Traveling with multiple generations can sound like an amazing bonding experience—or a recipe for someone being bored. A theme park vacation, though, can be the solution: You just have to know what the best attractions are for each of your companions. Good thing we’ve sorted that out for you!
Universal Orlando is known for its thrill rides (teenagers: check!) but there are well-thought-out delights for little kids and grandparents (and everyone else) too. There are tame coasters, riveting but not terrifying rides, cool shows, and even places to chill.
Before you go, know that there are three parks you can visit, each with its own admission. The famed and delightful Harry Potter attractions span two of them, so if you’ve got a wizard in your crowd, you’ll definitely need tickets for both Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure. Even if that’s not the #1 reason for your trip, each of those parks has reasons to visit for every age. The third location is the water park Volcano Bay, which is worth tearing yourself away from the rides for—its slightly mellower without being sleepy.
So if you’re on a multigenerational family trip, here are your top hits for every age group:
Little kids
We’re talking toddlers through 5 or 6, depending on how coaster-savvy they are. These are the attractions that won’t freak anyone out, but also won’t bore the accompanying adults to tears.
The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! (Islands of Adventure)
A great first coaster (for kids at least 36 inches), this calm and colorful ride takes you up high, but your little one can sit right next to you in the trolley car. The pace isn’t too fast, and you’ll get to see lots of whimsical creatures from Seuss stories.
Curious George Goes to Town play area (Universal Studios Florida)
Yes, you’re at a theme park, but you know what kids love? A playground. With water. It’s okay—it’s good!—to let them have that kind of fun. This bright, friendly space will rejuvenate them and you.
Kopiko Wai Winding River (Volcano Bay)
Littles can bob along this lazy river in a tube and enjoy the sunshine and water. Not to be confused with the TeAwa the Fearless River—it moves much faster!
Big kids
Older elementary through pre-teen: The kids who think they’re big but pale at the sight of a true roller coaster. These attractions are exciting and fun.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (Islands of Adventure)
If there’s a long line for this (and there will be), don’t be deterred. Kids guarantee it’s worth the wait! You’ll zoom around Hogwarts with Hagrid and experience a few thrilling surprises along the way (sudden drops and backwards coastering, anyone?). Thrill level: Perfect.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (Universal Studios Florida)
This simulator ride is a huge hit with the big kid set: The story is silly, the thrills are just right, and everybody leaves smiling.
Maku of the Makue Puihi Round Raft Rides (Volcano Bay)
These six-person raft rides take you around and down a huge water slide, spinning you around as you splash your way to the bottom. Kids like being able to see their grown-ups for reassurance on the round raft! (Try the ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana for a tamer raft trip.)
Teenagers
The people who famously make poor choices can’t go wrong here—these attractions stoke their thrill-seeking spirits, but Mom and Dad don’t have to worry.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster (Islands of Adventure)
Not for the faint of heart, this true-blue roller coaster will give them a major rush—this may be the most thrilling ride at the park, with steep drops, super speeds, and upside-down action.
Men in Black Alien Attack (Universal Studios Florida)
This is a motion simulation ride with a few twists: You get to shoot at aliens from your seat and battle with another car—and there are multiple endings depending on how you do, so you can strategize while you wait to ride a second time.
Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides (Volcano Bay)
How does a trap door opening below your feet sound? Like something a fearless teen would go for? No cushy rafts on this one, just a thrilling plunge that you can do in pairs if you’ve got a couple of daring young people on your trip.
Parents
Being an adult doesn’t mean you’ve left the fun behind. These rides and shows will have you shrieking and gasping and forgetting all your familial responsibilities for the time being.
The Bourne Stuntacular (Universal Studios Florida)
It’s air-conditioned! And you can sit! But don’t worry, it’s a super cool show that combines video and live-action (but not in a sick-to-your-stomach way) and will make everyone say wow.
Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts (Universal Studios Florida)
Below the fire-breathing dragon on Diagon Alley is the everyone-pleasing Gringotts experience, which combines a moving ride with 3D and 4D effects. The story’s great and moving through the underground vaults is exciting: Worth the wait!
Krakatau Aqua Coaster (Volcano Bay)
Best of all worlds here: You’ve got your just-right roller coaster and a drencher of a water ride. Take the kids on the 4-person boat, or leave them to the wave pool!
Grandparents
Any grandparent going to a theme park is by definition a fun grandparent, but if the major coasters are off the list and they’re looking for something delightful and unusual with minimal walking, here’s what to do.
Hogwarts Express (Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure)
The train between the two Harry Potter worlds requires admission to both parks, and it’s worth taking in both directions—you’ll see different the action around you as you travel (look through the “window” of your train car, but be sure to keep an eye on the door to your cabin too!). It’s an immersive, delightful way to travel.
Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show (Universal Studios Florida)
Learn a few things, laugh a lot, enjoy the nicely sized, air conditioned theater. Kids will get a kick out of the jokes and the gore, so send them with the grandparents while the older kids and grown-ups take in a thrill ride.
Cabana time
Spring for the private cabana if you’ve got adults who mainly want to relax, with occasional jaunts over to the wave pool. You’ll get a great view of the action, plus towels, comfy chairs, fruit and snacks, and concierge service that’ll deliver food and drinks right to you. Grandma deserves this, no?
Sarah Smith is the editor-in-chief of Prevention, overseeing the health brand on all platforms, including the monthly print magazine, digital site, books, events, and more. Prevention has been at the forefront of wellness for more than 70 years, and Sarah has expanded the brand’s reach and deepened its commitment to science. Previously, Sarah was the executive editor at Redbook and the editorial director at the family-health magazine Kiwi. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and son.
