Universal Studios is a great way for kids to get a behind-the-scenes look into the movie business. Start with a backlot tour, where you can visit a multitude of sets from Wisteria Lane of Desperate Housewives to the Norman Bates house from the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho. From there, head to Universal’s theme park and enjoy movie-inspired rides like the Jurassic Park raft adventure where massive and realistic looking dinosaurs beckon from the shore.

Families traveling with small children should know that while the park is open to visitors of all ages from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on major holidays, some of the rides have minimum height requirements of 40, or 48 inches. One part of Universal Studios that the whole family can definitely enjoy, however, is Universal City Walk, a promenade of stores, restaurants and movie theatres that’s open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on weekend nights. One day admission to Universal Studios is $64 for adults, $54 for children shorter than 48 inches and three for young children under three. Universal City Walk is free.

As of 2014, Universal Studios introduces the fully immersive attraction “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” where guests enter Gru’s house as they wait to experience a 3-D journey into the villain’s laboratory. Adjacent to the attraction is Super Silly Fun Land, which is inspired by the pierside park featured in the movie and includes wet and dry zones with fountains, splash pools, and play structures.

To learn more about Universal Studios Hollywood, please visit Universal Studios Hollywood Family Vacations.