legoland field trips san diego

52 Best Tips for LEGOLAND California with Kids (2024)

LEGOLAND California resort is an  AWESOME  park for a wide variety of ages. These are the best LEGOLAND California tips, with touring advice for everything there is to see and do at this San Diego theme park. This is the ultimate guide on what to expect during a day at LEGOLAND California with kids. 

Mom Rewritten uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab. 

LEGOLAND has provided complimentary day passes for me & my family.   This post was originally posted on Jan 20th, 2015 and contains updated information.

Best Tips for LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND theme park is family-friendly with an emphasis on younger guests. There are play areas for toddlers, rides that will please elementary-aged kids and LEGO displays that will put any teen or adult in awe. LEGOLAND is safe, clean and well-kept.

LEGOLAND is located in  Carlsbad , which is about 45 minutes drive north of downtown San Diego. If you’re driving down from Anaheim (where Disneyland is located), expect at least 60 minutes drive south. 

As a San Diego native, my family and I have been going to LEGOLAND California since it first opened! There are over 60 rides and attractions in the 128-acre park. The LEGOLAND parks have grown quite a bit over the years but some things have remained constant throughout. 

Keep reading for my family guide and tips for visiting LEGOLAND California with kids!

LEGOLAND California with Kids

Do i need theme park reservations for legoland california.

There is an an advance park reservation system for LEGOLAND, with dates chosen when tickets are purchased. Purchase  LEGOLAND tickets online , then visit on the date(s) chosen. Use tickets for entry at the theme park front gates.

Does LEGOLAND Offer Early Entry?

Guests who purchase a  LEGOLAND theme park package  that includes a hotel overnight and tickets automatically receive early entry to access select attractions.

LEGOLAND California Tips for Family Travel

These tips for LEGOLAND California with kids will help you properly plan your day. The park is very easy to navigate, but includes a lot of walking with stops for rides and attractions along the way. Start your planning by looking at the park map on the LEGOLAND California mobile app to plot out your day. 

Even on a visit during non-peak season, you’ll be hard-pressed to see and do everything in one day. Park hours at LEGOLAND California vary throughout the year, so always check the calendar before your visit. LEGOLAND does have mid-week days when it’s completely closed in the off-season. 

LEGOLAND is located in a popular San Diego area, so make sure to check out the other  things to do in Carlsbad .

Discounted LEGOLAND Vacation Tickets

There is no reason to pay full price for LEGOLAND tickets, when they’re found at great discounts online! Guests can purchase discounted LEGOLAND  vacation packages  for both hotel and tickets. 

Visitors can also purchase individual  LEGOLAND tickets  on the Get Away Today website.

Southern California Discount Travel

My travel partners at Get Away Today offer both discounted theme park tickets and SoCal-area hotels to fit any budget! Many hotels include exclusive discounts like free parking, complimentary breakfast or even free nights, just for booking through Get Away Today.

When you’re ready to book your Southern California vacation, my friends at Get Away Today are ready to help! Call 1-855-GET-AWAY to book your trip.

BONUS DISCOUNT! – Mention code REWRITTEN to receive an extra discount off your SoCal vacation package of two or more days.

LEGOLAND California with Kids Q & A

What’s the best age for legoland california.

If you’re traveling with a child 2-12 years old, this is the ideal age for the theme park. Keep reading for tips on what to do at LEGOLAND California with kids, including babies and teenagers.

When is the best time to go to LEGOLAND California?

Avoid weekends, spring break, summer season, 3-day weekends and holidays, if possible. Hint: If school is out of session, LEGOLAND will be busy! 

Mid-week visits will usually reward guests with much lower crowds. Aim to go on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Be sure to check the blackout calendar during non-peak season, as LEGOLAND California isn’t open every day.

Do you need to be a LEGO fanatic to enjoy the theme park?

Not at all. While everything in the theme park  is  LEGO-themed, you don’t have to be a huge building block fan to enjoy the rides, shows and attractions.  If you are a LEGO lover, that’s a bonus!

What Should You Bring to LEGOLAND California?

LEGOLAND California is located in Carlsbad, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. It can be chilly and windy, especially during the winter and spring. Bring a lightweight jacket or sweatshirt (this  LEGO Wear jacket  will get kids in the mood!). 

If your kids plan to enjoy the many splash pads at LEGOLAND California, bring the essentials like an extra set of clothes. Pack in a swimsuit,  LEGO-themed beach towel  and sandals with good traction on the bottoms.

Definitely pack your sunscreen. While it might be overcast early in the day, the sun often peeks out after noon and it may get very hot. 

Planning for a Day at LEGOLAND California

Parking at legoland.

The LEGOLAND California parking fee is $35 per car, per day. If you arrive early, you’ll be very close to the front entrance. There is a short (slightly inclined) walk to the front entrance. It’s not necessary to purchase the “preferred parking” at the additional cost.

Cashless Theme Park

One of the top tips for LEGOLAND California is to bring credit cards or debit cards for payments. LEGOLAND California is completely cashless.

Security Checks

All backpacks, bags, purses and strollers will be checked before entering the park.

Rainy Day Promise

On days when heavy rain closes many of the theme park rides for an extended time, the resort management will initiate the Rainy Day Promise. Guests with paid tickets may use their existing ticket for one more visit within one year from that date.

Can You Bring Outside Food into LEGOLAND?

Water bottles and small snacks are permitted.

LEGOLAND App

Before leaving home, download the LEGOLAND app and add to your smart phone. The mobile app and interactive map will allow you to more easily tour the theme park during your stay. 

Through the LEGOLAND app, guests can find an interactive park map. Navigate the park with directions for attractions, dining, restrooms and shopping. Get show times and view ride wait times.

Charging Cell Phones at LEGOLAND California

To best use the LEGOLAND app, it’s important to keep a full charge on your smart phone. There are 2 secure cell phone charging locker stations inside the LEGOLAND California amusement park. 

I recommend bringing your own charger and cord. The  Anker portable charger  is my go-to for theme park travel. This power bank holds enough for multiple charges and can accommodate several cords at the same time.

Areas of LEGOLAND California

This family friendly theme park is broken up into 9 distinctly themed zones. Within each zone are rides and attractions for various ages. 

By walking in a circular loop, you’ll be able to hit each of the areas of LEGOLAND California. Branch off into Miniland USA, which is centrally located within the park. 

Here are the sections, moving from left to right around the loop. I’ve included rides to be found in each area (additional attractions will be discussed in the rest of the article).

• The Beginning  – Entrance of the park, Big Shop, stroller rentals and lockers
• *NEW* Dino Valley – Coastersaurus, DUPLO Little Dino Trail, Explorer River Quest
• LEGO Movie World  – Emmet’s Flying Adventure, Unikitty’s Disco Drop, Queen Watevra’s Carousel
• Fun Town  – Driving School, Junior Driving School, Skipper School, Kid Power Tower, LEGOLAND Express, Sky Patrol.

• Pirate Shores  – Captain Cranky’s Challenge, Splash Battle
• LEGO City  – LEGO City: Deep Sea Adventure
• Miniland USA  – Coast Cruise
• Castle Hill  – The Dragon Coaster, Royal Joust
• Land of Adventure  – Lost Kingdom Adventure, Beetle Bounce, Cargo Ace
• Imagination Zone  – Bionicle Blaster, LEGO Technic Coaster
• LEGO Ninjago World  – LEGO Ninjago The Ride

Dino Valley

Dino Valley is the very first area you’ll encounter if you walk left after the entrance to LEGOLAND California. Previously called “Explorer Island”, this newly refurbished area includes three rides and a sandbox play area.

I don’t recommend starting your day here. Continue walking through to LEGO Movie World. Return to Dino Valley as your last stop of the day. 

DUPLO Little Dino Trail  – Outdoor Jeep ride, with the dinosaurs being made of DUPLO LEGO, naturally! Each of the ride vehicles seats four riders without any height requirement. The front seats have access to two “cameras” for riders to snap photos during the trip!

Coastersaurus  – Dinosaur themed coaster with very mild thrills. It’s an ideal first roller coaster for preschoolers. There is a 36″ height requirement. Use the Parent Swap program if needed (discussed further in the baby and toddler section).

Explorer River Quest – Slow and unscary, this ride is a LEGOLAND must-do for dinosaur fans. There is no minimum height requirement. This lazy boat road takes families along the water with awesome dinosaur models to spot along the way.

LEGO Movie World

LEGO Movie World is themed to the popular LEGO movies and features characters from the films. Bricksburg has come to life, complete with a water feature for splashing and plenty of room for people watching. 

These are the must-see attractions inside the new LEGO Movie World area at LEGOLAND California.

Emmet’s Flying Adventure Ride  – Seated in the “Triple Decker Flying Couch”, guests view the action on the full dome virtual screen. This is a motion simulator ride so if these rides make you nauseated, you might want to sit out. 

It’s really a cool ride and the flagship of this new area. Emmet’s Flying Adventure usually boasts the longest wait time of any attraction at LEGOLAND California. I highly recommend visiting this ride first thing in the morning.

Queen Watevra’s Carousel  – The LEGO Friend’s Riding Camp carousel has been made over into this new theme, complete with a colorful overhaul and change of music. 

As a heads up, these horses are extremely uncomfortable for adults to sit on. Consider sitting on one of the chairs instead.

Unikitty’s Disco Drop!  – Spin, rise, bounce and drop on this colorful tower ride that takes to the skies. This ride is actually more intense than it appears at first glance! And you’ve gotta love the rainbow arch of LEGO bricks at the entrance.

Driving School and Junior Driving School  – Fun Town really is…fun! With their trackless vehicles, most kids will say these are their  favorite  attractions. Driving School is a can’t-miss LEGOLAND attraction, just for children. 

Junior Driving School is for little ones aged 3-5. Driving School is for ages 6-12 only. Parents can watch from the sidelines where there are concrete bleacher seats. Kids can even purchase their own LEGOLAND Driving School license.

Kid Power Tower & LEGOLAND Express  – You’ll find these two rides inside Duplo Playtown, access by stairs or a ramp. The Kid Power Tower offers an overlook of the theme park, in a hand-operated rope pull that lifts seated guests.

The LEGOLAND Express is a petite train ride through the farm inside Playtown. Toddlers especially enjoy this one.

Skipper School  – Similar to Driving School, trackless boats float along the canal. All ages can ride this one together. 

Fun Town Police & Fire Academy  – Kids love participating as a team with their family. Teams spray water on a “burning” building in competition with other ride vehicles.

Sky Patrol  – Up to two guests fit inside these helicopters that rise, lower and spin with hand controls.

Pirate Shores

Captain Cranky’s Challenge  – This rotating pirate ship ride rocks and swings in all directions. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider sitting this one out!

Splash Battle  – Spray water at on-lookers from a pirate ship vehicle. But beware, spectators can fire water cannons back at you! Expect to get soaked on this water attraction.

• LEGO City: Deep Sea Adventure

LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure  – A hybrid attraction that’s part interactive treasure hunt, submarine ride and aquarium. Riders board a submarine, then peer through the portholes and windows to peek at the many types of real sea life, including sharks! 

There are fun LEGO items to spy along the way as well. The touch-screens inside the ride encourage kids to treasure hunt on a search for items on the checklist.

LEGOLAND Miniland USA

Coast Cruise  – The lone ride in Miniland USA is a guided boat tour. Guests can see whimsical LEGO builds including this quirky take on Mount Rushmore.

LEGOLAND’s Miniland USA  – This awesome attraction is at the heart of what LEGO is all about. Built by their “master builders”, these city representations include New York, San Francisco, New Orleans, Washington DC and Las Vegas. San Diego is the newest section features in Miniland USA!

There are small buttons kids can push to play a sound clip. Kids can also make features in the scenes move. Tiny LEGO cars move, LEGO figures dance, music plays and more. Plan to spend at least an hour exploring Miniland USA. There’s lots of see in this detailed area.

After you’ve explored the Miniland USA cities, take a walk on the Miniland USA “Block of Fame” and see famous faces (like this one of Elvis!). There are also famous Star Wars characters as well.

Castle Hill

The Dragon  – Once your kid has tackled some of the other tame coasters, The Dragon is a great step up. Start inside with a slow ride in the dragon, touring the castle. Then the doors open and riders are treated to thrilling dips and turns.

Royal Joust  – This adorable horse ride takes kids on a journey through the Castle Hill area. The Royal Joust is for kids aged 4-12 only (and must be 36″ as well).

Land of Adventure

Beetle Bounce  – This one is only for younger guests, between 36-55″ in height.

Cargo Ace  – Airplanes “fly” in a circle, with a sweeping turn that’s faster than it looks. Grown ups are permitted to ride with kids. Just know that getting in and out of the small planes can be tricky!

Lost Kingdom Adventure  – This “Indiana Jones” inspired laser ride brings out the competitive spirit. Up to four guests per ride vehicle can shoot laser guns at the targets and tally points.

Imagination Zone

LEGO Technic Coaster  – The most thrilling ride at LEGOLAND California, this “crazy mouse” coaster has an exciting first drop.

Bionicle Blaster  – A spinning “tea cup” ride with a rider-powered wheel to control speed. Another one to skip if you suffer from nausea.

Ferrari Build and Race

This is a new interactive LEGO building experience like no other. Enter the “garage” to see a life-size LEGO Ferrari F40, made with 356,863 LEGO blocks!

Various stations inside offer up plenty of race car design opportunities. Test your vehicle on one of the three different race tracks. Each track offers a different experience including a virtual version.

My son’s favorite was getting his Ferrari to jump through the tire, while the video footage is caught on film. Bystanders can watch the reply in slow motion, it’s so cool! 

A Duplo zone for younger kids allows them to build on a larger scale. Don’t forget the photo ops at the Ferrari and in the winner’s circle.

LEGO Ninjago World

LEGO Ninjago The Ride  – LEGO NINJAGO is a small area in the park that features a very cool 4-D interactive ride. There’s no height restriction so anyone can ride.

Thrill Rides Tips at LEGOLAND California

A majority of the rides at LEGOLAND California are geared for younger kids. However there are a few thrill-type rides that are appropriate for older kids. These attractions are ideal for elementary-aged kids, and would please teens and adults as well. 

Nothing too crazy, but still thrilling! The tallest height restriction is 42″ and several rides have an age requirement as well, so check the signage. These are the three roller coasters at LEGOLAND California:

• LEGO Technic Coaster – must be 42″ tall and at least 4 years old
• The Dragon Coaster – must be 40″ tall
• Coastersaurus – with a 36″ height restriction, it’s a good first roller coaster for younger kids

Thrill Ride LEGOLAND California Tips:

• Rides offer a “parent swap” so that one parent can wait with a non-riding child and then switch places so that the other parent can ride.
• Some of these favorite rides can have the longest wait times. Scroll through for ways to shorten time spent in queue.
• Visit the thrill rides first thing after park opening for a shorter wait in line.

Kid’s Play Areas at LEGOLAND California

Even if you never step foot on an actual ride at LEGOLAND, there’s so much to keep busy kids active throughout the day. If your kids need to run and play, there are a few areas where they can burn off steam. 

Unlike the LEGOLAND water park (which carries an additional fee), these splash and play areas are included in regular park admission. It’s acceptable to bring bathing suits and towels to let the kids get wet. 

There are many areas that are appropriate for toddlers to hang out while waiting for older siblings to ride.

One of the best tips for LEGOLAND California is to allow plenty of free play time in your schedule. Check out these free play locations in various parts of the park at LEGOLAND California.

Splash Pad and Benny’s Spaceship – Multi-level kid’s space themed play structure with internal stairs and slides. A good number of benches around for adults to sit and watch kids.

Dino Outpost  – Sandy area with buried dinosaur fossils underneath. Separate LEGO DUPLO building block area.

Duplo Playtown  – This is the area for toddlers and preschoolers! Quaint little houses are set up like a town including a fire station with a pole and tons of stairs and slides. 

The LEGOLAND Express, a small train, circles around here as well. Plan for plenty of time in this area if you have a young child, they’ll absolutely love this place!

Pirate Reef and Swabbie’s Deck –  Get soaked on a warm day at Pirate Reef or Swabbie’s Deck, both located in the Pirate Shores area. 

The Hideaways –  A complex arrangement of rope ladders and slides. There’s only one way in and out. Parents can sit on the wall surrounding the play area and not worry their kids will leave without them. 

Dune Raiders  – Kids and adults can slide down the long, wavy slides.

Pharaoh’s Revenge –  Enclosed multi-level play space with tunnels and the ability to shoot foam balls at each other. It’s loud and hectic inside, so avoid if you or your kids don’t like chaos.

Ninjago World

Kai’s Spinners, Cole’s Rock Climb and Jay’s Lightning Drill –  Small areas for active play near the ride.

LEGO Ninjago Training Camp – My kids’ favorite place to play, this extensive area offers so much fun in the way of slides and climbing apparatus with a ninja theme.

LEGO Building Areas for Super Fans

LEGOLAND offers a hands-on theme park experience for all ages that includes building with their famous blocks. Most of the areas inside LEGOLAND California have free play building spots. Kids and adults can use the provided LEGO bricks to unleash creativity. 

Many locations have nicely shaded spaces or air conditioning, ideal when the weather is hot. All the blocks need to stay in the area when families are done playing. 

If you have a child who can’t get enough of simply building LEGO creations, be sure to stop inside several of these areas. Kids can build and play with the thousands of LEGOS that are available in these areas:

• Build Watevra You Wa’Na Build (LEGO Movie World)  
• LEGO Life (Fun Town) 
• Builders’ Guild (Castle Hill) 
• Coast Guard Build-a-Boat (Miniland USA)
• Zane’s Temple Build (Land of Adventure) 
• LEGO Dots Build Your Art Gallery (Imagination Zone)
• LEGO Mindstorms (Imagination Zone)

Many ride queue areas also have LEGO building stations. Kids can build here while parents are waiting in line.

LEGOLAND Tips for Dining Options

If you’re expecting the same boring theme park options for dining, no fear! LEGOLAND California offers only fresh, made-on-site meals that are unique and delicious. 

Quite often dishes are prepared right in front of you. This makes for a hot meal that’s made to order. It can also mean that wait times for food can be longer than normal than other amusement parks.

Choose from items like the pork belly bao sandwiches, pesto chicken salad sandwich or freshly prepared stir fry ramen noodle bowls. The Pizza & Pasta buffet restaurant is a popular place. We’ve also enjoyed the Knight’s Smokehouse BBQ with slow-cooked Texas BBQ dishes and craft beer.

And yes, you can still find the usual burgers, fries and soft serve cones if that’s what you want to eat. For dessert, you have to grab a box (or two) of Granny’s Apple Fries. You might not want to share!

LEGOLAND Assisted Access Pass

If you have a guest with special needs, visit Guest Services before entering the park. You’ll be supplied with a simple “Assisted Access Pass”. This business card will be noted with the date, number of people in your party and the name of the person for whom the card is issued. 

We used this card in the past for one of my children (who has autism). Instructions on the card let us know that we were permitted to enter rides through the exit. Families are able to wait there and not have to stand in a crowded queue.

LEGOLAND Tips for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers

In a theme park that’s geared for younger guests, there’s a good amount of things for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to do at LEGOLAND. 

The following sections will discuss height restrictions for young children, best rides and other important things to know before you go.

LEGOLAND California with Kids – Height Requirements

Be aware of signage before getting in line. Some attractions do not have height restrictions, while others may require a guest accompaniment on the ride.

My advice is to measure the height of young kids before you leave home. Compare your child’s height to the LEGOLAND height requirements, then plan your itinerary from there.

There are quite a few rides in LEGOLAND California that do  not  have height restrictions, so they’re perfect for babies and toddlers. There are also some fun, kid-friendly play areas that are tailored to younger kids.

Best Rides for Little Kids at LEGOLAND

These attractions at LEGOLAND California have low or no height requirements. These are the most ideal rides for babies, toddlers and preschoolers:

• Cargo Ace (must be able to stand)
• Coast Cruise
• DUPLO Little Dino Trail
• Explorer River Quest
• Junior Driving School (for ages 3-5)

• LEGO Ninjago The Ride
• LEGOLAND Express Train Ride
• Lost Kingdom Adventure (30″)
• Queen Watevra’s Carousel
• Royal Joust (for ages 4-12 and over 36″ tall)
• Safari Trek (34″)
• Skipper School (34″)
• Sky Patrol (34″)

Other Things to Know About Taking Babies to LEGOLAND

Family bathrooms are available throughout LEGOLAND California. Look for changing tables in all restrooms and lower children’s-height sinks for handwashing.

Queue waiting areas sometimes have larger Duplo blocks. Check for the tiny LEGO bricks, which may be a choking hazard for toddlers.

A full baby care center is available in the Fun Town area near Urban Kitchen restaurant. Parents will find rocking chairs, nursing areas and microwaves for heating baby food. 

Strollers are available for rent, at the Marketplace just inside the front entrance (The Beginning). Personal strollers and wagon can be brought inside as well.

LEGOLAND Parent Swap

Parent Swap is available at LEGOLAND and it works a little differently than at Disney. Families wait all together in line at LEGOLAND CA. 

When a family reaches the front of the line, one parent rides with a child who meets the height requirement. The other parent waits to the side with the non-riding child. When the first parent returns, they switch places. The second parent rides with the child who meets the height requirement.

Save Time with These Tips for LEGOLAND California

Rides at LEGOLAND do not load quickly. As a result lines move very slowly. Don’t like waiting in long lines? There are ways that visitors can avoid the waits and maximize time at LEGOLAND.

Pick Less Busy Vacation Dates

Carefully choose your date to visit LEGOLAND California. Mid-week visits in the “off-season” are preferred for lower crowd levels.

Any time that elementary aged kids are out of school (summer, holiday vacations, 3-day weekends) will be busier. Just be sure to check the LEGOLAND calendar, as they may be closed on certain days.

Aim to Arrive a Park Opening

Just like I always suggest rope drop at Disneyland , it pays to be an early bird at LEGOLAND. Arrive to the gates ahead of opening clear security. Gates usually open early (often up to 30 minutes early). You’ll be first in line for the best attractions!

Have a Touring Strategy

Once through the park entrance, LEGOLAND guests can go either left or right, around the “lagoon” and Miniland USA. I recommend walking towards the back of the park first in either direction. The back of the park will be less crowded. 

Best plan:  Go left for Emmet’s Flying Adventure in LEGO Movie World, one of the most popular rides at LEGOLAND California. 

Pay More to Maximize Your LEGOLAND Vacation

If you  really  don’t want to wait in lines, these extra cost additions can help your family maximize time:

Consider purchasing Reserve ‘n’ Ride. This add-on offers three levels that will reduce wait times 25-99% at an additional cost from between $35 to $100 per person.

Opt to visit LEGOLAND for more than one day. This is ideal for families that like to take mid-day breaks. Also if you’re interested in experiencing the LEGO building zones and Miniland more deeply, multiple days are best.

Entertainment Tips for LEGOLAND California

Fireworks only happen during special seasonal events. But there are still plenty of non-ride entertainment choices around the SoCal theme park.

• Meet n’ greet area for popular characters from the films inside Emmet’s Super Suite .
• Watch a 4D show inside the LEGO Show Place Theater . There are several versions, each lasting about 15 minutes.
• The Adventure’s Club  walk-through is a favorite for my older ones. There’s a quest to find “keys” hidden through this Indiana Jones-style search. Preschoolers may be a little nervous of the darker areas and eerie must inside.
• Don’t miss the LEGO Factory Tour . This brief walkthrough shows exactly how LEGO bricks are made, from start to finish.
• Mini-figure trading happens between guests and Model Citizen (LEGOLAND employees). Look on a Model Citizen’s Brick Badge and negotiate a trade!
• Celebrating a special occasion, like a birthday? Pick up a complimentary Pop Badge at guest services. They also hand out Pop Badges during special events.

Best Deals on Discounted LEGOLAND California Tickets

Visitors can purchase individual  LEGOLAND tickets  or full Southern California vacation packages on the Get Away Today website.

Free LEGOLAND Admission for Kids in October

If you plan on a fall trip, this one of the BEST money saving tips for LEGOLAND California. Each October in San Diego, many theme parks and restaurants offer FREE entertainment for kids! 

LEGOLAND is a participant in this special offer every year. Find out how you can get your kid’s free offer on this article,  Kids FREE in San Diego for October .

LEGOLAND California is located in Carlsbad, within San Diego county. If you’re planning on visiting multiple SoCal destinations, it’s highly recommended to rent a car. Click the links below for additional tips on visiting each location.

Disneyland Resort  in Anaheim- 63 miles from LEGOLAND California

SeaWorld San Diego  in Mission Valley – 30 miles from LEGOLAND California

Sesame Place  in Chula Vista – 46 miles from LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND Hotels

I highly recommend staying at one of the on-site hotels when visiting LEGOLAND California. The two LEGO-themed hotels are literally steps away from the theme park front entrance. That makes either the  LEGOLAND Hotel  or the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel perfect for a mid-day break. Within minutes, guests can be relaxing in their rooms.

LEGOLAND is known for their unique, tongue-in-cheek humor. It should be no surprise that these unique hotels feature a disco ball in the elevator and a treasure hunt inside the rooms!

Rooms at both the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel and the original LEGOLAND Hotel are heavily themed. At the  LEGOLAND Castle Hotel  guests can choose from castle-themed rooms, naturally – Knights & Dragons, Royal Princess or Magic Wizard. 

READ MORE : Full review of what to expect at the LEGOLAND Hotel .

And at the LEGOLAND Hotel, pick from Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, Friends, and LEGO NINJAGO. My friend Karen at  Desert Chica  has a review on the new  LEGOLAND Castle Hotel  with in-room photos.

A stay at one of the two LEGOLAND hotels includes a complimentary breakfast. Kids will also receive a welcome treasure hunt with a LEGO prize. 

One of the nicest features (for the benefit of the grown-ups!) is a separate kid’s sleeping area with entertainment center, bunk bed and pull out trundle.

How close are the LEGOLAND hotels to the theme park front entrance?

The LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel are literally a minute-long walk from each other, across a short walkway. Each of the hotels are just steps away from the LEGOLAND California theme park front entrance. 

Do LEGOLAND hotel guests get into the park early?

Yes, guests of the LEGOLAND resort hotels (with a valid theme park ticket) receive 30 minutes of early entry before the general public is admitted. Note that this early access is only for a few select attractions.

Tips for LEGOLAND California Souvenir Shopping

Of course, in a theme park that’s known for it’s popular building bricks, there are many places to buy your favorite toys. 

The best place to find souvenirs inside LEGOLAND California is at The Big Shop. This large gift shop is home to all things LEGO including exclusive items.

You’ll find souvenir LEGOLAND products including shirts and hats as well as LEGO building kits like LEGO Friends, Star Wars, Disney, and DUPLO.

Forgot a swim suit or towel for the splash pad or water park? Visit Brick Brothers Trading Co. for a large variety of beachwear.

LEGOLAND offers package pickup service, so that guests can shop throughout the day. Simply pick up your bags at the end of the day before exiting.

Prices for LEGO sets are comparable in the theme park to what you’ll find elsewhere. For items like  LEGO t-shirts  or hats, I’d recommend purchasing before or after a trip to save money.

Water Park Fun at LEGOLAND California with Kids

When the weather warms, our thoughts turn to the water-play activities at the expansive LEGOLAND Water Park! From toddler splash pads, water slides for big kids, a lazy river, and a giant wave pool, there’s plenty here for the whole family. 

Entrance to the water park is an additional charge on top of the regular park admission. Water park days and hours of operation vary upon the season, so check the LEGOLAND website to make sure it’s open during your visit before you pack your swim suits! 

When the weather is agreeable you’ll want to spend a good portion of the day here, enjoying the water rides. A LEGOLAND Resort Hopper ticket is required for admission to the water park portion. I highly recommend you consider adding on an extra day to your vacation if you plan to do the water park.

READ MORE: All the LEGOLAND tips in this post about the LEGOLAND California Water Park Tips .

LEGOLAND Sea Life Aquarium

The Sea Life Aquarium at LEGOLAND California combines a real, learning aquarium of actual sea life with fun LEGO models. Guests can see jelly fish and seahorses, spy octopus and sharks, reach inside touch pools, and experience feeder talks.

The Sea Life Aquarium is compact and will take about an hour to completely walk through. Allow between 1-2 hours for exploring Sea Life depending upon how interested your children are.

During busier seasons and holiday events, strollers are not allowed inside so make arrangements for little ones. I brought a front carrier for my baby so I wouldn’t have to hold her in my arms the entire time. 

Admission to the Sea Life Aquarium can be purchased separately or as an add-on to your LEGOLAND park ticket. My travel partner Get Away Today offers the bundled  LEGOLAND discounted ticket .

LEGOLAND Halloween Special Event

Brick-or-Treat Party Nights at LEGOLAND California offers children and their families trick-or-treating and entertainment throughout the Park on Saturday nights in October. This is a special ticketed event that is not included with regular park admission. 

Guests are invited to dress in costume and there is candy given, certain rides are open during the event as well as a costume contest and not-too-scary Halloween-themed entertainment for kids.

Read more LEGOLAND tips for the fall special event,  LEGOLAND Halloween California Brick-or-Treat Guide .

LEGOLAND California with Kids for the Holidays

All of LEGOLAND gets into the holiday spirit during the winter season, with festivities and shows that are included in the regular park admission. There are also seasonal foods and treats, holiday decor and special gift shopping areas. 

Visit Miniland U.S.A. to see more of the Christmas spirit, where many of the buildings have fun holiday touches, including Santa and his sleigh and wreaths decorating the LEGO White House.

Check out more about celebrating  Holidays at LEGOLAND California – Ultimate Seasonal Guide.

Subscribe to Mom Rewritten Newsletter

Brick-or-Treat Party Nights Halloween Celebration at LEGOLAND® California Resort

Wednesday 12th of September 2018

[…] READ MORE: LEGOLAND California San Diego SoCal Guide […]

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• skip to Main Navigation
• skip to Main Content
• skip to Footer

LEGOLAND® California

LEGOLAND California: A Trip the Whole Family Will Enjoy

LEGOLAND California is a dreamland for LEGO lovers of all ages. This magnificent theme park features over 22,000 LEGO models constructed from over 57 million pieces! Kids will be enchanted from the minute they enter the park.

Located in Carlsbad , California, the flower capital of the US, LEGOLAND California opened their doors in March of 1999. This LEGOLAND park was the third in the world to open. It was also the first in the USA to invite families into their incredible park.

The famous California resort welcomes over 1.4 million visitors to their mind-blowing 124-acre theme park each year. My favorite part of any visit to LEGOLAND is seeing the kids’ smiles from ear to ear, pasted on their little faces.

You can jump on into a real submarine for the ultimate underwater experience. Or, ride the waves on a boat around a miniature Lady Liberty built from LEGO brick. No matter what you choose to do, you create some treasured memories with your loved ones.

If you're planning a trip to the Golden State, LEGOLAND is a must-see attraction. Immerse the family in a park full of interactive family-friendly rides, building workshops, and other amazing attractions.

Awe-inspiring experiences await families who are looking for a fun-filled day with their children! The LEGOLAND franchise also features a park dedicated to all things aquatic formally known as the SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND . For those looking to cool off and splash around on a hot summer afternoon, LEGOLAND has a water park known as LEGOLAND Water Park . The fun never stops when there's so much to do!

Attention all visitors to LEGOLAND California! Starting March 22, embark on an adventure to the prehistoric era with the park's latest attraction, Dino Valley at Legoland California . Roam amongst towering LEGO dinosaurs and experience thrilling dinosaur-themed rides and attractions that will transport you back in time. Get ready to unearth excitement and discovery as you explore what's new and what to expect at the all-new Dino Valley. Don't miss out on this Jurassic journey at LEGOLAND California!

Stay Nearby

Designed with families and their kids in mind, LEGOLAND Castle Hotel at the LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad is a feast for the imagination. You're sure to have as much fun as Todd does on his tour!

Price of Admission to LEGOLAND California Park in 2024

Admission to LEGOLAND is available through either day tickets or annual passes.

The prices for day tickets are as follows:

• 1-Day Tickets (One or Multi-Park): Starting from $79 per person
• 2-Day Tickets (One or Multi-Park): Starting from $99 per person

LEGOLAND is also offering a special deal on tickets to celebrate their 25th birthday in 2024. The following ticket rates are available until March 10th:

• 1-Day LEGOLAND Theme Park: Adult $84, Child $25
• 1-Day SEA LIFE Hopper: Adult $94, Child $40

Each full-price adult ticket allows you to buy up to 4 kid tickets at the discounted rate.

There’s enough to do at LEGOLAND that the 2-day pass is a viable option for families who want to spend most of their time near the park. There are also Family Vacation Packages for those staying at the on-site hotels.

All tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance online compared to gate prices, so I suggest buying your tickets before your trip to save more money.

Alternatively, it’s a fantastic money saving idea to grab All-inclusive Go City San Diego passes for your entire family using our discount code GVSD5OFF – it’s the ultimate way to save!

Annual Passes for LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND Resort in California features four annual pass selections. Here are the different choices, as well as the per-ticket price:

• Silver Annual Pass $179
• Gold Annual Pass $229 or $15 per month
• Platinum Annual Pass $279 or $18.50 per month
• Elite Annual Pass $349 or $23.25 per month

Gold, Platinum, and Elite passes are available for a flat fee or can be paid in monthly installments. Note that these monthly installments require an initial payment of $49, $57, and $70 per person respectively. The monthly payment option is ideal for families who will visit the park often throughout the year, but who are looking for an affordable alternative to paying one lump sum.

The silver annual pass gives you admission to the Park and offers discount prices for various activities. Also, the Elite Annual Pass will provide you with access to the Park, SEA LIFE Aquarium , and the LEGOLAND® Water Park , too, as well as many other bonuses and discounts.

The park also offers single LEGOLAND California tickets to purchase.

Yes, all the annual passes include discounts for a stay and the LEGOLAND Hotel!

Save BIG on Admission to LEGOLAND California

The best way to get the best prices to LEGOLAND California is to take advantage of amazing savings with a Go San Diego All-Inclusive Pass .

The only complaint visitors have about their trip to LEGOLAND California, is that one day is not enough to enjoy all that the Resort has to offer.

You will have unlimited access to over 60 rides with free admission at LEGOLAND San Diego! For maximum savings, combine your LEGOLAND tickets with a trip to the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego for 55% savings! Passes start at $99 for adults and $89 for children.

Pre-purchase an All-Inclusive Go San Diego pass for additional exclusive saving . Our exclusive partnership with Go City San Diego pass will maximize your savings so that you can enjoy even more for less!

Attractions Included in LEGOLAND California

The Most Popular Attractions at LEGOLAND California

All the attractions at the LEGOLAND California Resort are amazing! However, there are a few experiences you don't want to miss.

Take a coast to coast trip at Miniland USA to see iconic structures built from LEGO brick! Using 32,496,352 LEGOS, with hard work and dedication, popular sites such as Lady Liberty, and the Vegas strip were re-created.

While you're in Miniland, don't forget to venture on over to Southern California. Here, you can see the Hollywood Bowl and Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Along the miniature beaches, you will see surfers as well as others scattered along the coastline. It's the perfect way to see most of Southern California all in one day.

After your mini trip, climb onboard a real submarine! Check out the beautiful sea life as the submarine submerges, allowing you to see the beautiful colors that exist in the spectacular, underwater world.

All these attractions are ones the whole family can appreciate.

Don't forget to book your stay at the LEGOLAND California Resort and Castle Hotel for early access to the theme park! That way, you can take your time journeying through all the wonders this park has to offer.

Special Events held at LEGOLAND

Are you looking for a safe way to celebrate Halloween? Or perhaps you want to celebrate the New Year in a kid-friendly way. San Diego LEGOLAND allows you to do just that.

Take the kids through the treat stations during Halloween and enter a costume contest! Celebrate with a fun-packed night that all members of the family can enjoy.

The theme park also celebrates Holidays at LEGOLAND in December. Enjoy famous Holiday music while admiring the world's most giant LEGO Christmas tree. You can even snap a photo with LEGO Santa.

Celebrate the New Year differently. LEGOLAND begins the countdown at 6 PM so that your kiddos don't miss their bedtimes. Watch a ball made from LEGOS drop from 22 feet in the air as fireworks illuminate the sky.

LEGO NINJAGO Weekends

In 2023, LEGOLAND announced a new way to play that celebrates the ninja-centric NINJAGO property. NINJAGO Weekends take place on Saturdays and Sundays from January 20 to February 18, 2024, with one final celebration on Monday, February 19.

Kids can participate in meet-and-greets with favorite characters, watch live shows, and see a NINJAGO movie at the 4D theater.

Dino Valley

Dino Valley is a new addition coming Spring 2024. It features jurassic-themed meet-and-greets, a themed play area, and two brand new rides: DUPLO® Little Dino Trail and Explorer River Quest.

LEGO World Parade

As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, the park will host a LEGO World Parade in the summer of 2024. Bring the kids to see the floats, featuring large brick structures and popular characters from LEGO franchises, plus singers and dancers.

Dino Valley at LEGOLAND California

Don't miss out! Starting March 22, experience the excitement of Dino Valley , the park's newest attraction at LEGOLAND California. Embark on a journey back in time with thrilling dinosaur-themed rides and attractions awaiting your exploration!

Benefits of staying near LEGOLAND California

Located right at the entrance, the LEGOLAND California Resort and Castle Hotel allows you to beat the hassle of travel and parking when you stay at the hotel. The LEGOLAND hotel offers exclusive deals such as early access to the park.

Make sure to order room service or enjoy the free breakfast buffet every morning before heading out.

There are many great options to stay nearby LEGOLAND California such as the Quality Inn Encinitas Near LEGOLAND located just south in Leucadia and a great option for families traveling on a budget. For more great budget hotel options in San Diego, be sure to check out our article on ‘The Best Budget-friendly Hotels in San Diego’ .

For those looking to stay close with a bit more budget, consider the The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa . This four star Carlsbad resort is located not far from LEGOLAND California and surely won’t disappoint.

Shows and Activities That Everyone Can Enjoy

Want to keep the family together? These experiences will allow you to do just that without compromising the fun factor.

Experience a LEGO Movie in Amazing 4D

Experience short movies through physical interactions of the 4D theater! Feel the mist, rumbles, and wind of these action-packed short films.

This attraction may not be suitable for everyone due to strobe effects.

Meet Your Favorite Characters

Around the Park are characters in costume. Take a stroll around LEGOLAND and introduce your kids to their favorite characters.

Take photos, give high-fives, and enjoy meeting the stars of the LEGO movies.

Visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium

Teach your children about sea life at the kid-oriented, SEA LIFE Aquarium .

For an additional $25, you can let your children have close encounters with sharks, rays, and even an octopus.

Best Ages for LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND is ideal for young children from ages 2 to 12. Now, that's not to say that everyone can't enjoy it because they can! Even adults.

The Best Exhibits at LEGOLAND for Small Children

The Resort strives to provide an all-inclusive atmosphere for children of all ages to enjoy. Best exhibits and rides for children 34" and taller include:

• Coast Cruise
• Fairy Tale Brook
• Safari Trek

As well as plenty of other rides and popular attractions.

The Best Exhibits at LEGOLAND for Older Children

Don't worry; there are rides for your tweens to enjoy as well!

• LEGO Technic Coaster
• Bionicle Blaster
• The Dragon Roller Coaster
• Crooler's Twist

The app's map function will let you view each ride by height requirement to plan your day.

Extra Activities to Enjoy

Grab a Bite to Eat

Try something new! Introduce the family to Granny's Apple Fries. Or, you can stop at one of the other 14 locations to eat within the Resort.

Each dining option includes accommodations for special dietary restrictions.

Don't Forget Your Souvenirs

Many great shops throughout the theme park offer merchandise to bring home with you.

Purchase some Minifigures from the Minifigure Market, or you take a family photo at the Magic Memories Photo Shop!

Stay at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel

While there are many hotels to stay at around the area, upgrade your hotel experience and book a room in the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel ! This quieter option includes over 250-themed rooms. Some of the rooms even include a separate kid's area!

Be on the lookout for playful surprises for the kids throughout the entire castle.

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

LEGOLAND Directions and Parking Information

General Directions

LEGOLAND California Resort is about one hour south of Anaheim, and 30 minutes north of San Diego. Take the Palomar Airport Road Exit off the I-5 Freeway in Carlsbad .

No matter which direction you travel, you should arrive at LEGOLAND Drive to enter at the correct gate.

Parking Information for 2024

There is free parking available for buses and bicycles. However, here is a list of the different parking fees per vehicle:

• Preferred Parking: starting from $35
• Motorcycles: $30
• Campers/RVs: starting from $35

There are also six electric car parking stations available on a first-come, first-serve basis as well.

Quick Tips to Make Your Trip a Breeze

Visit the LEGOLAND California Resort in the Spring and Summer

During Spring and Summer , all rides and activities are expected to be open. However, this does mean longer lines and more massive crowds.

Although there are a couple of things you can do to beat the crowds.

First, you want to arrive before noon and start in the back of the theme park. This will help you to avoid the long lines.

Second, skip the Coastersaurus, Safari Trek, and Fairy Tale Brook and make your way back to them around 3 PM.

Days and Hours of Operation

LEGOLAND California is open to the public seven days a week. However, between September and late February, they close on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The closures during the offseason are for servicing the rides to ensure safety.

Typically, they open at 10:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM. These times are subject to change, so it's a good idea you check LEGOLAND’s website before you venture out.

Need Assistance While You're There?

If you require assistance or have a question while you are at the Resort, there's no need to run to the information center. Instead, you can text (760) 203-3604 for any inquiries.

If your need is urgent, you can contact any staff member within LEGOLAND for help.

The Park's App is an Absolute Must!

The LEGOLAND California Resort App makes your visit so much easier. With the app's planning tool, you can create a personalized list of what rides are suitable for your children.

This convenient app also tells you estimated wait times for rides and provides you with a map of the Park.

Health and Safety Information for 2024

As of 2024, LEGOLAND California has lifted its previous rules for health and safety that were imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Facemasks are no longer required in the park, and guests do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter. However, LEGOLAND California still aims to maintain a safe and healthy atmosphere for all guests.

Note that these regulations may change in the future to comply with the State of California, so double check the guidelines on the official site before your trip!

Legoland California: The Complete Guide

Courtesy of The Merlin Entertainments Group

Legoland California Highlights

Legoland and chima water park highlights, sea life aquarium highlights, what’s new at legoland california, where to eat, admission information, where to stay, the best time to visit, getting there, tips for visiting, legoland california.

Opened in 1999, Legoland California was the first Lego-themed park in the U.S. (There are now Leogland parks in Florida and New York as well.) As with the other Legoland parks in America and around the world, the focus is on children 12 and under and their families. Based on the popular toy brand and its characters, many of the attractions and other elements throughout the park appear to be fashioned out of the brightly colored bricks.

The heart of Legoland is Miniland U.S.A., which features elaborate, miniature dioramas that are all crafted out of Lego blocks. The exhibits depict famous sites and landmarks in the nation including facsimiles of Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre and surfer dudes hanging ten; San Francisco 's Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39; the Las Vegas Strip and its iconic casinos; the French Quarter of New Orleans ; Lego versions of the White House and the Capitol building ; and miniatures of New York City skyscrapers and Central Park .

In addition to the theme park, Legoland California offers two additional gates (which each require separate admission). Visitors can cool down and enjoy the water slides, water play areas, and other features at the Legoland and Chima Water Park while the Sea Life Aquarium features marine life exhibits that are specially designed for children.

The theme park is large and loaded with things to see and experience and with two on-site hotels (which, like everything else at the property, is geared to families with young children), Legoland California is a true destination resort.

Because it targets children, Legoland’s rides are mostly on the mild side. (There are a few that deliver a modicum of thrills.) Rather than passive rides, many of the attractions engage visitors with interactive elements. There are even opportunities to build things with Lego bricks and accessories. Since some attractions have minimum height requirements as low as 30 inches, and others have no height requirements, even very young children will find plenty to do at the park.

On many of the attractions, kids participate in the action. For example, they get to steer their own miniature cars in Driving School and can earn a Legoland driver’s license if they correctly follow the rules of the road. There is a Junior Driving School for children ages 3 to 5.

On the Kid Power Tower, guests hoist themselves up and then get to let themselves fall to the ground. On the Aquazone Wave Racer, passengers have to pilot their vehicles to avoid water blasts, and at Skipper School, they can freely steer boats around a lagoon. The Fun Town Police and Fire Academy recruits visitors to rescue a burning building by using fire hoses. On the high-tech Lego Ninjago the Ride, passengers use martial arts-like hand gestures to hurl lightning bolts and other virtual weapons at villains.

Legoland California also offers some out-and-out thrills (albeit, the “pink-knuckle” variety) on roller coasters such as Coastersaurus, The Dragon (which travels both outdoors and into a castle to confront the namesake creature), and the Lego Technic Coaster. There is also the interactive Lost Kingdom Adventure dark ride, a Safari Trek that features encounters with Lego animals, and Lego City: Deep Sea Adventure, an underwater journey aboard an actual submarine.

Among the park’s shows is the wildly funny The Lego Movie 4D A New Adventure. The 4D presentation features Emmet, Unikitty, and other characters from the hilarious movie series. Other 4D shows include Lego City 4D - Officer in Pursuit! and Lego Ninjago: Master of the 4th Dimension.

Legoland’s water park has the usual suspects, including body slides, a mat racing slide, a family raft ride , a wave pool, and an interactive water play station with a dump bucket. It also offers Pirate Reef, a shoot-the-chutes boat ride in which everybody gets soaked.

But the water park is also unique in that, like the theme park, it offers some interactive, hands-on experiences. For Build-A-Raft River, guests can customize their inner tubes with oversized Lego bricks before floating down a lazy river. At Eglor’s Build-A-Boat, kids can use bricks to create a boat and then race against other participants. At Imagination Station, visitors can use Duplo bricks to build bridges, dams, and other structures in the water.

For young children, the park also offers pint-sized fun. At Splash Zoo, kids can frolic among Duplo animals, while at Duplo Splash Safari, there are sprayers and other ways for children to douse themselves and others.

Many of the exhibits at Sea Life Aquarium are hands-on, including opportunities to touch sea stars at the Southern California Rockpool, cavort with stingrays in the Ray Lagoon, and get up close and personal with other creatures in the interactive touchpool. Other zones include Shark Mission, Kingdom of the Seahorse, and San Francisco Harbor, which features animals indigenous to the region (including a giant Pacific octopus).

One of the more unique exhibits at the aquarium is Sea at Night. It allows visitors to splash among (virtual) tides and experience a simulated nighttime oceanside environment complete with stars, even during the day.

The Merlin Entertainments Group

In 2022, Legoland will be debuting Lego Ferrari Build and Race, an interactive, hands-on experience in which guests will be able to build their own sports car models and then race them against other participants. There will be opportunities to build and race both physical and digital models.

In 2021, the park opened a new land, The Lego Movie World. Based on the popular (and very funny) movie series, the land features three new attractions. The highlight, Emmet’s Flying Adventure Ride, is a flying theater attraction (think Disney’s  Soarin ’) that transports passengers into The Lego Movie landscape. There is also the drop tower ride, Unikitty’s Disco Drop, and Queen Watevra's Carousel. Guests can also visit Emmet’s Super Suite and meet characters from the movies, have fun in Benny’s Playship playground, and snap together creations using Lego bricks in Build Watevra You Wa’Na Build.

It’s designed for the under-12 set, but Legoland California has fare to appeal to parents (and kids with more sophisticated palates). Sure, there are burgers, mac and cheese, and pizza. But there is also banh mi sandwiches, spicy rice and noodle bowls, porchetta, and pesto chicken salad on the menu as well. A good choice is Knight’s Smokehouse BBQ, which offers pulled pork, beef brisket, and other delicacies cooked on-site in a wood smoker. Craft beer is also available for over-21s.

For treats, Legoland offers ice cream, churros, popcorn, and other traditional park fare. Granny’s apple fries—one of the park's more unique, signature items, features granny smith apple slices that are smothered in cinnamon sugar and vanilla cream.

One-day passes to the park are available. Children 3 and under are free; all others pay the same price. Legoland often sells advance tickets at a discount online at its official site . It also sometimes offers 2-day tickets at a discount on its site.

Separate admission is required for Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland and Chima Water Park. Visitors can purchase a-la-carte tickets to the aquarium, but in order to enter the water park, you must first have a pass to the theme park. (Entrance to the water park is inside the theme park.) Packages are generally available that include Legoland park plus one or both of the other attractions. The resort also generally offers hotel packages that include accommodations at its on-site properties and passes to the park, water park, and aquarium.

Legoland offers annual passes, which come in a variety of levels. The higher levels, which cost more, include additional benefits such as admission to the aquarium and the water park, fewer blackout dates, and free parking.

Legoland California offers two on-site properties: Legoland Hotel and Legoland Castle Hotel . The rooms, which come in a variety of configurations, have Lego-inspired themes, including Lego Ninjago and pirates at the Legoland Hotel, and knights and dragons at the Castle Hotel. Both properties offer easy access to the park, water park, and aquarium as well as pools, play areas, and other amenities. Breakfast is included at the Legoland Hotel.

The theme park and aquarium are open year round. The water park is open daily in June, July, and August as well as some days in March, April, May, and generally weekends only in September and October.

Crowds are typically highest in March and early April during spring break, June and July for summer break, and late December for the holidays. If you want to avoid crowds, the lowest attendance periods are late January, mid-to-late August, September, and early December.

Legoland California is located in Carlsbad, California at One Legoland Drive. The resort is about 30 minutes away from San Diego. From the I-5 Freeway, take the Cannon Road exit. Nearby airports include San Diego (SAN) and Los Angeles International (LAX). There is also a nearby, smaller airport, Carlsbad (CLD/CRQ - McClellan-Palomar).

• You might want to consider visiting during the fall, when the crowds are (generally) fairly light, and the park offers its Halloween event, Brick-or-Treat. The scare-free event includes special shows, trick-or-treat stations, costume contests, and character meet-and-greets.
• While attendance is heavier during the holidays (especially later in December), Legoland does deck its halls with Lego-themed ornaments. It also offers a holiday light show, seasonal treats, and live music.
• Go San Diego offers passes that include discounted admission to Legoland California (as well as the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and other area attractions). Options include: the All-Inclusive pass, which offers unlimited admission to as many attractions as you wish to visit over the course of a prescribed number of days; or the Build Your Own pass, which offers discount pricing on specific attractions.
• The CityPASS program includes access to Legoland California. In the past, CityPASS charged one price for its Southern California pass, and offered admission to Disneyland Park , Disney California Adventure, Universal Studios Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, and San Diego Zoo, in addition to Legoland.
• The San Diego Tourism Authority offers San Diego's Fab 4 Combo Deal . The discount pass includes admission to Legoland California, SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
• Take advantage of early admission. Guests staying at Legoland’s on-site hotels get to enter the park before the general public.
• If you visit during an especially busy time, you may want to consider purchasing Reserve N Ride , Legoland’s line-reduction program. It comes in three varieties, all of which allow visitors to make ride reservations and skip the lines; the more you pay, the less time you’ll have to wait before boarding rides.
• Download the Legoland mobile app prior to your visit. It offers resources to help plan your visit as well as enjoy your experiences at the park. The app can be used to purchase tickets, find out waiting times for rides, gain access to offers and discounts, see showtimes, and more.
• If you have young children who do not meet height requirements, take advantage of the park’s parent swap program. All members of your family can wait in line together, and parents can trade places going on a ride and staying with their children without having to get back in line.

18 Best Things to Do in Toronto With Kids

16 Best Things to Do at Legoland Florida

Best New Theme Park Attractions for Little Kids

A Guide to San Diego's Theme and Amusement Parks

Legoland California Tickets

Best Theme Parks in Southern California and Los Angeles

Best Southern California Family Vacations

The Top 20 Things to Do in San Diego, California

California Theme Parks and Amusement Parks

18 Fun Things to Do With Kids in San Diego

Your Trip to San Diego: The Complete Guide

Legoland in Billund, Denmark: The Original Legoland

Florida Theme Parks and Amusement Parks

Wet and Wonderful Water Parks in California

Theme Parks for Families with Young Children

Peppa Pig Theme Park: The Complete Guide

LEGOLAND California

Let your children’s imagination come to life at Legoland!   Legoland California Resort, in Carlsbad, has more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions. The rides are made of gigantic Lego bricks, and the park decor is all things Lego. One of the park’s most popular rides is the Lego Technic Coaster. The bravest visitors will embark on a seedy and winding coaster ride in a life-sized Lego vehicle.   The driving school gives children the opportunity to learn to drive electric Lego cars and get their own “driver’s license” at the end.

Legoland California Hotel

Located right at the entrance to the park is the Legoland Hotel. Stay in fun-filled themed rooms that the kids will love. You’ll also get exclusive early access to select attractions and rides before the general public. There are plenty of interactive features throughout the hotel, including a giant pit of LEGO bricks in the main lobby.

SeaLife Aquarium

The aquarium has many fascinating sea creatures including, sharks, octopi, and rays. Your child can experience hands-on learning in the interactive touch pool exhibit. The aquarium features over 250 different species.  Watch divers enter the aquarium’s underwater wonderland and feed the creatures while giving you educational information regarding the creatures. The Aquarium opens daily at 11:00 AM.

Legoland Waterpark

GET TICKETS NOW!

Contact legoland california.

(877) 376-5346

Map & Directions

Kansas City Barbeque

San Diego Speed Boat Adventures

Things To Do This Week in San Diego June 24th – 30th

Things To Do This Week in San Diego June 17th – 23rd

Things To Do This Week in San Diego June 10th – 16th

Things To Do This Week in San Diego June 3rd – 9th

Privacy Overview

Welcome, Login to your account.

Recover your password.

A password will be e-mailed to you.

Legoland California on a Budget: 10 Money-Saving Tips

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: February 16, 2018

Share this!:

My family takes many of our theme park vacations at Disney destinations. Don’t tell, but we recently decided to cheat on the Mouse. Our destination for a long weekend getaway: Legoland California in Carlsbad near San Diego. With an 8 year old daughter and a 4 year old son, my family is firmly in the Lego-loving sweet spot. Although we treat ourselves to splurge vacations on occasion, this trip was all about budget travel. We snagged $29 flights down to San Diego during a major Southwest Airlines flight sale, so it seemed only fitting to do the rest of the trip on a dime as well.

Although theme park visits are rarely super cheap, I’m happy to report that Legoland can be done quite inexpensively. Here are the tips and tricks that saved us money so you can visit Legoland California on a budget with your family too.

Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you click on links featured in this post. See our full disclosure policy  here .

Everything is awesome!

Money Saving Budget Tips for Legoland California

1. stay in an off-site hotel.

While the Legoland California Hotel  is amazingly cool and well-located just steps from the park entrance, it is very expensive. Rates can often start well over $300 or even $400 a night. (Note that since this article was originally published, the brand new Legoland Castle Hotel  has opened too!)

The Legoland Hotel wows – but at a big cost.

In contrast, the prices for off-site hotels very close by can be exceedingly reasonable. We ultimately booked at the La Quinta Carlsbad , located only a 5-7 minute drive away from the park. Why? We found a two bedroom, two bath family suite with a fridge, microwave, and bunk beds for the kids for just $113 a night. The La Quinta brand can certainly be hit or miss, but the 4 star TripAdvisor reviews for this particular hotel didn’t lead us astray. This was a standout value property – very clean with excellent customer service and a free hot breakfast that saved us even more money.

Two room family suite at the La Quinta Carlsbad was just over $100 a night. Bunk beds!

Remember: just because you aren’t splurging on one of the two official Legoland hotels l doesn’t mean you have to miss experiencing them. We spent plenty of time in the hotel lobby of the Legoland California Hotel letting our kids play and build on the giant pirate ship. We also treated ourselves to character dining at one of the restaurants, Bricks (more on how we saved money on that later). The kids were none the wiser and we saved hundreds.

Even if you aren’t staying at the Legoland Hotel, your kids can take advantage of the free play areas in the lobby.

2. Snag a Ticket Deal

If you are used to Disneyland where ticket discounts are very minimal, refocus your thinking. Legoland has bigger deals, particularly for multi-day tickets. (See more Disneyland vs. Legoland differences in this comparison guide.)

Two day tickets at Legoland California offer a great per day value.

We pre-purchased 2 day tickets online from Get Away Today , a travel agency that specializes in SoCal family vacations that I partner with and recommend (putting my money where my mouth is!). Get Away Today had a two day Legoland hopper tickets for both adults and kids that include admission to both Legoland California and the Sea Life Aquarium for just $89 total. Quality theme parks simply don’t get much cheaper than $45 per person per day.

(GET AWAY TODAY BONUS: Visiting SoCal on a longer trip? Use promo code  TYKES10  for an extra $10 off all vacation package stays of 2 nights or more.)

If you are wondering whether two days at Legoland is too much, I’d say no. While you can certainly get the flavor of the place in a day, ride lines are too long to ride the majority of the attractions in a single day.

Whatever you do, definitely do not wait until you get to the gate to purchase your tickets. Gate price for a single day non-hopper was a whopping $125, making our $89 two day hoppers a crazy value in comparison.

3. Order Kids Meals

Legoland only has counter service restaurants and snack stands throughout the park. There are no sit-down-and-be-served dining options. What does that mean? Adults aren’t limited to the adult menu! Kids meals can be a great way to save money and even sometimes to have more variety in meal choices. And the food at Legoland California is much better than standard theme park fare so you feel like you are getting your money’s worth even more so.

Healthy delicious meals at Legoland California on the cheap.

All the kids meals at Legoland California come with a drink (Honest Kids Juice Boxes, Milk/Chocolate Milk, or upgrade to a soda for $2 more) as well as a side of fruit (either raisins or a fresh apple). Most kids meals we saw were $8.99. While probably not enough food for hungrier adults, my husband and I found them to be enough, particularly since we wanted to save room for some of the snacks and sweet treats Legoland is known for – like apple fries!

Save room for Granny’s Apple Fries.

4. Bring Snacks

Technically, Legoland bars outside snacks. Realistically, they are totally cool with families bringing small amounts of food and drink into the park. We had no problem bringing some bottled waters, cokes, and kid snacks like goldfish and peanut butter crackers in my purse.

5. Focus on the Cheap Souvenirs

As you can probably guess, stores at Legoland are plentiful. They are well-stocked with nearly every Lego set imaginable – Star Wars, Lego Friends, Disney Princesses, Knights, Elves, and more. If your kids have Legos, you know that those little pieces of plastic are expensive. My advice? Skip buying the big expensive sets while you are there and go for the cheap souvenirs instead.

My older child loved adding to her pressed penny collection while we visited Legoland California. Machines were just about as plentiful as they are in Disneyland. At just $0.51 each, it’s easy to let your kids pick a few as the day goes along.

Building her own minifig souvenirs for trading at Legoland California for under $10.

Another inexpensive souvenir to consider is a Lego minifig. You can custom build a set of 3 of your own at the store right at the park entrance for just $9.99. Alternately, opt to purchase a packaged single minifig for $4.95 each. Then, spend time trading minifigs with the Legoland California employees. It is just like pin trading at Disney and provides hours of funs for a one time, low cost investment. (Get the scoop on how to trade minifigs at Legoland California ).

6. Be Smart About Parking Fees

Legoland currently charges $20 for regular parking and $30 for preferred. It probably goes without saying that budget travelers want to opt for the cheapest choice. Since we were arriving straight to the park from the airport our first day of vacation and arrived at the park a bit after opening, we splurged on the preferred parking our first day. The $10 upcharge was actually well worth it to be a very short walk from the gates.

On our second day, we arrived more than a half hour before park opening expecting to again find out how smart we were paying a little more for preferred parking. We soon realized that the regular parking available at the earlier hour was just as close as the preferred parking. D’oh!

My advice? Plan to arrive early and pay only for the basic parking because you’ll be able to snag a cheap spot very close. Or even consider a hotel that has a free shuttle to the park and save on parking costs altogether!

7. BYOS – Bring Your Own Stroller (And Towel. And Sunscreen. Etc.)

While Legoland certainly has the essentials to purchase or rent if you need them, the best way you can save money is by preparing and packing all the gear you need yourselves. Stroller rental fees are $14 per day for single strollers ($17 for doubles) at Legoland, so definitely bring your own if you think your child cannot quite walk all day yet. We were glad to have our ultra-compact gb Pockit for my 4 year old son. Even though he goes without a stroller at our local theme parks, Legoland California is big enough and hilly enough that you will want a stroller for preschoolers.

Grateful for our free stroller at Legoland California after a long two days!

The same principle holds true for most other supplies. If you plan to visit the water park during the times of year it is open, for example, bring your own towel and sunscreen too.

8. Skip the Prize Booths & Extra Fee Based Attractions

One thing I didn’t love about Legoland was the plethora of state fair style “win a giant stuffed animal prize” booths that seemed to be all over the park. They are quite expensive and rarely very rewarding. Naturally, my kids definitely noticed them and begged to participate. We held firm and instead focused on the free offerings at Legoland California. Frankly, the rides, playgrounds, food, and Lego buildings are more than enough entertainment.

9. Skip Photo Pass & Reserve ‘N’ Ride

Similar to Disney parks, Legoland has a skip-the-line product called Reserve ‘N’ Ride as well as its own Photo Pass service. Both offerings cost extra.

While Fastpass is free at Disney, Reserve ‘N’ Ride costs between $25-100 per person at Legoland, depending on how much you want to reduce your wait times. We found that the rides weren’t iconic enough to justify paying extra for faster access. My advice is to get to Legoland early, hit the few rides you really want to do most then, and then be flexible beyond that point. The play areas and Lego scenes to explore are really the highlight of the park.

As for Photo Pass, we were initially really excited to see it priced at just $25 per day. We thought we might be able to justify the cost if we could get a few great family shots together. The problem? There were almost no photographers in the parks to make the product worthwhile. The offering seemed to only really give you access to a few ride photos. But since we rode so few rides with the cameras (thanks in part to lines and also to a 4 year old who wasn’t having the coasters), it simply wasn’t worth the money.

10. Take Advantage of Deals Offered in the Legolando App

Dining at Bricks & meeting characters at a discount!

While the Legoland app isn’t necessarily up to date with wait times, download it and use it. Why? In addition to having a helpful map, it fairly regularly showed deals. On both days we were in the parks, an offer for kids to eat at 50% off at Bricks (the character dining restaurants in the Legoland Hotel) appeared for us in the mid-afternoon. Since we were already planning to dine there our final evening, the unexpected discount was a nice surprise.

Have you been to Legoland California? Share your other money-saving tips in the comments.

Headed to Legoland on the East Coast? Check out this guide to hotels near Legoland Florida to help plan your trip.

Looking for other theme parks in the greater San Diego area? This guide to Sesame Place San Diego has all the details on the region’s newest theme park.

Staying in the San Diego area for a longer trip? Check out all the best things to do in San Diego .

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Wednesday 1st of August 2018

This is awesome, thanks! Is there a better "off-season" time that might add to cost savings? Thanks so much for all the great tips!

Julie Bigboy

Friday 16th of February 2018

Love these tips for LEGOLAND!! I hadn't even realized that there was no sit-down dining...I'm totally going to order a kid's meal for myself next time!

10 Tips for LEGOLAND California: Know Before You Go

Posted on Last updated: May 5, 2024

Home » Destinations » California » LEGOLAND » 10 Tips for LEGOLAND California: Know Before You Go

Sharing is caring!

Are you planning a trip to LEGOLAND California in 2024? You’ll definitely want to read these top tips for LEGOLAND California before you start planning!

This list of the best tips for legoland california was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, i will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. all opinions remain my own..

Are you planning your first trip to LEGOLAND California?

If so, I have a few tips for you! In this post, I’ll share my top 10 tips for planning the perfect LEGOLAND vacation. Keep scrolling for all the best LEGOLAND California tips and tricks.

My family loves visiting LEGOLAND California because it’s smaller than other theme parks, it has shorter hours, and there are so many fun things to do there!

You’ll have even more fun if you follow these simple steps below, so let’s get started!

If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out my post about what to do at LEGOLAND California with kids under 5 years old . It includes some of our favorite rides and attractions that are great for toddlers and preschoolers!

Don’t have time to read a bunch of LEGOLAND blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting LEGOLAND with kids.

Where to Stay at LEGOLAND California

• LEGOLAND Hotel (this is the original hotel and it has a great pool and indoor play area)
• LEGOLAND Castle Hotel (this is the newer hotel and it has outdoor movies and a playground)
• Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa (it’s within walking distance to LEGOLAND and has a pool)
• MarBrisa Carlsbad Resort (it’s also within walking distance to LEGOLAND and has a pool)
• Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa (slightly longer walk but has a pool)

Want to Save Money at LEGOLAND? Check out Get Away Today for the cheapest LEGOLAND packages that include hotel and tickets.

LEGOLAND California FAQs

The airport closest to LEGOLAND California is the San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Most of the rides are designed for kids ages 2 through 12 years old. They have an entire Duplo area with toddler activities. But there are rides with minimum height requirements that are geared for kids ages 5 and up. Kids who are 48″ tall can even do a bunch of rides on their own.

YES! Kids of all genders can play with LEGOs and enjoy amusement park rides and play areas. The new LEGO Movie World has a lot of recognizable characters and attractions that will appeal to anyone who has seen the movie.

Top LEGOLAND Tips and Tricks to Know BEFORE Your Trip

1. don’t pay full price for tickets.

There are always deals for LEGOLAND California so there’s no reason to pay full price.

They run a great Black Friday sale each year with great discounts on both tickets and hotel rooms. You can also usually find coupons for free kids’ tickets in LEGO magazine or when they partner with other brands.

I highly recommend price checking with Get Away Today . They consistently have the lowest price for hotel and ticket packages and they have the BEST customer service. Check your dates HERE .

There’s also a promotion that happens in October where a bunch of San Diego attractions are free for kids. Otherwise, there are TONS of things to do in San Diego for kids any time of year.

2. Best Time to go to LEGOLAND

I think LEGOLAND California is really fun year-round. It’s definitely more crowded on Fridays-Sundays than Mondays-Thursdays. And it’s crowded on holidays. So, that should be your first consideration.

If your schedule is flexible, check out this LEGOLAND California crowd calendar . It can help you figure out the exact dates to go for the fewest crowds.

October is another great time to visit LEGOLAND California. That’s because they run a Kids Free San Diego promotion where you can take advantage of free kids tickets for LEGOLAND as well as other San Diego attractions. They also have some fun Halloween events.

3. Stay in a LEGOLAND Hotel (trust me)

Ok, I’m not normally someone who tells people to stay in a specific hotel because I know everyone has different needs and budgets. However, I strongly suggest staying in a LEGOLAND hotel for a few reasons.

First of all, LEGOLAND has fairly condensed hours. It’s usually open 10am-5pm or 10am-6pm. That means there is a LOT of time to figure out something to keep your kids occupied.

Thankfully, the LEGOLAND hotels have tons of kids’ programming, pools, playgrounds, and more.

Secondly, it’s literally a few steps away from the park entrance. That makes it easy to run back to the room if you forget something or need to change clothes or bring a toddler back for a quick nap.

Read my reviews of the LEGOLAND Hotel and the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel .

Thirdly, they are set up to help parents out. The kids have a separate sleeping area with bunk beds and a trundle, LEGOs to play with inside the room, and their own TV. There is also a step stool in the bathroom and a seat reducer on the toilet.

When you book a LEGOLAND hotel , you also get a free breakfast buffet that has basically every kind of food. There are lots of options for kids but there are also great options for adults.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that they serve cocktails at the kids’ play areas at the hotels. Brilliant!

4. Two Days is Perfect

I know that a lot of people plan a LEGOLAND day trip and I think that’s a great option for a lot of families. However, I think two days is the optimal LEGOLAND trip and I’ll tell you why.

Because the park has shorter hours than other theme parks, the day really does fly by. With a day trip, you probably won’t be able to do all the rides you’d like (especially if there are long lines). With two days, you can easily do all the rides on your list.

There’s also a really cool aquarium you can visit in about 2 hours. I’d skip it if you’re just doing a day trip, but I’d definitely do it if you have two days in the park.

Finally, there’s also a waterpark you can visit during the warmer months. Again, I’d skip it for a day trip but it would be worth doing if you had two days.

5. It’s About an Hour from San Diego

As you’re working on your LEGOLAND trip, it’s helpful to know that it’s about an hour’s drive from the San Diego Airport. And it can be even longer with traffic.

So, consider that when you are booking your flights. And you might consider expanding your San Diego itinerary to include a few days in town.

If you take an early morning flight, you might be able to get to LEGOLAND right as it’s opening (or close to it) so you could drop your bags at the hotel and go play.

It’s also pretty easy to do almost a full day at LEGOLAND and then take an evening flight, as long as you account for the drive to the airport.

6. What to Wear to LEGOLAND

If you are used to doing Disney vacations, you probably are wondering if people do the matching family shirts for LEGOLAND or dress up in any way.

We usually see a handful of families with custom family LEGO shirts. I’ve also seen really cute LEGO dresses. But, these are definitely the minority.

Usually, you’ll see kids wearing something LEGO-related (like a shirt they bought at Target) pants/shorts , and athletic shoes .

For adults, people tend to wear jeans or “comfy” clothing like athleisurewear and athletic shoes .

You’ll also see a lot of hats to block the sun and sunglasses . And people wear sweatshirts or jackets on cooler days.

7. What to Bring to LEGOLAND

It’s helpful to bring a backpack to LEGOLAND with a few essentials. Sunscreen is helpful because so much of the park is in the open air.

I also recommend bringing some drinks and snacks . Most of the food options don’t open when the park opens, which can leave you scrambling with little kids who are hungry.

You’ll also want to bring LEGO minifigures with you to trade inside the park. They have little plastic cases with minifigures at most of the stores so you can trade with staff members. Just be sure that your LEGO minifigure has all the body parts.

8. Best Rides at LEGOLAND CA

One of the best rides at LEGOLAND California is the new Emmet’s Flying Adventure Ride . It’s basically like Soarin’ Over California at Disneyland, but it’s all about LEGO creations and it’s seriously amazing!

For thrill rides, The Dragon is a great beginner rollercoaster and the Coastasaurus is one step up from that.

The Driving School (and the Junior Driving School ) is a fun place where kids can actually drive a little car on roads through a little town. And they get their own driver’s license at the end.

For interactive rides, LEGO Ninjago The Ride is pretty fun. You use your arms to throw things at bad guys at screens (sort of like Web Slingers at Disney California Adventure). And Lost Kingdom Adventure is where you shoot laser guns at targets (sort of like Buzz Lightyear).

9. What to Eat or Drink at LEGOLAND

One of the best snacks at LEGOLAND is Granny’s Apple Fries . These are fries made out of Granny Smith apples and rolled in sugar and cinnamon. They come in a portable container with whipped cream for dipping.

For “real food” I recommend checking out Knights’ Smokehouse BBQ or the Pizza and Pasta Buffet .

If your family drinks a lot of soda, you might want to buy the LEGOLAND California refillable cups . You pay for the cup and then each refill is less than $2. This saves a lot of money to do it this way versus paying for soda everywhere you go.

Anything to avoid?

I’m from Seattle and I only drink “fancy” coffee. I hate to say it, but the coffee options at LEGOLAND totally suck. It all tastes like drip coffee. The same goes for the coffee at the LEGOLAND hotels.

10. They Will Hold Your Purchases

There are several LEGO stores throughout the park and there’s a good chance someone will see something they want.

While I usually recommend that people wait to buy stuff until the end of the day so they can just bring it back to their hotel, sometimes the items are no longer in stock. This happened to us with a specific LEGO sword.

The cool thing is that you can actually have the store hang on to your purchases so you can continue your day without holding bags. And they will even bring it to the park exit!

LEGOLAND California for Toddlers

If you’re traveling to LEGOLAND with toddlers, you’ll definitely want to read my Guide to LEGOLAND with Toddlers. We all know that traveling with toddlers has its own struggles and doing a theme park with toddlers is different than with older kids.

Tips for LEGOLAND California Wrap Up

I hope this post helps you plan your perfect LEGOLAND California vacation! It’s one of our favorite family vacation destinations! Keep scrolling to read more articles about LEGOLAND California!

Looking for more LEGOLAND California travel resources? Check out this LEGOLAND Castle Hotel Review , LEGOLAND Hotel Adventure Room Review , LEGOLAND CA tips , LEGOLAND packing list , Disneyland vs LEGOLAND , Why LEGOLAND Might Not Be Fun for Parents: And How to Turn It Around best hotels near LEGOLAND California , 13 Ways to Visit LEGOLAND on a Budget , and tips for LEGOLAND with toddlers !

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

$35 Tickets to Celebrate Carlsbad Day at LEGOLAND

The annual  Celebrate Carlsbad Day at LEGOLAND California will take place on Saturday, February 2 9, 2020  from   11:00 am – 8:00 pm.   Specially priced LEGOLAND tickets are available for sale online.  

New this year!  They are hosting a  $29.99 Early-Bird 1-day ticket sale  which ends at midnight on Thursday, Feb. 6.

All proceeds from this event support robotics for every 2 nd -grade student in the Carlsbad Unified School District.

Even though Celebrate Carlsbad Day is officially on February 29, you can use your admission ticket  EITHER  on Saturday, Feb. 29, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.,  OR  from Monday, March 2 – Friday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How To Purchase Tickets For Celebrate Carlsbad at LEGOLAND

• The cost to attend Celebrate Carlsbad Day at LEGOLAND is normally $35 for a one-day ticket or $60 for a two-day ticket.
• Hurry though! The $29.99 Early-Bird 1-day ticket sale ends at midnight on Thursday, Feb. 6.
• Two-day tickets are for LEGOLAND only.
• SEA LIFE tickets are available for only $10 as an add on.
• To attend SEA LIFE on both days of a two-day ticket, purchase one regular-priced SEA LIFE ticket at the gate to attend the second day.
• Parking is not included.

Tickets for Celebrate Carlsbad Day at LEGOLAND are available for individuals ages 3 and up.  Advance tickets may be purchased online at  carlsbaded.org .

Book A Stay At The LEGOLAND Hotel

Since you’re already in the area, why not book a room and spend the night in one of the  LEGO Hotel Friends fully themed rooms at the LEGOLAND Hotel !

LEGOLAND California is located at 1 Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008.   To learn more about Celebrate Carlsbad Day, visit The Carlsbad Educational Foundation .

Happy Field Tripping!

More Things To Do With Kids in San Diego

Get $ 35 Tickets To LEGOLAND Calif ornia on March 1, 2020

75 Places To Explore in San Diego with Kids

Living Coast Discovery Center is one of San Diego’s Best Family Attractions

Insider Tips for Visiting the Birch Aquarium in San Diego

The Best Time To Visit The Flower Fields in Carlsbad

Book A Room at the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel in Carlsbad - SoCal Field Trips

Thursday 10th of May 2018

[…] $30 tickets to LEGOLAND California to Celebrate Carlsbad Day in […]

$30 Tickets To Kid's College Community Day at LEGOLAND - SoCal Field Trips

Friday 23rd of February 2018

[…] California has done it again!  Not only are they offering $30 tickets to visit LEGOLAND on March 3, 2018 but they’re also offering $30 tickets to visit LEGOLAND on Sunday, March 4 in celebration […]

Saturday 29th of April 2017

Hi Jilleen, I want to purchase the tickets for Sat April 29 but the link shows April 30 as the only option. Can I just purchase the ticket even though it says April 30? Thank you

Sunday 14th of May 2017

I think we solved this for you on the phone last week.

Monday 1st of May 2017

No, sorrry. I would call the company directly for further information.

Tuesday 25th of April 2017

Hello, I am interested in buying tickets for April 29 in legoland and support the foundation, I did not find a page with details about the purchase and some some doubts.

Can I pay with a debit card? Do I have to present the card to collect the tickets or those sent to my mail? Greetings.

Saturday 23rd of April 2016

How do I buy tickets for $35 in person and NOT online. I do not have a printer. I want to go tomorrow April 23.

They are only available online.

Popular Searches

Planning Tools

View updated park hours for LEGOLAND® California Resort.

Opening Hours

The LEGOLAND California Mobile App makes planning your day easier than ever.

Directions & Parking

LEGOLAND California Resort is east of the I-5 Freeway, just 30 minutes north of San Diego and one hour south of Anaheim.

View and download our park map to learn where popular attractions, shows, and shops are before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have a specific question? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to the questions we get the most.

Visit FAQ Page

Know Before You Go

Visit our Know Before You Go page for information about theme park reservations, height requirements, ride closures, accessibility information, and safety measures.

Ready to Go? Book Your Trip Below

Family Vacation Packages

• Overnight hotel stay
• LEGOLAND® California Hopper Tickets
• Exclusive early theme park access

Extra perks of staying at our LEGOLAND Hotel or Castle Hotel:  

• Located just steps away from the LEGOLAND California Park entrance
• Free hot breakfast at your hotel daily
• Separate sleeping area for kids in every room
• Daily in-room treasure hunt with complimentary LEGO® souvenir 
• Heated, resort-style pool at your hotel 
• A chance to keep the fun going after dark, with play areas, nightly shows, dance parties, and more!

One or Multi-Day Tickets

• LEGOLAND Theme Park or
• LEGOLAND Theme Park, Water Park & SEA LIFE Aquarium or
• LEGOLAND Theme Park & SEA LIFE Aquarium

Annual Passes

See all blockout dates

• Admission to LEGOLAND California (blockout dates apply)
• Includes LEGOLAND Resort Hotel Discounts
• Includes admission to LEGOLAND California Resort, LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE Aquarium (blockout dates apply)
• 15% discount on dining
• 10% discount on retail in Park
• 15% discount on on-site Hotels
• Discounted Brick-or-Treat Tickets
• 20% discount on dining
• FREE parking
• Includes admission to LEGOLAND California Resort, LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE Aquarium (no blockout dates!)
• 25% discount on dining
• FREE Entry to Brick-or-Treat

Extras & Experiences

Make your trip to LEGOLAND® California Resort even more special with our great range of extras and experiences!

• Water Park Cabanas
• VIP Experiences
• Reserve & Ride
• Unlimited Digital Photos
• Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup

Return to the main Plan Your Visit page.

BOOK A VACATION

• Los Angeles
• San Bernardino

Field trips in and around San Diego county

This is the theme park Arizonans want tickets to most. Hint: It's not Disneyland

S ummertime in Arizona can mean 120-degree temperatures , untouchable steering wheels and baking pizza on car dashboards. But it can also mean family vacations and fun getaways.

If you want to trade the blazing summer heat for something fun to do this summer, there is likely something for you. A recent study identified the most popular theme parks and attractions among Arizonans.

The ranking by Tickets2You analyzed Google searches between May 2023 and April 2024 for the most sought-after attraction tickets in each U.S. state. Approximately 339 theme parks were ranked based on the number of monthly ticket searches in Arizona to reveal the state's most wanted attraction tickets.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Most of these destinations are found in California, but there are a few popular local spots that also made it to the list.

Here's a rundown of the popular themed spots and why they made it to the list.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios in Hollywood was found to be the most popular attraction ticket for Arizonans with an average of 5,317 monthly searches.

The original Universal theme park was also California's and Nevada's most popular attraction ticket, according to the study. While initially serving as a film studio, the theme park was developed and opened in 1964.

Some of the park's top attractions include its Studio Tour across memorable movie sets and state-of-the-art rides based on major franchises like Super Mario , Jurassi c World , Harry Potter, and Despicable Me among others.

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney World in Orlando, Florida , emerged as Arizona's second most in-demand attraction ticket, eclipsing almost every other destination on the study with 4,300 average monthly searches among state residents.

Spanning four theme parks and two water parks, Disney World has some of the globe's leading theme park rides, including Space Mountain, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Avatar Flight of Passage and the Haunted Mansion. The little ones who cannot enjoy these rides just yet can witness the resort's famous fireworks displays.

Visitors can enjoy days in different parks like Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.

Approximately 22 states searched for Walt Disney World Resort tickets more than any other attraction ticket, including New York, Colorado, Florida and New Jersey. 

Look back: The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest in the US. See what it looked like when it opened

Castles N' Coasters

Arizona's very own theme park destination Castles N' Coasters was the third most popular attraction ticket among residents.

Locals search for tickets to the Phoenix tourist attraction an average of 4,150 times every month. In addition to a mini golf course and outdoor go-karting, visitors can enjoy thrills on the Desert Storm coaster or get soaked on the Splashdown log flume ride.

Knott's Berry Farm

The third California destination on the list, Knott's Berry Farm is the fourth most-searched attraction ticket in Arizona.

The 57-acre theme farm averages 2,225 searches for tickets each month among Arizonans. It has over 40 rides including Ghost Rider, considered one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world, Ghost Rider, among other coasters dark rides and water rides.

Californians showed the most interest in Knott's Berry Farm tickets, accounting for 50,675 of the average monthly searches nationwide.  

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld in the Golden State is the fifth most popular attraction ticket among Arizonans, with 1,663 average monthly Google searches.

Home to high thrill rides like Arctic Rescue, Emperor and Manta, SeaWorld San Diego also has a wide selection of family and water rides.

The theme park is popular in many western states, ranking as one of the most sought-after attraction tickets in other states like California and Montana.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags placed sixth among the most sought-after attraction tickets for Arizonans, with monthly searches for tickets reaching an average of 1,067 in the state.

Also located in California, Six Flags Magic Mountain is the most in-demand Six Flags destination in America, ranking above every other location in terms of ticket searches. The park has 19 coasters and celebrates major franchises with themed areas based on the DC Universe, Bugs Bunny and more.

The attraction park also ranks in the top 10 most searched attraction tickets in California, Nevada, Utah and Oregon.

The 10 best gas stations in the US: How did your Arizona favorites rank?

LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND California ranks as Arizona's seventh most-searched attraction ticket.

One of five California destinations to feature among the top attraction tickets for Arizonans, LEGOLAND California averages 992 ticket searches each month in the state.

The park in California features lands dedicated to the Lego Movie, LEGO Ninjago, dinosaurs and pirates. LEGOLAND California allows children and families to go on adventure rides, meet LEGO characters and enjoy unique LEGO experiences.

The second highest-ranking local destination, Old Tuscon is the eighth most popular attraction ticket in Arizona. Residents in the state search for Old Tuscon tickets an average of 904 times a month.

The unique Western-themed destination brings people back, allowing guests to partake in a laser gun shooting gallery, compete in classic Western carnival games, and meet some farm animals at the petting zoo.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park ranked ninth among Arizona ' s most popular attraction tickets.

On average, Arizonans search for Railroad Park tickets 763 times every month. It is home to a carousel, train, model railroad building and a historical railroad museum.  

Legoland Discovery Center Tempe

Behind California's Legoland destination, the Discovery Center in Tempe closed out Arizona's 10 most popular attraction tickets.

Arizonans search for tickets to the local theme park destination 651 times a month on average. The indoor amusement park features a 4D cinema, LEGO VR and rides like Kingdom Quest and Merlin's Apprentice. 

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: This is the theme park Arizonans want tickets to most. Hint: It's not Disneyland

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

Top Searches

Delhi Airport Roof Collapse

International Getaways

India Train Routes

Tiger Population Countries

Greater Noida Metro

Expensive Cities 2024

Going on an epic family-friendly California road trip

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated : Jun 23, 2024, 13:49 IST

You're Reading

A California family road trip from San Diego offers diverse adventures, including visits to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Air and Space Museum, and LEGOLAND California, spanning 245 miles with 8 exciting stops over 4-5 days.

A California family road trip from San Diego offers diverse adventures, including visits to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Air and Space Museum, and LEGOLAND California, spanning 245 miles with 8 exciting stops over 4-5 days. Read less

More from Travel News

Warner and Borrego Springs

International destinations you can fly to directly from Mumbai

Comments (0).

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration.

Visual Stories

Popular Galleries

Chasing tigers: Countries with maximum tiger population TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD

5 quick budget-friendly international getaways from India TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD

Top 10 most expensive cities for expats in 2024 TRAVEL TRENDS , WORLD

Trending stories.

Chasing tigers: Countries with maximum tiger population

• UP govt announces expansion of three major cities

Unforgettable train journeys across India’s best landscape

• Terminal 1 roof collapse at Delhi Airport: Important travel advisory for passengers

5 quick budget-friendly international getaways from India

• 1 Going on an epic family-friendly California road trip
• 2 Namdapha National Park: The only park in the world home to four feline species of big cats
• 3 Famous music festival in Switzerland that all fans should attend in July
• 4 5 hill stations near Hyderabad perfect for quick getaways
• 5 10 tips on how to plan a Europe trip from India

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO DESTINATIONS, ITINERARIES, THINGS TO DO, RESTAURANTS, NIGHTLIFE and LOTS MORE!

FOLLOW US ON

Places to visit.

• Places to visit in Bangalore
• Places to visit in Mumbai
• Places to visit in Delhi
• Places to visit in Goa
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Jaipur
• Hotels in Shimla
• Hotels in Mumbai

Things To do

• Things to do in Goa
• Things to do in Mumbai
• Things to do in Bangalore
• Things to do in Delhi

Travel Inspiration

• Visa on arrival for Indians
• Honeymoon Places in india
• Hill Stations in India
• Weekend getaways in Mumbai
• Weather in Delhi
• Weather in Chennai
• Weather in Bangalore
• Weather in Mumbai

Best Beaches

• Goa Beaches
• Mumbai Beaches
• Pondicherry Beaches
• Kerala Beaches
• Restaurants in Bangalore
• Restaurants in Chennai
• Restaurants in Pune
• Restaurants in Jaipur
• Hill Station near Delhi
• Winter trip to Ladakh
• Places to visit in Kerala
• Winter Honeymoon Destinations
• UK visa guide for Indians
• Winter Trip to Manali
• Vaishno Devi Yatra
• Special Train Ticket Booking
• HP inter-state Bus
• Honeymoon Destinations India

Latest News

• Coming soon: Direct metro connectivity from Greater Noida to Delhi Airport, Railway Station
• 5 must-see destinations before they vanish

Congratulations!

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

A California family road trip from San Diego offers diverse adventures, including visits to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Air and Space Museum, and LEGOLAND California, spanning 245 miles with 8 exciti...