A theme park made up only of Legos? Welcome to Legoland, in Carlsbad, California, a quick car ride from the heart of San Diego. First opened in March 1999, the park is divided into nine worlds based on sets released by this famous toy brand: The Beginning, Dino Island, Explore Village, Fun Town, Castle Hill, Miniland USA, Imagination Zone, Pirate Shores, and Land of Adventure. Boasting 50 super rides, shows and attractions, Legoland is great fun for the entire family—from mom and dad down to the littlest child. Be sure not to miss the Lost Kingdom Adventure in Land of Adventure, where guests ride an all-terrain roadster on a journey to recover stolen treasures; Splash Battle in Pirate Shores, with water cannons used to spray Lego pirates; or the Volvo Driving School in Fun Town, where even kids can learn to drive a car. Younger kids can play in the Musical Fountain and Playtown in Explore Village. Sea Life, an interactive Aquarium, is also a hit with the younger set. In summer 2010, Legoland California opened a Lego themed water park featuring a 45-foot-tall tower (built entirely by Legos); seven water slides; and a Build-A-Raft River.
-Andrew Robinton
Your rating for LEGOLAND California
Family Review of LEGOLAND California
Family Expert Favorite
FamilyExpert Rating
Recommended for:
Children aged
3 - 5
and
6 - 12
FamilyExpert Tips & Helpful Hints
- LEGOLAND's associated attractions—the SEA LIFE aquarium and a water park opening in summer 2010—make a multi-day visit worthwhile. And you'll save, too: Upgrade to a second day at all three parks for just $10.
- There are a lot of kid-friendly foods here, particularly at The Market, which has choices like seasonal fresh fruit (including Carlsbad-grown strawberries), juices, yogurt and string cheese. They even have gluten-free options.
Maybe it sounds a little strange: a theme park based around LEGOs. But this place is a creative kid's paradise, with interactive activities and rides for those who often don't meet the height requirements at other parks (as well as more
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Maybe it sounds a little strange: a theme park based around LEGOs. But this place is a creative kid's paradise, with interactive activities and rides for those who often don't meet the height requirements at other parks (as well as more thrill-inducing ones for older kids, like small roller coasters and the twisting, turning robotic arms of Knights' Tournament).
The park, geared for kids two to 12 and has a number of themed areas—the idea is that each kid becomes a pirate, a knight, or a race car driver and embarks on his or her own adventure. There are playgrounds to climb through, places to stop and build your own LEGO creations, and water, water, everywhere. (Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes to put on after shooting water cannons, jumping through fountains, and hitting rides with names like Splash Battle). You'll come home with few nightmares—the atmosphere here is full of cheery primary colors, with few monsters or evil queens to worry about. And while teenagers might get a little bored, the parents and friends who get to climb on board firetrucks and cheer on LEGO car races seem to have just as much fun as their little ones.
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Beach Review of LEGOLAND California
BeachExpert Rating
BeachExpert Tips & Helpful Hints
- If you have children and are anywhere near Carlsbad, visit LegoLand. It's a break from the beach, and with more than 50 rides and attractions, kids two to 12 absolutely adore the park.
- Traveling with a baby? The park has a Baby Care Center in Fun Town, complete with a changing area, diapers, rocking chairs for nursing mothers, highchairs, a refrigerator, and microwave for warming food.
- At certain rides, kids can build Lego towers while their parents wait in line. Airline employees get a 20 percent discount on up to six tickets, and you can print tickets online (but no discounts apply).
Address:
1 Legoland Dr.
Carlsbad, California 92008
Parking:
July-Aug daily 10am-8pm; June daily 10am-5 or 6pm; off season Thurs-Mon 10am-5 or 6pm
Price:
$59 adults, $47 seniors and children 3-12, free to children 2 and under
Telephone Number: 877/534-6526
Email: faq@legoland.com
Transportation:
From I-5 take the Cannon Rd. exit east 1/2 mile, following signs for Legoland Dr
Price Information:
$59 adults, $47 seniors and children 3-12, free to children 2 and under
The details, dates, and prices mentioned here were accurate at the time of publication.
Review by Away
Copyright © 2010 Away.com all rights reserved.
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