Legoland California opened in Carlsbad on March 20, 1999 as the first Legoland theme park in the United States and the third worldwide, following the original in Billund, Denmark and the Legoland Windsor park in the United Kingdom. Aimed at families with elementary-age children, Legoland offers a variety of hands-on and interactive attractions, as well as play areas and traditional rides.
The park's most recent expansion introduced The Lego Movie World, a new land themed to the popular Warner Bros. films. Here is our walk-around video tour of the new land:
Our recommendations below come from our annual survey of Theme Park Insider newsletter subscribers. Subscribe here to our free weekly email of theme park news to participate in the next ranking survey.
Miniland
The heart of any Legoland theme park, this collection of Lego models includes famous landmarks from around Southern California, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Washington DC, and New York City.
Lego City Deep Sea Adventure
A submarine ride located in Castle Hill. Height requirement: 52 inches to ride alone
The Dragon
A Vekoma Junior Coaster with a short dark ride introduction, located in Castle Hill. Height requirement: 40 inches
Photo courtesy Legoland
Ninjago The Ride
A Triotech interactive dark ride located in Lego Ninjago World. Height requirement: 48 inches to ride alone
Fun Town Police and Fire Academy
A participatory experience where your family competes together. Located in Fun Town. Height requirement: 34 inches
Lost Kingdom Adventure
A Sally Dark Rides interactive dark ride located in Land of Adventure. Height requirement: 30 inches
Photo courtesy Legoland
Emmet's Flying Adventure
A flying theater ride located in The Lego Movie World. Height requirement: 40 inches
Driving School
Kids can drive individual cars through the "streets" of Fun Town. Must be between 6 and 13 years old to ride.
Photo by Robert Niles
Kid Power Tower
Pull yourself up these observation towers located above Fun Town. Height requirement: 40 inches
The Hideaways
One of the best theme park playgrounds anywhere, this multi-level wooden structure is located in Castle Hill.