LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND California is a San Diego theme park that caters to children, ages 2-12.

LEGO enthusiasts love this amusement park and flock to it every year. There are rides for young children, ages 2-12. Take it from us, it is a great day of adventure for young children and the young-at-heart.

Make no mistake, LEGOLAND California differs quite a bit from Disneyland. It is much smaller and easier to navigate. Because it is geared towards a younger age group, you'll find that it can be a quieter and a more relaxing experience.

When LEGOLAND California first opened, it consisted of one theme park. Starting a couple of years ago, that all changed with the opening of the SEA LIFE Aquarium and, most recently, The Water Park.

The SEALIFE Aquarium is debuting a new Octopus Garden complete with real octopi and other unusual sea life.

Lastly, fans of Star Wars will be fully engaged in the new LEGO exhibit called Star Wars Miniland. Evidently, 1.5 million LEGO bricks were used to create seven (7) iconic scenes from the various movies. This should be of particular interest to those Star Wars fans who don Storm Trooper apparel for San Diego's upcoming Comic-Con.

The creativity of LEGOLAND California is awesome to see. You won't want to miss these masterful miniature creations brought to you by the LEGOS wizards: Miniland Indy Speedway, NASA, Mt. Rushmore, the New York City skyline, etc.. Don't miss the Coast Cruise to soak in all the magic of LEGOLAND California from the water's perspective looking out.

To get a good picture of what makes up all three themes within the park, here is a nifty interactive map!

SEA LIFE Aquarium brings another dimension to LEGOLAND. This special aquarium is more than a standard aquarium incorporates LEGO models into the experience. Make no mistake, like LEGOLAND California, this attraction is designed for young people ages 2-12.

Think of this new theme park as an aquarium that is specifically designed for young minds. For example, the SEA LIFE Aquarium presents the wonders of the creatures that live under the world's water bodies. This aquarium includes real fish tanks (including a large collection of sharks), interactive play zones, fun facts and quiz trails.

Ride Restrictions - Please remember that most rides at LEGOLAND California are height-restricted. The minimum height is 34 inches so if your wee one is shorter than the minimum height limit you might want to hold off on bringing him or her until they are tall enough to ride.

Will We Get Wet? - If your child or you will be splashing around in The Water Park, of course you will! If you are just going to visit the LEGOS and the Aquarium, you might get wet. To be on the safe side, bring a bathing suit or a change of clothing as there is an area where the kids can get a little wet by running through a fountain. There are large dryers for them to stand in front of and dry off, but like hand dryers in public restrooms, they never quite get all the moisture off. So, be sure to bring a towel.

What Should You Avoid? - Try to avoid the lines for rides. Eat lunch early or later around 1:00 p.m. Let's face it, High Noon is when all the people, and we do mean ALL the people, eat. If that is not your sort of thing, steer clear. Take snacks and save money for a good meal or good ice cream cones. Who doesn't like to eat ice cream for lunch? Go on the rides when everyone is eating between 12-1pm.

Let's Talk Food - Everyone always wants to know about the food. There are some good choices at LEGOLAND California. Try the Knight's Table BBQ, it is pretty tasty for an amusement park. If healthy fare is more your thing, go for the salad at the Garden Restaurant. There is healthy food available for the kids, including organic baby yogurt and soy products.

Papparazzi - Would we kid you? Throughout the park there are employees who roam around with cameras and will take your photograph. Sometimes they ask and sometimes they don't. Be aware of these camera-toting employees. If you don't want to the photos, just say 'no'. There are plenty of great photo opportunities for the novice and the hobbyist, alike. So, pack the camera, you'll want it.

Admission Prices - Tickets for LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE, and The Water Park can be purchased individually or as a package. Either way, tickets aren't cheap. Current prices.

Map & Directions - LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium are located at One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Parking - Various prices depending on the type of vehicle. Re-entry available with valid parking stub during same day of visit.

Disabled Access - Most attractions at LEGOLAND California are accessible to disabled guests. Please stop by Guest Services and pick up a special brochure that outlines the facilities and general access in greater detail. For information, please call (760) 918-LEGO. All displays at the SEA LIFE Aquarium are viewable by disabled guests. There are two elevators for additional access.

Wheelchair Rentals - Wheelchairs and motorized carts are available for rental at The Marketplace, in The Beginning.

Stroller Rentals - Strollers can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis at The Marketplace, in The Beginning. If you don't want to rent a stroller, you are welcome to bring your own stroller or wagon.

Pet Kennels - Although pets are not allowed in either LEGOLAND California or SEA LIFE Aquarium, outdoor shaded kennels are available for free on a first-come, first-serve basis and are located close to the Park entrance. Park guests should bring their own pet supplies, i.e. water/food dish, etc. If you would like to take advantage of this service, please stop by Guest Services upon arriving at the Park to sign up for the kennel and to receive your key. Please note that there is no supervision available at the kennel area. Note: A small refundable deposit is required.

Locker Rentals - Lockers (approx. 16" deep x 12" wide x 13" tall) are available for rent at The Marketplace. One time use lockers are also available at Pirate Shores.

Service Animals - are allowed at LEGOLAND but not on the rides for obvious reasons. Service animals must be leashed at all times. Service animals are free to relieve themselves in any open area as long as their human companion cleans up after them.

Smoking Policy - LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and The Water Park are all smoke-free. Guests wishing to smoke may exit the theme park and light up in the designated smoking section.