Legoland Discovery Center
Address: 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg
Hours: Monday - Friday: 12:00 - 7:00 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Monday - Sunday last admission 5:00 p.m.
Admission: $19 for adults; $15 kids 3 & up
YAY! YAY! YAY! YAY!
- Offers hands-on learning? Yes
- Engages an active toddler in play? Yes
- Provides interaction with other children? Yes
- Allows children room to play without long waits? Yes
- Is clean? Yes
I am not sure who was more excited about this, my husband or my son. Actually, I’m pretty sure it was my husband. It is truly a great family venue. Even the baby enjoyed it!
As we walked in, we watched a number of other families pouring and in and were a little concerned it would be overrun. Luckily, the facility can handle crowds without feeling overwhelmed. They definitely have the flow down to a science, and some of the exhibits are timed to manage the queue.
After paying the admission fee, we walked through a lego replica of downtown Chicago. Then we took a jungle walk where lego monkeys swung from the trees, hippos came rushing out of the water, lizards rested on rocks, and a life-size Indiana Jones stood ready for action.
After the models, you can step into your very own dragon and take a ride through a medieval lego castle. We skipped the ride as we thought it was just a little too old for our two year old. Instead we headed off to the Master Model Builder and 4-D movie studio. My son loved learning about how plastic is turned into lego bricks. He even got to make a lego & take it home. It is pretty amazing that all of this is founded on plastic, colored bricks!
The 4-D movie experience, featuring Bob the Builder, was highly entertaining, but completely overwhelming for my son. The 3-D glasses and fourth dimension of touch was total sensory overload. Luckily, the next stop is the cafe, which is a little more low key. There is an indoor playground and ramps where kids can race lego cars. They can also sit and build legos with other kids.
The cafe also has a merry-go-round-style ride called a technicycle. This is definitely for older kids, but a fun way to get a little exercise during these cold winter months.
The cafe offers the usual kid-friendly fare. There were plenty of tables and chairs and it is very clean. In fact, the whole discovery center is very clean, including the spacious, well-appointed bathrooms. I also noticed the staff cleaning throughout, which is always a good sign.
That brings us to the staff who could not have been nicer and more helpful. They clearly enjoy working there and are great with the children. I think that positive vibe has a big influence on the overall experience.
And overall this was a great family destination. We highly recommend it. And will certainly head back for Toddler Tuesdays where the discovery center focuses the experience on younger kiddos.
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