Thirty-six years ago, a jaw-dropping, blood-curdling film came out that put sharks on the top of the nightmare-inducing list. I was three years old when Spielberg’s classic, Jaws, hit the big screen (stop doing the math, I’m twenty-nine-forever). I don’t think I saw it until I was older, but I do know that it has haunted me all these years and most certainly contributed to my fear of swimming in the ocean.

Next week, to celebrate the Discovery Channel’s National Shark Week, SEA LIFE™ Carlsbad Aquarium is dedicating itself to eliminating the myths and mysteries surrounding sharks. Though they’re gigantic, have sharp teeth and have been known to attack humans, sharks are apparently largely misunderstood. In addition to all the current entertainment at SEA LIFE™, like the Shark & Ray Show, Shark Talk, the Daily Dive and the Quiz Trail scratch card, the Aquarium will also feature a special SEA LIFE Shark Scavenger Hunt. According to the fin facts you and your kiddos will learn during the scavenger hunt, you’re more likely to win the lottery than to be bitten by a shark.

Another highlight of Shark Week will be the photo op with the Great White model in the Beginning of LEGOLAND California. Be sure to stop by and have your family photo taken.

SEA LIFE™ Aquarium is open every day this summer, from 9:00am – 8:00pm and the Shark Week celebrations take place in the week of Sunday, July 31st through Sunday, August 7th. Now if you excuse me, I’m off to buy a lottery ticket.

You’d think I had stock in Granny’s Apple Fries at LEGOLAND California by the amount of times I talk/write/tweet about them. They really are that good, I promise. But beyond these little nuggets of deliciousness, Castle Hill is also home to a medieval treasure trove of fun for the kids. From the Royal Joust to the Dragon Coaster there is something for everyone in Castle Hill.

FOR A LAUGH:
Check the show guide when you enter the Park and be sure to catch the all-new “Enchanted Treasure” show at the Courtyard Theater, especially if your kids are the type to like audience participation. (Runs daily through Aug. 27).

FOR A THRILL:
Ride the Dragon Coaster. This coaster appeals to the widest range of guests because it isn’t too scary for the younger kid’s (over 4 at least, I would say) but still has enough thrills for the more adventuresome kids.

FOR A FEW EXTRA BUCKS:
Wild Woods Golf, named with no pun intended, I’m sure, Wild Woods Golf offers kids a chance to try their golf swing amidst LEGO models of forest critters. $6.00 additional charge.

King’s Market offers face painting and caricature paintings. My kids BEG for the “princess makeover” every time we venture into Castle Hill. Additional charges vary.

Waiting in lines at theme parks is just a fact of life, but, it’s all about perception, right? If I go into a theme park with the perception that waiting in line is fun, then it will be, right? Right!

Here are some ideas for some fun things to do while you’re waiting in line with your kids:

1) CLASSIC GAMES—Dig out some of your favorite childhood games from the closets of your memory. You’ll be surprised how much your kids will enjoy them. Here are favorites with my kiddos:
• Twenty Questions—One person thinks of a person, place or thing and the others have to guess what it is by asking yes or no questions.
• The Humming Game—Hum your favorite song and see who can guess it.
• I Spy—I Spy with my single eye, something blue.
• Simon Says—Rub your head and stand on one foot, all the way to the front of the line!
• Alphabet Game—Find things around you that begin with the letters of the alphabet.

2) 21st CENTURY GAMES—All Hail Smart Phones, tablets and apps*!
• LEGO games like LEGO STAR WARS, LEGO Indiana Jones and LEGO Harry Potter.
• Games of skill are the big ones in our household at the moment.
• Learning games are always a hit.

*And be on the look out for the new LEGOLAND Park app coming out soon.

3) FOOD—When in doubt, eat. Send someone in your party to:
• Granny’s Apple Fries for the best dessert ever.
• LEGO Club House for a Magic Swirl vanilla cone.
• The Market in the Beginning for some gourmet popcorn.

4) SING-A-LONGS—The people in front or behind you may not love this idea, but if your kids are young and aren’t shy about singing in public, this is a good one. Some of my kids’ faves are:
• Where is Thumbkin?
• Wheels on the Bus
• Bringing Home My Baby Bumblebee (let me know if you need a refresher on the lyrics to this one. It is a guaranteed laughter-fest).

5) PAD & PEN—If you’re like me and bring the kitchen sink with you wherever you go, then rummage to the bottom, find a pen and a scrap of paper and voila, you’ve just bought yourself some time.
• Hangman
• Tic-Tac-Toe
• Build-Your-Own. . .Everyone takes a turn doing a shape with the ultimate goal being some sort of animal or character or object.

When you’re packing your bags for your next trip to LEGOLAND® California, pack these ideas into your bag of tricks and make the waiting in line an entertaining part of your memorable day.

Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary