As frequently as I take my daughters to LEGOLAND, I am beyond thankful that they have such a wide variety of healthy dining choices for both my kiddos and me. Of course our visits always include a sweet indulgence like the Granny Apple Fries (these are a MUST for first time visitors, by the way) or the Signature Rice Pudding (espresso flavor is my fav!), but I also try to sneak in some healthy snacks as well.

When first entering the Park, I always pick up some healthy snacks from The Market, such as one of the fresh fruit cups or the organic yogurts (they also sell organic baby food for the little ones - score!). For myself, I grab one of the iced coffee drinks, though it’s not necessarily the healthiest choice in the world, it’s my drink of choice when running on zero sleep, as is usually the case.

And for lunch, I typically hit the Fun Town Market where the kids can get their favorite kids meal and I delude myself that two tons of Ranch dressing on top of my veggies fits into my “losing my baby weight” plan. The other healthy option I love is the grilled fish burrito at the Beach Front Grill in the new Water Park.

Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with Paul Geasland, the Park’s Executive Chef, to ask him about some of the ways they bring contemporary dietary issues and concerns to the Park’s dining options.  “We focus on California grown produce where possible and sustainability is front of mind,” said Paul. All of the meat is 100% Certified Angus Beef, their turkey meat is all nitrate free and their fish is all Pacific Sea Bass (or whatever is currently listed on the Monterey Bay Aquarium Super Green List). Also, they offer gluten free buns for hamburgers and hot dogs upon request and sell gluten free snacks at The Market.

When I’m at a theme park, I’m all about “When in Rome,” but I also think moderation is important. At LEGOLAND, guests get the best of both worlds; plenty of yummy healthy options combined with plenty of yummy indulgent treats.

Brick Regards,
Model Mom Mary

With summer in full swing, one of my priorities when I visit the Park is how I’m going to stay cool. Here is my recipe for reprieve from the heat:

1) Make a Splash: There are plenty of places for the kiddos to get wet throughout the Park, but there are also a few attractions where the parents can join in on the water fun.

• AQUA ZONE, though my kids are too young for this ride, is a family favorite.
• Soak~N~Sail in Pirate Shores is sure to cool you down and crack you up at the same time.

2) Grab a Cone: Sweet treats go hand in hand with any theme park adventure, and when it’s hot, we always go for the frozen variety.  There are several to choose from throughout the Park but by far my favorite is the Magic Swirl vanilla cones infused with various fruity flavors. Seriously, they are a MUST! My biggest decision when visiting the Park is whether to go with green apple or blueberry flavor in my soft serve ice cream.

3) Catch a Show: Being able to sit in a dark, air-conditioned theater after frolicking in the SoCal heat is a perfect respite for warn-out kiddos and parents, and thankfully the Park has a lot of options.

• The LEGO Showplace has four 4-D movies playing in rotation throughout the day, including Clutch Powers and Bob the Builder.
• The Playtown Theater features Journey to the Lost Temple at several times during Park hours. 
• The Fun Town Stage is home to my kids’ favorite show, The Big Test, and though it isn’t in doors, it does offer three rows of “Soak Zone” where the whole family can cool off via sprays and splashes, compliments of the zany Fun Town Fire Department volunteers. The theme song is appropriately called “Put the Wet Stuff on the Hot Stuff”, and is always a highlight of our day.

Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary

One of the questions I hear frequently is, “What is there to do at LEGOLAND California with young kids?” And I just happen to be the perfect person to answer. I started taking my girls to LEGOLAND when they were both quite young; Lily was a little over two and Lexi was just a few months old. Now my littlest one is two so I’m still tailoring our visits towards the toddler age activities.

Our adventures through LEGOLAND always begin by heading to the left of The Beginning, as a majority of the toddler-friendly activities and rides are on the west side of the Park. The first roaringly fun stop is at Dino Island, with the Dig Those Dinos sand pit where they can channel their inner paleontologist, and the Coastersaurus, a DINO-MITE way to introduce little ones to the thrill of a rollercoaster (height requirement 36”). My Lily first rode it at age 2 ½ and loved every curve and dip while ogling the surrounding prehistoric LEGO jungle.

Our next stop is the Fairy Tale Brook we can all ride together (infants included) along a magical stream filled with our favorite storybook characters brought to life through LEGO bricks. My kids then go absolutely bonkers in DUPLO® Village. Between frolicking in the Water Works and playing in the DUPLO Playtown, interactive playground they have an absolute blast (TIP: Don't worry if you forget swim diapers, towels or sunscreen--they can all be purchased at the Park). In the same area is the LEGOLAND Express, a train ride perfect for mom’s sporting a Bjorn or sling, and toddlers learning how to say “Choo Choo.”

It is always difficult to pull my kiddos away from DUPLO Village, until I tell them it’s 5 minutes to show time, then it’s hard for me to keep up with them as they sprint up the hill to secure a front row seat at the Fun Town Theater. Up the pathway a bit is FunTown, home to the Fun Town Fire Department, a zany cast of acrobats who perform “The Big Test” at several show times daily. This is always the highlight of our day. I get to sit and relax a bit, and the kids get to laugh, groove in their seats and possibly get wet if we’re sitting in the first 3 rows. Don’t be surprised if your two year old is singing “Put the wet stuff on the hot stuff” for the duration of your stay. Oh, and be sure stick around after the show for a meet and greet with the cast.

Typically we then grab lunch in Fun Town after the show, a hot dog for the kids and something light for me (they have a great salad bar) at the Fun Town Market.  Then it’s off to Pirate Shores for some more water fun. At the Swabbies Deck, the kids have yet another chance to splish splash around. 

And then we always finish our day off with some playtime with LEGO bricks in Imagination Zone and a relaxing cruise around the lagoon on The Coast Cruise. By the time we head out, the kids are puckered and tuckered and I know we’re all in for a good night’s sleep.  Obvioulsy, there’s a lot to do when you’re two!

Brick Regards,
Model Mom Mary