It’s been 20 years since Legoland California opened its gates in Carlsbad — a laid-back beach town nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles. This year, the theme park is celebrating its two decades with new attractions and activities, including a celebratory dance party and a new exhibit that lets visitors step inside the movie set of “Lego Movie 2.”
On May 18, a completely new Duplo Playtown will open at the highest vantage point in the park. Aimed at kids ages 2-12 and their families, Legoland California Resort is a great way to test drive the whole concept of theme parks with the younger set, and Duplo Playtown is the prime spot for ages 5 and younger. Not only will the play area (which was relocated and revamped) be larger, it features a new train and fantastic views of Miniland — where American landmarks have been recreated in Lego bricks — and the rest of the park.
Other perks during Legoland California’s 20th birthday celebration include:
- Free birthday admission. Kids ages 3-12 get free admission on their birthday this year when they show an original birth certificate, passport or government-issued ID at the Legoland California ticket booth.
- Birthday dance party. Dance and sing in Fun Town with two new costume Lego characters every Saturday through summer.
- More Lego character appearances around the park.
- Birthday milkshakes and other new foods/treats for sale.
If you haven’t been to Legoland California Resort in awhile, owner Merlin Entertainments has added new attractions and improvements each year. Last year, a new Castle Hotel — the second on-site Lego-themed hotel — opened on the property, along with Lego City Deep Sea Adventure — a submarine ride where kids glimpse real marine life.
There’s also a waterpark with a new RipTide Racers slide and an entire SeaLife Aquarium at Legoland California. The park offers lots of hands-on Lego-building opportunities — including some Lego-stocked areas where kids play happily while parents wait in ride queues, and kids can bring or buy minifigures and trade them with any employee wearing a “brick badge” throughout the park.
One note about Carlsbad: hotel rooms can fill up quickly, and bargains can be fleeting, so book early.
If you go: One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, Calif. $96 per day; $90 for ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger; $180 annual pass. Costco offers a three-day pass for Legoland California, Legoland’s waterpark and the on-site SeaLife Aquarium for $110 per person. Check online for deals. 760-918-5346 or legoland.com/california
