quite ready for the big thrills, Celestial Park has plenty of options that cater to kids.
Constellation Carousel
This isn’t your ordinary merry-go-round — Constellation Carousel brings a cosmic twist to a classic favorite, making it a must-do for young guests. Here, kids can climb aboard whimsical celestial creatures that gently rise up to six feet in the air and spin 360 degrees, creating an experience that’s both exciting and enchanting without being too intense.
The carousel itself is made up of one large rotating platform and four smaller spinning turntables, adding a little extra fun to every ride. It’s a great choice for younger guests who may not be ready for the big rides but still want to be part of the action. Anyone under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion, and handheld infants are not permitted.
Astronomica
Need a spot for the kids to cool off and burn some energy? Astronomica is a splash zone in Celestial Park that features interactive fountains that dance, swirl, and spray. It’s perfect for younger guests who love to play in the water, a refreshing break from rides, and a great way for little ones to enjoy some hands-on fun. Tip: don’t forget to pack an extra set of clothes and shoes, as they will come in handy after they play!
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Game-Inspired Fun for Kids at Epic Universe
Get ready to power-up! In SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, families step right into the colorful atmosphere of familiar Nintendo games, where fun and adventure are around every corner. This area is packed with sights, sounds, and activities that will have kids (and grown-ups!) feeling like they’ve jumped straight into their favorite video games.
From exploring vibrant environments pulled straight from the screen to meeting beloved Nintendo characters in real life, there’s no shortage of ways to play. Young gamers will especially love using Power-Up Bands to punch ? blocks, collect virtual coins, and unlock mini-games throughout this realm.
The attractions range from family-friendly rides to interactive adventures, so there’s something for nearly every age and thrill level. Whether your child’s a longtime Mario fan or just discovering the magic of Mushroom Kingdom, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD delivers imaginative excitement that’s sure to be a hit.
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
Straight from the console into real life, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge lets your kids step into the driver’s seat of their favorite video game. This interactive attraction uses augmented reality to bring familiar tracks, power-ups, and favorite characters like Mario, Luigi, and Bowser to life in an exciting, family-friendly race.
As you move through the queue, kids will love spotting all the details they recognize from the game. Once aboard, they’ll steer through colorful courses and compete to win the Golden Cup. The ride is designed to be fun and immersive rather than intense, making it a great introduction to “big kid” attractions. Keep in mind that there is a 40-inch height requirement, and a supervising companion must accompany any rider under 48 inches.
Mine-Cart Madness
Get ready to team up with Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on a fast-paced jungle adventure on Mine-Cart Madness to protect the golden banana! Race through a wild mine with jumps, twists, and seemingly impossible stunts — including leaping over broken track sections. Inspired by the Donkey Kong Country video games, this coaster delivers just the right mix of thrill and fun for families — making it a fantastic choice for a “first coaster” experience.
Guests must be at least 40 inches tall to ride, and anyone under 48 inches will need to ride with a supervising companion.
Yoshi Adventure
If Mario Kart or Mine-Cart Madness feels like a bit too much for your little ones (or if they don’t quite meet the height requirements just yet), Yoshi’s Adventure is the perfect alternative. This gentle, scenic ride offers a relaxed journey through the Mushroom Kingdom, making it an excellent pick for younger guests.
Kids will love hopping on the back of their very own Yoshi, cruising through playful scenery, and searching for glowing eggs hidden throughout the ride. When they spot one, they’ll get to press a button to “collect” it — a simple but exciting way to keep them engaged. Guests must be at least 34 inches tall to ride, and a supervising companion must accompany anyone under 48 inches.
Character Meet-and-Greets
Kids (and even grown-ups) have the chance to meet their favorite Nintendo characters in real life! They can wave, high-five, and snap photos with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and even Donkey Kong. These character interactions are not only great photo ops but also a fun way for kids to feel fully immersed in the world they’ve only seen on screen.
Power-Up Bands
Epic Universe’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD isn’t just something you walk through — it’s something you play! With the help of a Power-Up Band (sold separately), kids can collect digital coins and keys by tapping question blocks, completing mini-games, and exploring hidden surprises throughout the area.
All of this activity connects to the Universal Orlando Resort app, where your family can track your progress, see how many coins you’ve earned, and even compete against other teams in real-time. If your little ones collect enough keys, they’ll unlock a final interactive challenge with Bowser Jr. — a fun, hands-on mission that brings the game to life! Just remember: a Power-Up Band is required to participate.
Dark Universe: Monster-Sized Adventures for Brave Kids at Epic Universe
While Epic Universe’s Dark Universe may appear mysterious at first glance, there’s still plenty of fun for kids to uncover in this monster-filled realm! The atmosphere is all part of the adventure, offering a playful introduction to classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Wolf Man.
The area’s headliner attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, might be a little too intense for some kids — and with a 48-inch height requirement, not everyone in your group may be ready for it just yet. But not to worry, there are still plenty of ways for kids to join in the fun!
Curse of the Werewolf
Curse of the Werewolf is a family-friendly spinning coaster that combines just the right amount of thrills with the origin story of The Wolf Man. This ride offers a great “first coaster” experience for kids who may be more into classic monster stories than video games. There is a 40-inch height requirement, so make sure your little one meets the mark before hopping in line.
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience
Does your little one dream of becoming a monster themselves? At the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, kids can transform into their favorite creature of the night with professional monster makeovers. This add-on experience offers two makeover options: one with just monster-themed makeup and another that includes fun accessories to complete the look.
It’s an excellent way for kids to get into the spirit of Dark Universe without any actual scares — just creativity, giggles, and some monstrously good photo ops!
Character Meet & Greets
The monsters of Dark Universe aren’t just stories — they’re here to say hello! Kids (and grown-ups) will love the chance to meet and snap photos with iconic characters like Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, the assistant Ygor, and even The Invisible Man. Don’t worry — they are more fun than frightening, and they’re always happy to greet new friends.
As you explore Dark Universe, you might also encounter a wandering monster hunter eager to share his stories or a musician serenading guests with tales of old.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: A Spellbinding Journey for Kids at Epic Universe
In this immersive realm, families can explore 1920s Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series — all connected by the bustling district of Place Cachée. This area is brimming with magical surprises, whimsical details, and plenty of fun for young witches and wizards. There’s lots for kids to discover — even if they’re just beginning their journey into the Wizarding World.
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry
Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is the newest attraction to join the Wizarding World lineup, and it’s sure to be a highlight for many. With a height requirement of 40 inches, this ride takes guests to the long-anticipated trial of Dolores Umbridge.
The attraction features high-energy moments, magical creatures, and encounters with Death Eaters, making it an exhilarating experience for many but possibly a bit intense for younger or more sensitive children. Like other Wizarding World rides, it’s important to consider your child’s comfort level with dark environments, sudden effects, and mildly scary elements.
Le Cirque Arcanus
Step right up to Le Cirque Arcanus, the magical big top of this Wizarding World — inspired by Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. This circus experience features aerial performers, stunning puppetry, dazzling special effects, and (of course) fantastic beasts brought to life in ways you’ve never seen before.
There are no height restrictions, making this an excellent choice for the entire family, where every witch, wizard, and Muggle can enjoy the show together! That said, it’s helpful to know that the show includes sudden sound effects, dramatic lighting, and performers who come close to the audience, which might be a bit much for more sensitive little ones.
Wands
To make your own magic, purchase an interactive wand from the shop and use the included map to seek out the interactive spellcasting locations spread throughout Diagon Alley. Please note that special interactive wands ($63 and up) are required, and some of the wand movements need to be rather exact—younger children may need assistance, so prepare by reading our complete guide.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: High-Flying Fun for Kids at Epic Universe
Welcome to the village of Berk, where Vikings and dragons live in harmony — and your family is invited to join the adventure! From soaring dragon rides to Viking-themed play areas, there’s so much for kids to explore and enjoy in this action-packed corner of Epic Universe.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
Get ready to take flight! On Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, young dragon riders can join Hiccup in testing his latest invention — a winged gliding contraption designed to capture the thrill of flying with dragons. This family-friendly coaster launches guests into the skies above Berk, reaching speeds of up to 45 mph while diving, soaring, and sweeping through the air alongside Hiccup and Toothless. Guests must be at least 40 inches tall to ride, and those under 48 inches will need a supervising companion.
Fyre Drill
Fyre Drill is a family-friendly interactive boat ride where kids (and grown-ups!) can test their aim using onboard water cannons. As you sail through the course, you’ll fire at flame-shaped targets (and even other boats). It’s lighthearted, competitive fun that will leave everyone smiling (and maybe a little soggy). That said, we recommend packing a change of clothes and shoes just in case your crew gets caught in the crossfire.
Children under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion, and hand-held infants are not permitted.
The Untrainable Dragon
The Untrainable Dragon is a live stage show that brings the heart and humor of the How to Train Your Dragon films to life in an all-new adventure. Join Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, and Gobber as they team up to solve the mystery of a dragon unlike any they’ve ever encountered.
The show is about 20 minutes long and does not have a height requirement, making it a great choice for guests of all ages. That said, parents should be aware that the performance includes sudden sound effects, dramatic lighting, and performers who may come close to the audience, elements that can be exciting for some kids and overwhelming for others.
Viking Training Camp
Calling all Junior Vikings! At Viking Training Camp, kids can burn off energy and dive into the world of dragons through a play area designed just for them.
Highlights include climbable towers, a Viking-themed agility course, and musical drums and chimes that invite kids to make a little noise (in the best way!). There’s also an interactive sheep launcher game, a Toothless-themed teeter-totter, and a variety of slides and activities tailored for toddlers and preschoolers, ensuring enjoyment for a range of ages.
Haddock Paddock
Get ready for a legendary meet-and-greet at Haddock Paddock, where Dragon Rider Hiccup and his loyal Night Fury, Toothless, step right out of the movies and into Epic Universe! Here, young fans can meet their favorite heroes face-to-face and snap some photos with this dynamic duo.
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’ll conclude that Universal Epic Universe has plenty to offer its younger guests, with even more over at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay.
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