The facility is much larger than it appears from outside. It is two stories and filled with so many different areas. You need to take your time and make sure you hit everything. We started our visit by walking through the Miniland area to see the Chicago landmarks. The kids love to identify different buildings and try to figure out how the structures are all made. When you pass through the Miniland area you enter Jungle Expedition. Lots of cool LEGO animals here!
So realistic!
We headed upstairs where the kids played in the free build area. During our visit there was a contest to create a new animal that doesn't actually exist in nature. This was such a great example of why everyone loves LEGOS so much..... they really bring out your creativity. The kids were excited to show off their new creatures and one of the LEGOLAND employees took a lot of time with each kid to ask details about their animal and what they decided to name it. I've always thought the LEGO employees at the regular LEGO stores are so friendly and genuinely excited to talk LEGOs with my kids...... we experienced the same thing here at the Discovery Center.
For a more structured building experience, we were able to make a model in the Model Builder Workshop. You get a kit for a specific build on your way in, then follow along with the LEGO Master Builder to create it. In the Build and Test area, you can also make a vehicle and race it down the test track to see if it is superfast, or even survives the track without a crash!
You can sit and take a break in the 4D theater which shows Bob the Builder 4D and LEGO City movies. If you're looking to burn off some energy, you could instead let your kids race through the LEGO City Construction Site Play Zone, a mid-size climbing area. I'm always amazed that even with so many other things to do, my kids are always drawn to the climbing area. There is also a Technicycle Ride, which goes round and round as you pedal your way up and down.
The newest addition to LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride. This is a very slow-moving ride, but my kids really liked it a lot. You sit in a roller coaster-type car and ride very slowly through the ancient land of magic and dragons! The car includes 4 laser guns that allow you to shoot down objects as you pass through. You get the feeling that you are inside a video game, scoring points along the way. Your picture is taken during the ride and you have the opportunity to purchase it at the end. We got our picture back and had some very serious game faces on ........ there was a bit of a competition on who could score the most points! I wasn't sure if my kids would like this ride because it is relatively slow, but they really loved it.
You can grab a bite to eat at the LEGO Cafe and there are plenty of tables set up to take a break from the day. LEGOLAND would be an ideal spot to host a children's birthday party...... there is a big party room for just that reason.
LEGOLAND holds different special events throughout the year, such as Star Wars weekend, LEGO City Club Weekend, Brick-or-Treat throughout October and Holly Jolly Holidays in December. You can check out their website for more information and an updated calendar.
There is so much to do at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago that you can definitely make a whole day adventure out of it. I knew my kids would enjoy the outing, but was actually a bit surprised at how much fun they had there. Adult admission is $19 and Child admission is $15. The cost is a bit steep, but you can go to www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com for ticket discounts. Parking is free and very available as well. You can find more information about LEGOLAND Disovery Center on the Kidwinks site as well as many other fun summer things to do with your family on the Kidwinks Summer Fun Guide.
Johor Malaysia also recently welcomes the world of bricks - Legoland to Asia. This newly-opened attraction becomes a sure way to lure many tourists and Singaporeans spending a weekend getaway there. I believe it's a great news to the kids, not sure about the parents.
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