Five reasons to go to Legoland New York

1 hour 30 minutes from the Big Apple

Whether it’s their destination or a detour on the way to the Big Apple, anyone who’s fallen into the world of Lego (or just discovered it) will have hours of fun. Legoland is just one turn off Interstate 87, just before the New Jersey border. Opened in October 2019, it is the newest and largest Lego theme park in the United States, built in the style of those already in Florida and California. It is also the closest to Quebec since the Lego Entertainment Centers (Discovery Center) in Toronto and Boston are very different in terms of ride offering.

ride and more

There are of course the classics – the carousel, the train, wrapped in the Duplo world of Lego – perfect for young children. Roller coasters for seniors, a flying magician ride, and a pirate ship. and all kinds of challenges and game units in the Ninjago universe. In the summer, there is also a wave pool and water games for relaxation. But long queues leave no doubt about the huge popularity of the must-visit places: the Driving School, where kids take the wheel of go-karts on a circuit, the Fire Station, where you have to steer your truck to put out a fire with a water hose, or the Coast Guard Academy, where you learn to maneuver a boat. If you really want to experience everything (and snap pictures along with all the Lego versions of your favorite characters), you need at least a couple of days to fully enjoy it.

Fun, rain or shine

The park is open at all times, but know that if the games are inaccessible for more than two hours in a row due to rain, you may be entitled to access valid for another day. However, we ended up in the park on a rainy day and were able to enjoy the ride with no problem. Other than that, you can enjoy shelter from the rain in several places in the park where a plethora of indoor activities are offered, including a merry-go-round that follows a scenic route through a virtual Lego factory. There is also a cinema where short Lego films are shown at different times of the day. In short, you will never get bored, even on a rainy day. And when it’s time to eat, you won’t find big chains, but plenty of options (pasta, pizza, tacos, sandwiches, pastries, desserts…).

Challenges to stimulate your creativity

A walk in the park is a real pleasure for the eyes. Lego constructions are literally everywhere, some more impressive than others. Something to dream about… Just before leaving the park, miniature cities like New York, Las Vegas, Washington (and even Mount Rushmore) were reproduced in thousands of tiny bricks. Each section of the park also has its own area where kids (and their parents!) can take part in building a fortified castle or pirate ship, or even let their imaginations run wild by dipping into vats filled with coins of all kinds. You can even sign up for workshops, divided by age groups, to learn how to build a Lego robot or perform all kinds of challenges for true fans.

A magical night in the world of Lego

If you want to put up with the lump sum and be close to the theme park to get there in time for the pre-opening countdown, you can sleep at the Legoland Hotel right next door. Each night entitles you to a day at the theme park (breakfast included). And the experience is honestly amazing. Each floor has a theme – Ninjago, Pirates, Friends, Princesses, and Knights – and the rooms are fully decorated, down to the last detail, as well as packed with building blocks. There is even a manhunt in the room upon arrival. In the hotel lobby, little ones can also enjoy the game console surrounded by Lego-filled pools.

Prices start at $54 per person for a day pass to the site and $87 per person including hotel accommodation.