Los Angeles
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a real, functioning movie studio with a big theme park attached. Rides and shows all have movie and TV themes: explore Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Jurassic World, and the Studio Tour.
Universal Hollywood with kids is lots of fun, but geared to children over 5. Rides have height restrictions and some attractions are too scary or violent for little ones.
Studio Tour -The best attraction is the hour-long Studio Tour, a taste of Universal's movie studio side. Take a seat on the tram for a tour of the “back lot,” for an insider look at sets for TV shows and movies. "Jaws" tries to take a bite out of your tram, beware of Jurassic Park dinosaurs, shake rattle and roll when an “earthquake” hits and then, before you can recover, veer into a head-on collision with a big-rig truck that “explodes” in fire when…you get hit by a tidal wave.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter -
Stroll past the Hogwarts Express, into Hogsmeade Village with shops and eateries, and corridors of Hogwarts (stop to buy a wand). Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride, fly with Harry, Ron and Hermoine, through Dragon's Cave, Forbidden Forest, Chamber of Secrets, evading dragons, giant spiders, dementors, to the Great Hall. Flight of the Hippogriff is a roller coaster ride through Hagrid's pumpkin patch, good for younger kids.
Jurassic World - The Ride
Meet Blue the Velociraptor at Raptor Encounter, then step into a tour boat for a trip through Jurassic World, culminating an epic battle between Indominous Rex and Tyrannosaurus Rex, looming over your boat, toothy mouths opened wide for a people snack. At the end of the ride, your boat plummets down a water cascade, sending up a huge splash of water.
Tip: Plan to get wet on this ride.If you didn't bring a change of clothes and are worried about getting wet, buy a plastic poncho.
Revenge of the Mummy - Older kids and teens will enjoy a jolting roller coaster ride into the mummy's tomb, action packed and lots of scary mummies.
Transformers: The Ride - 3D - Put on 3D glasses, step into your Evac vehicle, and ride through a splashy intergalactic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. Excellent 3D scenes and special effects.
Universal's Animal Actors - A funny show with live animals and videos. Watch these smart dogs and clever birds, cats and pigs, plus a sassy orangutan, entertain you with amazing tricks. Try to get seats close to the front - you might be picked as a volunteer.
Super Silly Fun Land -This area is good for younger kids with a carnival arcade (lots of toys to win, Minion characters, the fluffy unicorn), slide and play area for toddlers, and water play area.
Prepare to get wet in the water play area. It's a great way to stay cool on a hot day in Los Angeles (adults may want to get splashed too).
Tip: You can't go barefoot in the wet areas. If you don't want to get your shoes wet, buy rubber flip-flops (and big towels) at the store next door.
CityWalk -
Next to Universal Studios is CityWalk with 30+ places to find dinner, sandwiches, pizza, hamburgers, snacks, ice cream, coffee and more, plus shopping with toys and souvenirs, movies on the big screen. And, there's always something happening on the street at CityWalk - jugglers, jazz, live music and more.
Universal Cinema has 18 theaters, showing the latest movies. Want something even bigger? Head for
IMAX theatre, with its 7 story screen and 4K laser projection.
Fountain court - Need a break to just cool down? Head for the Fountain Court where mini-water geysers shoot up from under the sidewalk! On a hot day, it feels great to get splashed - but even on cooler days kids can't seem to resist, so you might need a change of clothes.
Universal Studios Hollywood
What to wear - Even in summer when the weather is warm, it can cool down in the evening, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
If you're planning to go to the water play areas or on the Jurassic World ride, these attractions can really leave you soaked. Bring extra clothes and rubber flip-flops or sandals for the wet areas.
Strollers - To go from the Upper Lot to the Lower Lot, you take four long, steep escalators. Strollers are not advisable on the escalators; instead, take the elevator at the entrance to the first escalator.
Lockers - Small, medium and large lockers are available. Stash those extra clothes you brought in the locker. Tip: Bring plastic bags for wet clothes.
Rides - Make sure your child meets the height requirements before you get in line. Park attendants do spot checks to verify your kid is tall enough.
