Building Memories, One Brick at a Time

As a family travel writer, I’m always on the lookout for activities that promise both fun and learning for my kids. So, when I heard about the LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield, I knew it was a must-visit. My two LEGO-loving kiddos, aged 8 and 10, were thrilled at the prospect of a day filled with their favorite bricks.

Our adventure began with creating our very own LEGO figurines. This little character would accompany us throughout our journey, adding a personal touch to the experience. The kids were immediately engaged, carefully selecting each piece to craft their mini-me. It was a delightful start, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

Once inside, we were greeted by a vibrant world of LEGO. The center is divided into various sections, each offering a unique challenge or activity. The building challenge sections were a hit, especially the rocket and car challenges. Watching the kids’ eyes light up as their rockets transformed into icons on a giant screen was priceless. However, the car challenge proved to be a bit of a letdown. Despite the abundance of LEGO pieces, finding matching parts, especially wheels, was a challenge in itself. After a good 20 minutes of searching, we had to abandon our car-building dreams. It was a minor hiccup in an otherwise exciting day.

A Cinematic LEGO Experience

One of the highlights of our visit was the 4D cinema. The kids were captivated by the larger-than-life LEGO characters and the immersive effects. We managed to catch a couple of different shows, each offering a unique storyline and experience. It was a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation, giving us a chance to sit back and enjoy the magic of LEGO on the big screen.

The IMAGINATION EXPRESS ride, while not exactly a thrill ride, was a fun diversion. The kids enjoyed the interactive elements, although one of their wands malfunctioned, leading to some frustration. Still, the ride offered a whimsical journey through a LEGO world, sparking their imaginations and keeping them entertained.

Creative Corners and Final Thoughts

The free build areas were a treasure trove of creativity. These sections encouraged the kids to let their imaginations run wild, with opportunities to build, write, and even display their creations. Surprisingly, we didn’t spend as much time here as I anticipated, but the kids enjoyed the freedom to create without constraints.

Overall, our visit to the LEGO Discovery Center was a memorable one. We spent about three hours exploring, building, and bonding. While the experience was a bit pricey, it was worth it for the joy and learning it brought to my kids. The center could improve by ensuring a better supply of matching LEGO parts for the challenges, but these minor setbacks didn’t overshadow the fun we had.

For families looking for a day of creativity and adventure, the LEGO Discovery Center is a fantastic choice. Just remember to start with your LEGO figurine and plan your time to catch multiple 4D movies. And while the gift shop might not be the highlight, the memories you build here will be priceless.