Plano Now

Get ready, Frisco families! A new adventure is on the horizon as Universal Destinations & Experiences prepares to bring its first-ever theme park designed specifically for young children to North Texas. Universal Kids Resort, scheduled to open its gates in 2026, promises to transform family entertainment in the region with a magical blend of beloved characters and immersive experiences. Located at the intersection of the Dallas North Tollway and Panther Creek Parkway, this groundbreaking resort will transport visitors into the creative worlds of DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Illumination, and Jurassic World.

Unlike Universal’s traditional thrill-focused parks, this innovative destination has been thoughtfully crafted with younger adventurers in mind. “It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with, and play together,” explains Sarah Gibbon, Vice President and Executive Producer of Universal Creative. The park represents Universal’s commitment to creating spaces where children can explore, imagine, and adventure alongside their favorite animated friends. With construction already underway since November 2023, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark addition to Frisco’s growing entertainment landscape.

Little explorers will enjoy six distinct adventures through creatively themed lands, each bringing beloved franchises to life. In DreamWorks’ Shrek area, children will discover a swamp-themed playground personally built by the lovable ogre himself, where they can stomp, ride, laugh, and play while celebrating friendship and family. Nearby, SpongeBob SquarePants enthusiasts can experience “the best day ever” exploring Bikini Bottom’s underwater neighborhood, from earning a boating license to relaxing on a bubble-filled beach alongside SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy Cheeks, and Squidward.

The excitement continues with Illumination’s Minions taking over a peaceful vacation retreat, where Yellow Minions attempting to control their Purple counterparts creates a wave of unpredictable, water-soaked fun. Jurassic World invites young paleontologists to come face-to-face with beloved dinosaurs in uniquely interactive ways, while the Trolls area transforms into the most musical, colorful festival where guests can join Poppy, Branch and friends in glittery celebration. Completing the adventure, Puss in Boots hosts a festive kitty adoption drive featuring sideshow games, fun rides, and even a sensory garden perfect for when little ones need a quiet moment to recharge.

Beyond the exciting themed attractions, Universal Kids Resort offers thoughtful amenities designed specifically for families with young children. The 300-room family-focused hotel serves as the grand entrance to the park, welcoming guests into an enjoyable experience from the moment they arrive. This unique approach integrates accommodation and entertainment in a seamless way that caters to the practical needs of families, allowing for convenient access to both rest and play throughout their stay.

At the center of the resort lies a space featuring shady lawns and interactive play areas where families can take breaks between adventures. This area will showcase a unique Gabby’s Dollhouse retail experience where children can meet DreamWorks’ beloved character Gabby. “Families will find ample areas to rest and also enjoy themed food and beverages and shop for fun character souvenirs,” notes Dan Cuffe, Vice President and General Manager of Universal Kids Resort. Every aspect of the environment has been designed with a lush, colorful aesthetic that elicits wonder and provides comfortable spaces for families to recharge during their day of exploration.

Construction on Universal Kids Resort is progressing steadily since breaking ground in November 2023. Recent reports indicate significant progress, with completed work on the third floor of the 300-room on-site hotel that will serve as the entrance to the theme park. Landscaping around the park’s perimeter is also actively underway, transforming the Frisco site into what will become an immersive fantasyland for young visitors. The current timeline maintains the anticipated 2026 opening, giving construction teams approximately two more years to bring the detailed themed lands to life.

Local residents have watched with interest as the project has evolved from the initial announcement in January 2023 to the current construction phase. Universal has been methodically developing the sprawling site at the intersection of Dallas North Tollway and Panther Creek Parkway, carefully designing every element to create a cohesive experience specifically tailored for families with young children. As work continues, Frisco families can look forward to watching this first-of-its-kind attraction take shape in their community, bringing world-class entertainment closer to home.

Universal Kids Resort represents a strategic expansion of Universal’s growing entertainment portfolio, reaching new markets and demographics beyond their traditional offerings. While the company continues work on the ambitious Epic Universe park in Orlando (scheduled to open in 2025), the Frisco project demonstrates Universal’s commitment to diversifying its attractions with experiences specifically designed for different audience segments. This kids-focused concept allows Universal to connect with younger guests in new ways, potentially creating lifelong fans of their brands and characters.

The Frisco location is also significant in Universal’s broader expansion strategy. By establishing a presence in the rapidly growing North Texas region, Universal is tapping into a market with strong population growth and family demographics. This move aligns with their other developing projects, including a year-round horror experience in Las Vegas and potential theme park developments in the UK, showing how Universal is strategically positioning itself in various markets with tailored entertainment concepts. The Universal Kids Resort represents an innovative direction for the company, creating specialized experiences that complement their flagship destinations while reaching new audiences.