Visiting Universal Orlando CityWalk With Kids
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CityWalk at Universal Orlando is a free to enter entertainment space between the Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure theme parks.
There are a range of restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment activities to choose from here and the space is family-friendly until around 9pm, after which the atmosphere tilts more towards adult nightlife.
We took our eldest son Oliver to CityWalk at both 6 months when he was still in a pushchair and 18 months when he was eager to get out and walk everywhere. Both times we found we had lots of space to move around as well as plenty of things to see and do.
Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do at CityWalk
Here are the five best things to do with kids when visiting Universal CityWalk:
- Hollywood Drive-In Golf: Two 18-hole themed mini golf courses: Invaders from Planet Putt (sci-fi) and The Haunting of Ghostly Greens (spooky). Both have interactive elements and lighting effects that play well with kids four years old and up.
- Universal Cinemark cinema: A 20-screen multiplex with recliner seating showing all current releases. Useful as a rainy-afternoon plan, an afternoon heat break, or as a non-park-ticket activity if you’re staying at an on-site hotel. Tickets run $13-15 per adult, $9-10 per child.
- Universal Studios Store: The flagship CityWalk store has a Butterbeer bar, a dedicated Super Nintendo World shop as well as Harry Potter wand and Hogwarts robe displays.
- Universal’s Great Movie Escape: Two themed escape rooms (Jurassic World and Back to the Future) where teams of between 2 and 8 work through movie-themed puzzles. Best for kids aged 10+ since the puzzles assume reading and reasoning skills. Around $50 per person.
- The CityWalk Splash Pad: A small free interactive water feature in the central plaza area. Toddlers and pre-schoolers love it. Bring a change of clothes since kids will get soaked.
Bowling is available on-site at Cabana Bay Beach Resort Hotel. Galaxy Bowl has 10 lanes with retro-themed glow lighting plus a diner-style restaurant attached. Open to non-Cabana-Bay-guests and a great rainy-day backup. Around $20-30 per lane per hour.
Best Restaurants at CityWalk for Kids
CityWalk has more than 20 restaurants to choose from covering all cuisines and budgets. Below are my favourite family-friendly picks:
- Toothsome Chocolate Emporium: The savoury menu here is extensive but most people come for the milkshake counter with extravagant themed shakes and incredible steampunk-themed interior.
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co: Based on Forrest Gump this restaurant has a “safe” kids menu with chicken-nuggets-and-fries etc.
- The Cowfish: Burger-and-sushi hybrid restaurant with a fun interactive Bento Box build-your-own kids’ option.
- Voodoo Doughnut: The colourful, oversized doughnuts served here make great photos and instant kid favourites.
The second-floor food court towards the parking garage offers budget meals from mainstream favourites including: Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Panda Express.
Practical Tips for CityWalk with Kids
Having visited CityWalk with kids several times, here are some practical takeaways I found:
- Stroller-Friendly: The walkways at CityWalk are wide, flat, and stroller-accessible. Most restaurants accept strollers right up to the booth or table. Stroller parking areas are signposted near the busier venues.
- Security: Bags go through metal-detector security at the CityWalk entry points. Diaper bags and stroller storage compartments are checked but cleared quickly.
- Family Bathrooms: The main bathrooms near the central plaza have full-size changing stations and family-sized cubicles. Wider than the in-park bathrooms, easier with a stroller.
- Free Parking: Parking is free for everyone after 6pm year-round, except during Halloween Horror Nights (September through early November).
- Change of Clothes: If you’re planning to let kids play in the central splash pad area, pack a spare outfit and a small towel in your stroller. Florida heat dries them fast but the walk back to the car gets uncomfortable in soaked clothes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions I’m asked about the most when it comes to visiting Universal Orlando CityWalk with kids:
Is CityWalk Orlando suitable for kids?
Yes, CityWalk is family-friendly during the day and early evening, with the Universal Cinemark cinema (20 screens including IMAX), Hollywood Drive-In Golf, the Universal Studios Store, and family restaurants like Toothsome and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. After about 9 PM, the atmosphere shifts toward bars and live music, which is less suited to younger children. There’s no admission fee, and on-site hotel guests reach CityWalk by free water taxi or a short walk.
How much is Hollywood Drive-In Golf at CityWalk?
Hollywood Drive-In Golf has two themed 18-hole courses, The Haunting of Ghostly Greens (horror) and Invaders From Planet Putt (sci-fi). Single-course rounds take about 30 to 45 minutes, and combo passes for both courses are available. We’ve found late afternoon and after-dark rounds the most atmospheric, with full LED lighting after sunset.
Are there activities for kids at CityWalk besides restaurants?
Yes, kids can play Hollywood Drive-In Golf, catch a film at the Universal Cinemark, or try Universal’s Great Movie Escape rooms (Jurassic World Escape and Back to the Future OUTATIME, each about 60 minutes). The Universal Studios Store now houses a Super Nintendo World merchandise section and the new Butterbeer counter (added May 2025), both of which kept our son entertained for ages.
Can you get Butterbeer at CityWalk without a park ticket?
Yes, since May 2025 the Butterbeer counter inside the expanded Universal Studios Store at CityWalk has sold cold and frozen Butterbeer (around $8.99) without a park ticket. This was the first time Butterbeer was available outside the Wizarding World areas. The counter sits inside the merchandise store on the CityWalk side of the entry plaza.
Is CityWalk Orlando free to enter?
Yes, CityWalk is free to walk into and you don’t need a park ticket. Parking at the main Universal complex is $30 per day in 2026 and free for non-event guests after 6 PM. On-site hotel guests can also reach CityWalk by free water taxi from Portofino Bay, Hard Rock, Royal Pacific, and Sapphire Falls.
