LEGOLAND, CA ~ September 24, 2007

Our family has gone to Legoland just about every year since 1999 when they first opened. My three boys have always been Legomaniacs so they love it. Even my oldest who is now 17 still hasn't grown tired of it. Unfortunately, toddlers will find little to do except ride around in their stroller and look at things. Which is okay since they’ll see something new and colorful around every corner.

The intricate lifelike detail of the Lego models, especially in Miniland, is awesome, even though they’re starting to get a little weather-worn from sitting out in the Southern California sunshine.


While the park is geared toward younger children, most rides have some height requirement, barring the smallest kids from riding. My youngest started being able to go on more of the rides at age 3. Thrill-seeking teenagers will find most of the rides a little ho-hum, but they’ve added a few rides for them, too, like the Technicoaster. Legoland is unique in that they have a lot of interactive stuff that requires actual participation from visitors.


Make sure you’re at the door when they open at 10 am so you will have enough time to see everything, since they close early (5 pm) at this time of year. It’s not as large as other theme parks but it’s just right so you can make it around the whole park without getting too tired out. The little kids rides start on the left when you go in, and the more exciting rides for the older kids are on the right. Just beware of the Hideaway playground near the Knight’s Kingdom because once the kids get in there you won’t be able to get them back out!

The boat ride will take you on a tour past several famous landmarks including Mount Rushmore. Yes, the faces are really made of Lego bricks! And don’t miss the Adventurer’s Club which is hidden away in a corner of Fun Town (adjacent to a gift shop). It’s a really cool (and a little bit scary) walk through a rainforest (with authentic rainstorm sounds and lighting), ancient Egypt (with an earthquake) and the Arctic (watch out for that polar bear!). Adjacent to Miniland they even have a collection of famous artwork made from Legos.

Starry Night

M.C. Escher

The Scream - "Oh no! We have to go now!?"

Did you know that Legoland in Carlsbad, CA offers not just one, but many Homeschool Days throughout the 2007-2008 school year? You're really lucky if you live in the area because then you can go more than once! Legoland’s Homeschool Days include all of the following Mondays: Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec. 3, 10, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 10, Apr. 14, May 12 and May 19. Homeschool Day is only $17 per person for up to 6 people as compared to the usual $44 child/$53 adult! This is a tremendous savings if you have one or more Lego maniacs in your family. My kids are in the Lego Club and even the coupons they get with their membership couldn’t beat the homeschool price.

The only catch is that to get the discount, you must sign up for their e-mail list at least two weeks in advance of when you want to go. They will send you an e-mail coupon specially coded for your family, so it is non-transferable. Print it out to redeem at the ticket window (you will have to show your valid photo ID). For complete details and to register, go to: www.legoland.com/groups/education/homeschool.htm?csref=_eduinfo. You can also download a Home School Days Resource guide at www.LEGOLAND.com/eduinfo.

Legoland is never crowded when you go on a weekday, even on Homeschool Day. The kids were able to go on a ride and then get right back on again. Just so you know, Legoland parking is $10. And if you need any additional tickets for some reason, the Costco just around the corner on Palomar Airport Road sells Legoland tickets for a few dollars off the regular retail price.

SEE ALSO: www.lego.com/legoland/california for complete info, frequently asked questions, a map, and lots more.