5 reasons to visit LegoLand Discovery Center this fall:
Legos continue to be one of my children’s favorite toys and one of their favorite ways to play. Even though he’s almost 10 years old, our son will pour over his collection and come out of his room after an hour (sometimes more!) of building to present us with a “masterpiece” of his imagination. Last year, we visited LegoLand Discovery Center in Boston, Massachusetts (technically, it’s in the city of Somerville, but it’s literally a five minute drive from downtown Boston) and had a blast! You can read about our adventures- and 12 things everyone should do when they visit- here.
When LegoLand invited us back to celebrate the Halloween season this week, we jumped at the chance to visit! They even let us bring our friends (who are even BIGGER Lego fans, if that’s possible!), so you’ll see some new faces on the blog.
There are 12 LegoLand Discovery Centers in America (plus one in Toronto) and a total of 25 across the globe. Each one has a Master Model Builder who is tasked with creating all of the displays that modeling hometown people, places, events, sports- you name it! Master Model Builders will even build replicas on site and for special partners and events. We were lucky enough to meet Boston’s Master Model Builder, Megan, and see her office.
I shared many of our travel tips (admission, hours, parking, and eating information- the Coffee Shop has Starbucks and tons of food, snack, and drink options) here in my last post but it’s worth reposting the ADA guide here. LegoLand Discovery Centers do a great job making sure EVERYONE can have fun, be included, and stay safe.
5 reasons to visit LegoLand Discovery Center each season:
1. You’ll want to check out the seasonal decorations. Each season the Master Model Builder changes some of the MiniLand exhibits and builds life size decorations- all out of legos. There’s the usual cobwebs and spiders for Halloween and trees and ornaments for the holidays, but what’s really special are the ways the MiniLand exhibit changed. We spied skeletons in the place of football players at Gillette Stadium where the Patriots play, ghosts haunting Fenway Park, and witches flying throughout the Boston skyline. Definitely spend some time in the checking for the littlest detail. It’ll be easier to spot the larger than life pumpkin (made out of legos, of course) for Halloween and a massive sleigh visitors can sit in for the holidays. Plus, LegoLand Discovery Centers celebrate Halloween with “Brick or Treat” where guests can collect bonus Duplo Legos to take home! There are plenty of spring and summer decorations, too.
2. You can let off so much energy and not break anything! Each Discovery Center has two rides: Kingdom Quest where the object is to rescue a princess by shooting away trolls with a laser; and Merlin’s Apprentice Ride where guests can pedal their way high into the sky. Kids of all ages will want to climb through the massive indoor City Play Zone jungle gym, which includes climbing walls and slides.
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3. You can use your imagination in countless ways. Create your own race car and then test it out on one of two ramps in the Build & Test Zone. There’s also Duplo Farm and Lego Friends centers for younger kids, with smaller play structures and spots to cozy up with a good book or play pretend in a miniature house. Kids six and older will love the Great Lego Race VR (Virtual Reality) Experience. Check out details and rates (additional fee applies) here. There are also 4D movies offered throughout the day. Check here for more information and show titles and prepared to get (a little) wet!
4. You can learn something new from a Master Model Builder. Like we mentioned above, each Discovery Center has a Master Model Builder. Part of his or her job is to train other Playmakers how to “teach” guests how to build various creations. During class, each step is demonstrated in the front of the classroom using a projector and television screen, making it easy to follow along. Each month is a new project (so, actually, we should call this post “reasons to visit every MONTH”). Plus, “students” will learn the names for various Lego pieces (there are over one MILLION shapes and sizes!) and how to build larger creation in multiple sections. Classes, which last 30-40 minutes, are offered multiple times each day (check the schedule when at check in) and Note: Guests may purchase their creation to take home if they choose.
5. You can use technology in new and exciting ways. The Hidden Side app (available for FREE in the app store here and Google play here) brings to life the spooky side of Legos and allows guests to use their smart phones to capture ghosts hidden throughout the MiniLand replica creations.
Check out some of the other 12 ways to explore LegoLand Discovery Center Boston. And for more fun in Boston, check out our adventures at the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum, the Boston Historic Park, the Charlestown Navy Yard and USS Constitution and Museum, Massachusetts State House, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Disclaimer: My family was hosted by LegoLand Discovery Center. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sounds like amazing fun and worth many visits throughout the years. Legos always was one of the best toys we enjoyed sharing with our children. Small motor skills are so important, and the color and imagination and you’ve hit so many levels of constructive learning.
Sounds like amazing fun and worth many visits throughout the years. Legos always was one of the best toys we enjoyed sharing with our children. Small motor skills are so important, and the color and imagination and you’ve hit so many levels of constructive learning.
Sounds like amazing fun and worth many visits throughout the years. Legos always was one of the best toys we enjoyed sharing with our children. Small motor skills are so important, and the color and imagination and you’ve hit so many levels of constructive learning.