This summer,
while visiting family in the Greater Toronto Area, I got to experience Canada’s LEGOLAND for the first time, with my two
sons. Knowing my brother (a huge fan of Lego as a child) would be leading the
tour, I anticipated a truly memorable day for my 18-month old toddler and
10-year old.
The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is located in the
Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre where much to my delight, we found convenient
free parking. As every parent knows, this is a huge plus when you have a
toddler in a stroller.
The
sunshine-bright yellow exterior and recognizable LEGO characters immediately
drew my boys into the centre. As soon as we entered the complex, we were
greeted by a friendly LEGOLAND staff member who took us on a
five-minute LEGO Factory Tour. At the end of the tour, we received a LEGO block
as a souvenir, which was a nice surprise.
At MINILAND, we saw LEGO replicas of Canada’s historic
attractions including the CN Tower, Niagara
Falls, the Air Canada Centre, Parliament Buildings, and Rogers Centre.
We then entered an area providing numerous activity stations.
My toddler had a fun time in the LEGO Construction Site - the perfect spot for
active toddlers on the go! Picture squishy-soft, large LEGO blocks that can be
thrown; sat on, and jumped on. What’s not to love?
My older son gravitated towards the LEGO Racers: Build & Test. In this area,
older children got to build a vehicle and test it out. Competing with other
children his age, my son was all smiles as he raced down the ramp. What’s not
to love?
The LEGO Master
Builder Academy was the next attraction to immediately catch the attention
of my older son, who is quite the expert when it comes to LEGO construction. He
eagerly participated in a 30-minute class lead by an instructor, who provided
detailed instruction on building a LEGO project from start to finish. Though
the children ranged in age, the instructor made sure everyone was having fun, while
creating their new project.
My toddler and I explored the LEGO Friends & DUPLO Village, which included a sitting area as well as sections
for microphone-building (with Karaoke), and LEGO cupcake creations. While we
toured the LEGO Friends area (which seemed
to be a hit with little girls), my brother took my older son to LEGOLAND’S main
attraction, Merlin’s Apprentice - which
turned out to be an “epic” pedal ride!
We concluded our visit to the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre with a stop at the
on-site cafe where we grabbed a few much-needed snacks and drinks. I was happy
to know we had food so accessible. With two growing boys, you just never know
when someone is going to be hungry.
The exit from the centre led us to the LEGO store where
we were all fascinated (especially my 30-something brother) to see the
smorgasbord of new LEGO building kits. My older son was quick to add several
kits to his birthday wish list. Knowing his birthday was coming up in a few
weeks added to the excitement.
Parents
vacationing in the Greater Toronto Area would be wise to include a day or two
at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in
Vaughn. After our incredible day, both of my sons fell asleep in the car on the
way back to Uncle’s house. As a parent, that is always a sure sign how much fun
they had!
For more: information: www.legolanddiscoverycentre.ca/toronto/
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