Invariably, when my kids and I spend a day at the Park, we see a family or two on the brink of emotional disaster. Traveling with kids, especially to theme parks, inherently lends itself to spinouts, meltdowns and tantrums, both by kids AND parents. The first few times I visited theme parks with both my girls, I had to learn many of these lessons the hard way.
Five ways to avoid spinouts, meltdowns and tantrums:
- Prepare—This one is hard for me because I am not the most organized Model om on the block, but I notice on the days when I am prepared on the morning of, with clothes laid out and bags packed from the night before, then the day at the Park will run more smoothly than on days when I am disorganized and frazzled, trying to get everyone ready.
- Snack & Hydrate—The Park does not allow outside food or drink (except water), so I recommend stopping by The Market just to the left as you enter the Park, to grab some healthy snacks that are easy to eat on the go like cheese sticks, yogurt drinks, granola bars, and cheerios in a tub. You can bring your own water bottles or buy some at the Park. It gets really hot in the middle of summer so being hydrated will help all the way around.
- Set Expectations—Talk about the theme park experience on the way there with your kiddos so they know what to expect. Discuss some of the things they will see, that they might have to wait in line and what approximate time you are planning to leave. Then again, when it is almost time to leave, give them that beloved “five minute warning.” (The five-minute trick was a godsend to me when my daughter turned two. I don’t think I could survive motherhood without it).
- Plan Ahead—Take a peek at the map online and read up on the blog on the things to do for the various ages. For example, if your kids are on the younger side, you’ll want to head to the left upon first entering the Park, since the attractions on that side of the Park are geared for toddler age. The families with older kids may want to start off by going to the right to hit the Technic Coaster as soon as possible. Also, measure your kids before you go and note the height requirements on some of the bigger rides so you know which ones your kids can and cannot ride.
- Take Precautionary Safety Measures— I wrote a post a few months ago about how I “misplaced” my two-year-old while at LEGOLAND. From that experience I put together a list of a few safety precautions parents can take to help prevent something similar happening to you. CLICK HERE to read them before your trip.
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As a parent, one of my favorite things to do is to stand back and watch my kids build with their LEGO® bricks and play make-believe, especially when they have no idea I am watching. Listening to the creative situations and dialogue they come up with is both heart-warming and hilarious. I’m sure every parent has had to hold back a belly laugh from some off-the-wall imaginary situation their youngster has been in.
Now imagine that imaginary LEGO play land coming to life as a full-sized play structure with water fountains of fun spewing in every direction. That’s exactly what happened a few weeks ago with the opening of the Splash Zoo at LEGOLAND® California Water Park. Talk about heaven on earth for a toddlin’ LEGO lover.
Splash Zoo is a new area of the Water Park designed specifically for the youngin’s, ages 1 to 3. It is essentially a life-size replica of the DUPLO® Zoo play sets that my kids have been playing with for years. My younger daughter spent a chunk of her time running around her favorite of the animals, the giant-sized, water spouting lion that she dubbed Lulu. My 4-year-old was actually asking to play with the younger kids because she wanted to splash around with her favorite giraffe and zebra, with whom she usually goes on outer space excursions in her rocket made out of her pink DUPLO bricks.
Did I mention the teeter-totter? Hello hours of fun.
The addition of the Water Park to LEGOLAND was such a great idea, especially considering the weather that we have here in Southern California. And now, with the addition of Splash Zoo, there is even more for children of all ages to enjoy.
As I am typing this, my 3-year-old just asked me when we can go back to Splash Zoo. She misses her big Lulu.
Brick Regards,
Model Mom Mary
Summer is rapidly approaching which means the So Cal sun is heatin’ up and you’re going to thank me for this information. Throughout LEGOLAND California there are a variety of attractions where you can get sprayed, splashed and/or soaked, depending on your druthers. And trust me, you will want to be splashing right alongside your kids on those hot summer days.
Water Park: For a $12 upgrade to your Park admission ticket (one I highly recommend) the entire family can zip down water slides or float down the lazy river. I love this new addition to the Park, especially Splash Zoo, the brand new area that just opened a few weeks ago – splashy fun designed with toddlers in mind.
Rides & Attractions: In nearly every area of the Park there are attractions where you can cool off with some wet fun:
o Splash Battle and Soak ‘N’ Sail in Pirates Cove
o Aqua Zone in the Imagination Zone
o Raptor Splash in Dino Island
Splash Zones: Kids running through fountains of water is one of my favorite summertime images. Don’t miss these splash pads o’ fun:
o Water Works in Explore Village
o Swabbies Deck in Pirate’s Cove
Shows:
o The Big Test in FunTown (be sure to sit in the first three rows!)
So grab your suits and water shoes and be prepared to get wet. Even if you forget some swim gear, never fear, there are plenty of places in the Park to buy what you need, my favorite being Brick Brothers, a stylish marketplace for beach wear.
Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary
The most frequent question I get asked when people know my affiliation with LEGOLANDÒ California is, “is there enough to do for my toddler?” and I always answer with a resounding “YES!” I’ve been taking both my girls there since they were less than a year old and we have all the “what to do when you’re two” activities nailed. But beginning in May, there will be one more area, just for little ones, to add to our must-do list. It’s called Splash Zoo and it will be located inside the LEGOLAND Water Park.
Just like Swabbies Deck located in Pirate Shores, the new Splash Zoo will have water fountains and splash pads, along with a teeter totter that the kids can play on. The DUPLOÒ Zoo themed area will also feature giant DUPLO animals including a lion, a giraffe and a zebra, and will be located right next to Kid Creek and DUPLO Splash Safari. If your kids are like mine, it will be hard to get their soaked little bodies away from the puddles of fun. And if it’s one of SoCal’s super hot days, you’re not gonna want to leave either! Don’t forget your Crocs, sunscreen and swim diapers, but if you do, you can purchase them there at the retail outlets or the Nanny Caddies. Let the countdown til’ May begin!
Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary
Packing a diaper bag for a trip to a theme park is an arduous, painstaking process. It seems like there are 101 things a mom needs to take with her for an all day excursion out of the house. Diapers, wipers, bibs, pacifiers, diaper cream, the list goes on and on. And invariably, in the hectic maelstrom that occurs just before we leave the house for a big day, I forget to pack an item or ten, which I don’t realize ‘til I am already at the destination and in desperate need of said item.
Well now my diaper-packing woes have been solved with the latest and greatest invention for moms. It’s called a Nanny Caddy and LEGOLAND® California is the first theme park in California to host this ingenious wonder-machine. The Nanny Caddy is basically a vending machine for baby items and a saving grace for all moms. When I forget wipes, Nanny Caddy is there. When I forget the beloved binky, Nanny Caddy is there. I am wondering why I didn’t invent this machine myself, first of all. And secondly, I am beyond thankful that LEGOLAND has not one but three Nanny Caddies spread throughout the Park (The Beginning, EXPLORE Village by Playtown Theater; and inside LEGOLAND Water Park).
Items found in the Nanny Caddy kiosk include: hand sanitizer, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, pain killers, sippy cups, disposable cameras, and my favorite, fabric nursing covers (oh man, I was so bummed whenever I would forget my “Hooter Hider” back in my nursing days). So moms, when you’re headed to LEGOLAND, never fear--the Nanny Caddy is here (and she gladly takes cash or credit card).
Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary
Just as with any industry, organization or club, the theme park industry has their own host of awards and recognition programs. And I am one proud Model Mom to announce that LEGOLAND® California was just awarded the prestigious Industry Innovation Award from the World Water Park Association in recognition of the new LEGO® themed Water Park. This shiny new award for our LEGO brick mantelpiece was given to the only LEGO themed Water Park for the ingenuity behind the design and overall mission of the Park. As my kids can attest to, this Water Park is definitely geared for younger kids, ages 2-12, with plenty of rides and things to do for their age range. The LEGO bricks and models everywhere, really add to the experience.
If you haven’t visited the Water Park yet, I highly recommend you grab your suit and come check out what the fuss is all about. The Water Park is now open on weekends through December 26!
Aside from all the rides and shows throughout the Park, there are also several areas within the Park where kids can spend hours making models and using their imaginations.
Just to the right of the Park entrance is an area called The Imagination Zone. It’s aptly named since it’s the best area in the Park for your kiddos to use their imagination. Since my kids are younger, they spend most of their time in DUPLO® Play building princess castles and dinosaur replicas. My best friend Amy’s little boys love Build & Test where they make racecars and test them out over and over, and over. Older kids are in heaven in the BIONICLE™ Evolution room where they can get their Bohrok on, and in LEGO® MINDSTORMS® where they can program robots to do just about anything. The most popular of the I-Zone areas is the new Xbox Family GameSpace where the LEGO elements come alive in video game form. Your kids can be LEGO Batman, LEGO Harry Potter, or a rock n’ roll singer in a matter of minutes.
LEGO imaginative play areas are also found in all other areas in the Park, including the Build-A-Raft River at the Water Park, DUPLO Playtown, LEGO club house, in lines for most rides, and even in the Guest Services and First Aid buildings. Get a Band-Aid and build a space ship, only at LEGOLAND California.
Brick Regards,
Model Mom Mary
My kids and I finally made it to the LEGOLAND Water Park last week and had an absolute blast! It is a perfect addition to our favorite theme Park. The kids loved splashing in the wading pools and sliding down the toddler water slides. There is something for every age group; even the parents were having a great time reliving their youth, sliding down the water slides with their kiddos.
Here are some tips for first time attendees to the Water Park:
Bring a cover up - I forgot to bring mine and if you’re any amount of modest like I am, you’ll want to have something to slip on over your suit as you’re walking from activity to activity.
Rent a cabana - A cabana is an excellent idea to ensure that you have some shade and a cozy home base. But be sure to call in advance because they sell out quickly!
Take frequent potty breaks - The water areas close down ever two hours for ten minutes to ensure that kiddos get some potty breaks, but just to be on the safe side, be sure to have swim diapers for the little ones (they are mandatory and are sold in the retail shops in case you forget) and ask your potty trained kiddos if they have to go to avoid any unwanted accidents.
On a hot Southern California day, you can’t go wrong with a LEGO themed Water Park! For more information, visit the FAQ page.
Brick Regards,
Model Mom Mary
One of my favorite childhood memories was visiting Southern California water parks with all my closest friends. Every year we would pack in the back of the Suburban and head up the 5 freeway to our wet and wild destination. With those memories still fresh from oh so many years ago, I can hardly stand the anticipation and excitement for the NEW Water Park at LEGOLAND California. The fun my kids are going to have splishing and splashing their way through the water-soaked-slides is unmatched by anything they’ve experienced so far.
The new LEGOLAND Water Park includes a family raft slide, enclosed tube slides and toddler slides, plus a zoo-themed water play area for toddlers and an interactive water play zone. The most unique feature is the Build-A-Raft River where kids customize their own raft made of soft LEGO bricks before floating down a lazy river. Adding the creative play of building with LEGO bricks to the uninhibited joy of careening down a water slide is a perfect formula for fun.
I’m not sure who is more excited, my kids or me. For more information on the Water Park, check out www.LEGOLANDWaterPark.com.
Brick Regards,
Model Mom Mary