Summer 2022 at Legoland California

A couple of times of year we enjoy taking the kids on our "big vacations". Usually one in early spring and one over the summer. As a homeschooling family, we are blessed to be able to travel on dates where places will, hopefully, be less crowded. We aim for missing spring break and travel late in the summer when back to school has already happened. 

For our summer vacation this year, we enjoyed 5 days on Mission Beach and then decided to spend 3 more days up the coast in Carlsbad. We have been wanting to take Greyson, who was about to turn six, to Legoland California but wanted to go when we knew he could ride most of the rides and when he would appreciate the park. 

I have shared our favorite rides, eats and features below as well as the not-so-favorite-parts as they pertained to our particular family dynamic. We traveled in August with a 6 year old (he turned six the day we went! a super fun birthday day!) and our 1 1/2 year old daughter.  Read below and then comment your most and least favorite aspects of the park below too. 

​THE FOOD

I'm sorry, but would this be Nosh & Nurture if I didn't mention the theme park food FIRST? I mean I know travel is BIG around here, but food, namely SAFE and HEALTHY food is where it's at for us, so let's get into it. 

WHAT WE LOVED: Ok, I have to give Legoland MAJOR PROPS because I wasn't expecting much (Disney knocks it out of the park with allergy-friendly options so I knew I had high standards) but Legoland EXCEEDED my expectations. They not only had gluten-free and vegan options at almost EVERY eatery (and there are TWELVE!) but they had HEALTHY options at every one too. The restaurants were clean and beautiful and their market-style Urban Kitchen in Fun Town was a farm-to-table dream. 

The small snack kiosks and  markets were also a favorite. We sipped Suja juices when we got warm and enjoyed peanut- and inflammatory-oil free almonds and cashews and fruit cups. 

For lunch we dined at the Pizza and Pasta Buffet in Castle Hill. The chef prepared my gluten-free and dairy-free spaghetti bolognaise separate and I felt so safe. For dinner we could have snagged gluten free gourmet burgers in Mini Land, but instead went back to our hotel for cake to celebrate the birthday boy. 

WHAT COULD USE IMPROVEMENT: Honestly, I can't knock a darn thing. The special order pasta did take an additional 30 minutes to make, and the kids got quite antsy waiting for me to eat after they had eaten, but it was worth it to feel safe. I wouldn't say that was a CON, just something to keep in mind for timing with your party. 

THE RIDES

Again. Exceeded my expectations. I felt like there was so much to do, and with it still being summer the park was quite crowded. It was nicely spread out so it didn't FEEL busy, but the wait times were 10-25 minutes on the small rides and up to an hour for the bigger thrill rides. 

​WHAT WE LOVED: That there were so many options and various ride levels for big kids and adults. Grey and I LOVED riding the Coastersaurus. It's one of three thrill-roller coasters that aren't TOO scary for little ones but fun enough for the older set to enjoy. Grey's favorite ride was Driving School. Kids ages 6-12 can drive their own Lego-inspired car around a little city. It gives them freedom and fun all in one. Kids 3-5 can drive the Junior Driving School track version too! The boat rides were SO fun for the whole family, exploring Mini Land and Fairytale Brook, it was a nice relaxing and shaded ride we all enjoyed. 

WHAT COULD USE IMPROVEMENT: The rides are where we were let down the most for OUR particular family set up. There were only THREE rides in the whole park Lexi could ride. Being not yet 2, she was too short to ride even some of the tamer rides because of the way they have the seats set up. We made the most of the day and she loved just seeing all the Lego statues because they were her size, haha! We probably won't return until she is older/taller and they can experience rides together. We took turns riding the rides with Grey while she played. Also, the toddler train ride is the shortest, saddest ride in the park. Lexi was so excited to ride something and it was super hard to find, went in one circle and even she was disappointed. 

A MUST SEE: You HAVE to explore the Adventure's Club. Before we went I thought it sounded kind of boring, haha, but seeing it and exploring the different rooms, they did SUCH a good job and we all LOVED the walkthrough, immersive experience. 

THE ACTIVITIES

The activities did make up for some of the lack of rides we were able to enjoy. 

​WHAT WE LOVED: Grey LOVED being able to build Lego at every turn. From building our own Ferrari's we could race to building a rocket ship he could "send to space", the park isn't short on hands-on-activities for kids. And since little ones can't ride many rides they do have an epic toddler play town and splash pad area. 

WHAT COULD USE IMPROVEMENT: I think activity wise, it was pretty well thought out and well executed. 

STAFF AND PARK CLEANLINESS

As someone who visits Disney parks on the regular, I am used to seeing A LOT of staff and a very clean park, so again, high standards when I visit other parks. 


​WHAT WE LOVED: The park was very well-kept and clean. I felt safe letting my kids walk around and play, and the staff we did encounter were very nice. 

WHAT COULD USE IMPROVEMENT: There didn't seem to be much staff around aside from those operating rides and eateries. I got lost once and wanted to ask someone for direction and I was on my own for quite a while. 

We so enjoyed our one-day in Legoland. I would suggest making it a two-day adventure if you have older kids or would like to get in all of the rides.

One day was perfect for us with our kids at the ages that they are. We even had time to shop (for way to many Lego sets) before leaving the park. 

A very fun, well-rounded, tiring day at a new, fun theme park we plan to visit again.

Have you been? What did you think? I'd love for you to share your park tips and favorites with our readers below!