Just got back from a trip from Vegas. Since it was 112 degrees during most of our visit, I didn’t have a chance to snap many shots of the famous Strip. Luckily Legoland has me covered. Here is the Lego version of our Las Vegas adventures:
Lego Excalibur, Miniland Las Vegas
Lego New York New York, Miniland Las Vegas
Lego Treasure Island, Miniland Las Vegas
We tried to see the Treasure Island sirens show when we were in Vegas. The crowds were so huge we could only catch a glimpse. Probably a good thing since this show is decidedly PG-18. Those sirens wear some skimpy lingerie! I think we will be sticking to viewing the Legoland version in the future.
I have a blog post about family friendly Las Vegas pools on Uptake this week. .
Family Adventure Guidebooks participates in Delicious Baby’s .
When you are planning a visit to a theme park, it is worth checking out special events. Such outings can transform a theme park visit into something magical. One of my all time favorite theme park special events is weekend which is happening this Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5pm at Justin is definitely going with friends, and I’m hoping to make it there for a little while as well.
What make this event so special is that it turns a park that is normally geared to the younger set into a wonderland for big kids. Elaborate Lego models constructed by kids and adults are displayed at the entrance. You can also particpate in a bunch of fun events including the droid scavenger hunt, costume contests and trivia contests. The new X-Box play area is opening this weekend so I’m sure that there will be some Lego Starwars video game action as well.
Justin and Jared Take a Break from Their Droid Hunt
One of the best parts of the weekend is that the whole park is teeming with the 501st Legion of storm troopers and other costumed characters. Impromptu battles between good and evil break out all over the park. Kids have fun keeping an eye out for their favorite characters. Justin was on a Commander Cody hunt last year. The storm troopers are very generous about posing for pictures so it’s easy to get some great shots or your Lego Star Wars Weekend adventures.
Captured by the Dark Side, Lego Star Wars Weekend
May the force be with you wherever you go this weekend! If you hit Legoland this weekend keep an eye out for me and the boys. (Destiny finds Storm Troopers rather scary, so she will be staying home.)
For more great Legoland special events check out my .
I must confess that I have had a major change of heart about the Sea Life Aquarium. When I visited a few weeks after opening, I wasn’t really sure if this aquarium was worth the trip. The Sea Life Aquarium is pretty small, and it was very crowded the day of my first visit. My three year old kept running ahead and getting lost in the crowd.
A few weeks ago I returned to the aquarium on a Tuesday. The crowds were gone. They had done some tweaking with the exhibits, and I began to see that the Sea Life Aquarium is perfect for little kids. The tanks are designed so the kids can actually come up inside and have close encounters with the fish. There are plenty of down low peek holes, so no one has to be lifted up to see the tanks.
Enjoy these pictures from our latest Sea Life Aquarium Adventure:
Jared and Friends Explore the Touch Pool
Fascinating Fish, Sea Life Aquarium, Carlsbad, Ca
Another wonderful thing about the is its dedication to marine conservation. They have many special events and celebrations including beach clean ups and the upcoming which takes place on Sunday June 7th. There will be special arts and crafts and a reading of SurfAngel by local children’s author Terry Krazewski. You can also check out the aquarium’s brand new shark exhibit. Get a discount coupon .
Lego Sand Castle Building, Sea Life Aquarium, Carlsbad, Ca
, is Monday June 8th. The Ocean Project encourages ocean lovers to “wear blue” and tell two. This means, wear blue on Monday and tell people two facts that they may not know about the ocean. If you live in California, I have one fact you can share. Many of our state beaches may be closed at the end of the summer due to budget cuts. I will be talking more about this at Family Adventure Guidebooks throughout the summer, but for now you can get more information from the website.
Finally, Family Adventure Guidebooks participates in Delicous Baby’s . Be sure to check it out.
If you are thinking about purchasing a theme park pass, be sure to investigate the extra benefits and privileges that the theme park may offer passholders. Although these vary from park to park, many times these extras will almost pay for your entire membership.
Since my two youngest were born less than a year apart, our family has become experts at the “staycation”. Traveling far from home with two preschoolers seems a bit too crazy for us at this point. Our location here in Carlsbad gives us many options for family fun. Visiting theme parks and zoos is one of the things that we enjoy doing together as a family. In the past three years we have held passes for the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Legoland, and Disneyland.
Legoland
If you live in Southern California or visit frequently throughout the year, a offers many opportunities for family adventure. In addition to the great special events and members only activities that Legoland holds throughout the year, Legoland offers excellent deals and discounts to its members. Twice a year, members receive coupons for free entrance with a passholder. This gives your family opportunities to bring friends and grandparents along to enjoy a Legoland adventure. Also, if there is a Dad or teenager in your family who won’t be making it to Legoland very often this can be a great way to bring them along to enjoy the fun.
Legoland pass holders also receive free entrance to The Wave in Vista and Wild Rivers in Irvine. In addition to the regular member dining and shopping discounts, Legoland’s quarterly newsletters contain coupons for additional savings. This month I have a $10 voucher for the Ocean Journey Cafe, a free bucket of water balloons at the Raptor Splash, and other discount coupons.
Members benefit from Legoland’s efforts to promote the new . Legoland is continuing to offer special visitor rates to Legoland members and friends and family. Come enjoy the aquarium for as little as $5 per person! Note that a is required. The curent coupon says that it expires 5/31/09, but keep checking the site. So far they have extended this offer several times.
will help your choose the combination of memberships that will save you money and work for your family.
Disneyland
When we were planning a three day trip to Disneyland, I decided to investigate the price of membership. I knew that we wouldn’t be visiting too often, but since we live only an hour away a few return visits would be fun. After doing my research I decided that the Southern California Select passes offered the best value four our budget. Unlike Legoland, non premium Disney Passholders do not receive many benefits. However, they do receive some limited dining discounts in the parks and shopping discounts at Downtown Disney. Still, with prices that can be less than a multi-day visit, an annual Disneyland pass is worth considering.
San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park
at these attractions is extremely affordable. (Kids passes are only $2 more than the one day Best Value Ticket). Adult members receive two free guest passes which come in handy for out of town guests. Pass holders also receive free admission to the Journey into Africa Tour at the Wild Animal Park…this is a must see! In addition, they receive unlimited Skyfari aerial tram rides at the zoo. These are important since, kids have to do alot of walking at the San Diego Zoo. Membership covers both attractions so your family has plenty to explore.
Members also receive a monthly zoo magazine that contains interesting articles about the animals and great coupons including more free admission tickets for passholder guests. All pass members also receive discounts on Wild Animal Park parking.
Sea World San Diego
We have had the opportunities to obtain discounted entrance to Sea World with our preschool, so I haven’t gone the pass route yet. I am dreaming of an Unauthorized Sea World Guidebook some day, so we may be getting passes next summer.
In the mean time, be aware that Sea World offers the Fun Card which is a great deal. You get a pass good for admission throughout the entire calendar year for the price of a single admission.
Parking
Make sure you factor the price of parking into your membership decisions. Sometimes it pays to buy a more premium membership for at least one member of your family in order to get free parking. Be sure to investigate whether the person needs to be the driver or just in the car. Premium child memberships are often cheaper and also offer free parking.
If you don’t live in Southern California, I encourage you to research theme park memberships in your area. You may just discover the ticket to a whole year of family fun.
Many theme parks like let you bring your own food into the park. Others request that you don’t bring food, but do not search your bag or otherwise stop you from bring food into the park. Bring lunch or a few snacks can be crucial in order to keep costs low and ensure that you have something that a picky kidd will eat.. So go ahead and pack a backpack or insulated lunch box when you’re getting ready for a theme park visit.
Here are some of my favorite lunch items and snacks to pack for your day at the themepark. I don’t necessarily limit my kids to healthy food on our visits. To me, a day at a theme park is a time to indulge a little and it prevents my kids from constantly begging for treats:
Fruit Leather (These are great to slip in your pocket when you aren’t bringing a backpack or stroller)
A can of squeezie cheese and crackers (Easy to carry, fun, and doesn’t spoil)
Salami alone or with crackers
Apples
Home made cookies (Pack these in a container so they don’t crumble. I’ve learned the hard way)
String Cheese
Water Bottles
Water or juice pouches (These are not welcome at zoos and other places that have animals due to the straws.)
Strawberries or melon slices in a container.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Carrot or celery sticks
Grapes
Nuts like peanuts or pistachios
Chips
Pretzels
Orange Slices
What are your favorite foods for a theme park picnic?
Happy Trails,
Bridget
P.S. Thanks to Stacey at for featuring The Unauthorized Legoland Guidebook in her section. If you live in the San Diego be sure to check out her blog for the latest bargains.
The Carlsbad Educational Foundation is hosting its annual Celebrate Carlsbad Day Fundraiser at Legoland California on May 2, 2009 from 1pm-9pm and includes evening fireworks. Tickets are only $15 dollars and must be purchased in advance at several locations throughout North County. The Sheraton Carlsbad is even offering special Celebrate Carlsbad Day discounts for guests visiting on May 1st and 2nd.
These are by far the cheapest Legoland tickets you can purchase, and they are for a great cause. All proceeds benefit enrichment programs at the Carlsbad Schools. Like all districts here in California, Carlsbad has been hit hard by budget cuts. The grants distributed by the Carlsbad Educational foundation are key to maintaining a high quality engaging education for Carlsbad students. You can catch a glimpse of some of the great performing arts and music programs funded by the foundation as several student acts including the award winning Carlsbad High dancers perform throughout the day.
This is a great bargain, and in general you get the same level of Legoland experience available to visitors on any give day. There are, however, two big differences. The Big Test Show in Fun Town is cancelled to make room for student performances. Also it is CROWDED! We attended last year because it was the day that our Legoland passes were expiring. We followed some of the strategies in my book that allowed us to have fun without waiting in too many lines. It definately took longer to get around and we skipped some of the rides that were too busy. I am guessing that early evening may be somewhat less crowded, so consider staying late if you go.
Still, if you think this will be one of your only Legoland experiences ever, and you did not have a chance to buy a $15 dollar ticket, I would plan to visit another day. The crowds might not be worth the visit, although the fireworks will be fun.
Here’s the information for obtaining advance tickets . If you decide to go, I thank you in advance. My kids will benefit from your generosity.
For more Legoland bargains as well as tips on how to avoid the crowds, check out my Unauthorized Legoland Guidebook available on LULU.Com
Sorry I don’t have any great photo for this one. I have never had the foresight to snap a picture of my little ones mid tantrum, but if I do in the future I’ll be sure to share it on this blog.
This afternoon while procrastinating I read an article by Jack Cafferty, CNN commentator, regarding his opinion about the disintegration of good parenting in today’s society . It seems that Mr. Cafferty’s rant was inspired by the misbehavior of some children sitting near him in a restaurant. Lately in preparing for my family’s travels to Las Vegas, I have been reading alot of online commentary regarding bringing small children to this more adult oriented vacation destination. The conclusion of many online bloggers and posters is…leave them home! That seemed to be Mr. Cafferty’s conclusion as well.
Here’s the thing, family vacations shouldn’t have to consist of trips to theme parks or camping. Places like Las Vegas have alot to offer to people of all ages, families included: inexpensive food and lodging, fascinating sites, even educational opportunities. As parents we do our best to teach our kids good manners, keep them well fed and in good humor, and have them use their quiet voices at all times. Despite our high expectations however, there are just some stages of development that will yield a tantrum from time to time despite our best efforts. Also as a mom to three, I can say with confidence that there are times when kids feed off of each other with their energy and/or ill humor and it takes a miracle to avoid an unseemly public outburst. I think that in some ways my parents had it a little easier. An only child focuses on his or her parents behavior and adopts those good public manners more easily (although I know I did have more than my share of tantrums).
I have high hopes for a peaceful vacation filled with well behaved children, but I can predict that we will have our moments. My youngest, Jared had a 20+ minute tantrum at Legoland one year that almost permanently damaged my relationship with my Mother in Law (She is a fan of Mr. Cafferty’s school of thought about the disintegration of discipline and society especially in regards to my family.) Jared is four and a half and his outbursts seem to be peaking. I vow to all you Vegas travelers who may witness such an outburst or perhaps a poor display of table manners that I will do my best to keep things under control. We will eat breakfast in our room, have plenty of picnics, visit mostly kid friendly places like the children’s museum or Circus Circus, try to get them down to sleep, set boundaries, and do plenty of coaching regards how to behave in a restaurant, hotel room, museum, etc. Still, if you see a frazzled mom on her own with three kids, please do not judge me too harshly. I will do my best to quiet things down as soon as I can, but it may take a few minutes of discipline or soothing depending on the situation.
Any moms out there have other thoughts or suggestions on this topic? Would love to add some stragedies to my parenting bag of tricks.
Legoland offers lots of sweet promotions and discounts to members throughout the year. In addition to the special March pricing for the Sea Life Aquarium, Legoland is offering a 20% Discount at the Ocean Journey Cafe that is located just outside the aquarium. It would be a convenient place to stop and have a bite before visiting either the Sea Life Aquarium or Legoland. You can find the 20% off coupon here
Legoland Members also receive a free kids meal at the Soup Plantation, a Hornblower Family Four Pack where kids cruise free with a paying adult, and a discount to see the cool new Wild Ocean Imax film at the Fleet Science Center.
Soup Plantation Coupon
Hornblower Coupon
Ruben Fleet Science Center IMAX discount: See Legoland e-mail.
Most of these discounts are distributed through Legoland’s E-News Newsletters. If you are a member or just a fan, but sure to subscribe here .
I was having trouble accessing the coupons that relate to these offers. I have an e-mail into Legoland and will be sure to post an update as soon as I get one.
The Legoland Junior Model Master Builder Competition is fun year round, but this month you have a special incentive for participating. The winners of this month’s competition will be invited to that exclusive after hours premier of the new Bob the Builder 3-D movie as well as enjoying a Legoland 10th birthday complete with cake, cream, and a preview of that giant Lego birthday cake that’s being constructed! The competition takes place this weekend. Everyone who participates will also be entered in a raffle for a Legoland prize pack, so this is a contest worth entering!
On an unrelated topic, I am organizing a “Will Play for Food” canned food drive next Thursday at 9am at Aviara Park in Carlsbad. Bring your kids, some canned food, and a snack to share. After our meetup I will deliver the food to Brother Bennos food pantry. If you come, be sure to find me and say hi. It would be great to meet some of my readers. If you live outside of Carlsbad, visit playforfood.blogspot.com for information and inspiration on organizing your own Will Play for Food drive.
Grab your Lego bricks and get building!!! Legoland will be celebrating it’s 10th birthday on March 20th with a giant Lego cake and a red carpet premier for the new Bob the Builder lego 3-D movie. In honor of it’s big day, Legoland is sponsoring a building contest for every age group. Make a Lego tribute to Legoland’s 10th birthday and submit two pictures of your creation by March 12th. The age categories are ages 4-9, 10-15, and 16 and up. The finalists get to attend the red carpet premier with five guests. The grand prize winners get an annual resort membership for a family of four.
For more information or to submit your entry go here .
Now for some news on Legoland bargains for March. If you are a member who hasn’t had the chance to check out the new Sea Life aquarium, March has some good deals in store. Regular pass members can vist the aquarium and bring their friends for $9 Thursday-Monday and $5 Tuesday and Wednesday. Friends and family of Legoland Resort members can visit with the resort member for $5 every day! That’s a substantial discount from the usual entrance fee.
For other Legoland tips and info check out my Unauthorized Legoland Guidebook.
Jared became a big Pluto Fan on this Visit to Disneyland
The idea for the Unauthorized Legoland Guidebook came from a series of Legoland visits with three kids and no husband. Ken works very hard and is also not the biggest fan of themeparks without humongous rollercoasters. In order to make the most of our Legoland membership, more often than not, I needed to go it alone. This situation created some limitations. Several rides at Legoland, had a one adult per child rule, so my preschooler could not ride with my nine year old. Even bathroom runs take a bit more planning without an extra adult along.
Since then I’ve also tackled Disneyland, Seaworld, and the zoo on my own. Each trip presented some challenges, but also offered plenty of fun.
I discovered that knowing the park and planning ahead made a huge difference in our Legoland adventures. Here are a few tips to make your solo theme park visit a little easier.
Plan ahead. Know the age and height restrictions for the various rides. Try to have some rides and attractions in mind that the whole family will enjoy. My book, The Unauthorized Legoland Guidebook includes pull out sections that give detailed ride suggestions for every age group. There are many great web resources for other themeparks. If you do some digging, theme park websites also have this information.
Prep your kids. When I am going solo, I make sure that my nine year old knows that there will be some activities that we won’t be able to enjoy due to our parent kid ratio. I make sure that everyone knows that the goal for this trip is to have fun as a family. I try to have a future “Mom date” visit planned, so Justin can look forward to enjoying a few more thrills at some point.
Take a picture of your kids using your digital camera before entering the park. That way if they get lost, you have an up to date picture to share with the theme park staff.
Have a family motto. Ours is “The Smith Family Stays Together” . This is our travel mantra. We repeat it often throughout the day.
Enlist your older children’s help in keeping an eye on the little guys.
Bring a stroller. It’s a great place to store your stuff and make a quick exit during that end of the day tantrum.
Bring a friend if possible. A theme park is actually a great place to have a playdate, and you can switch kids, if your family is like mine half timid/half brave.
Bring a big kid buddy. Believe or not some of my most fun adventures came with bringing four kids to Legoland. Since Justin had a buddy he could ride some of the big kid rides, and both boys were helpful in wrangling the little ones.
Pack lots of snacks. You never know when a break or a bribe will come in handy.
Most of all, be brave. Go solo. Don’t miss out on fun family adventures just because you are outnumbered. The day won’t be perfect, but the kids will bring home some funny stories, you will have some cute pictures, and everyone will sleep well after all that adventure!
If you are planning to visit the Legoland theme park in Carlsbad, California, this book contains all the information you need to make the most of your family adventure. The book also includes information about other area attractions, local restaurants and hotels.
Bridget Smith, mom of three, loves to blog about everyday adventures. Her mission is to change the world; one kid, one destination, one effortless trip, one overworked mom, one frazzled dad... one day at a time! Come and join her.
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