LEGOLAND: The Zen of theme parks

There’s a birthday celebration going on, and you are cordially invited, as LEGOLAND®California turns the big 2-0 this year! Yet despite all the stressing and rushing and instant gratification that these last two decades have been filled with, LEGOLAND seems to have sifted out some of life’s simpler pleasures and made them paramount at the theme park.

There’s a certain tranquility in this part of Carlsbad, one that nurtures children’s imagination, creativity, curiosity, and intellect. Within this 128-acre amusement park, kids can discover an I-CAN-DO-IT- TOO attitude, by just being who they are. It’s a cool way to herald in the next generation, while also instilling a few valuable lessons in the little folks.

As an added benefit, adults can learn something, too.

NEVERTHELESS, IT’S GOOD TO LEARN, SOMETIMES MAYHEM MAY REIGN

Whereas, one may strive for serenity, it’s good to learn that sometimes life decides to dish out something a bit spicier. Whether we like it or not, ying and yang are here to stay.

So, if you’re ready for a thrill, LEGOLAND has its share of attractions and shows that provide a much-sought-after adrenaline rush.

LEGO® City 4D- Officer in Pursuit, which premiered this weekend, is the park’s newest animated show. Seasoned with cutting-edge technology, this big screen attraction has minifigures plunging into action and adventure. Turmoil abounds.

There’s a bandit on the loose, and he’s disturbing the peace. The trouble will continue, unless (and until) the officers on duty can curb the chaos. Watch out, because the race is on…

Whew! That lawbreaker is some escape artist. He really gives those two officers a tough workout.

Fortunately, though, they are determined and not the type of people who easily give up. In the end, their hard work pays off; law and order is restored and the community is a safe and happy place once again.

Just be forewarned, this pursuit does have its consequences, including some wet audience members. But, hey, the laughter is loud and lingers longer, so it’s all good.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT LEGOLAND

You will see a lot of kids at LEGOLAND, as the park is geared toward families, especially families with children ages 2 thru 12. However, all ages are welcome. And when you consider that most of the 60 interactive rides, shows and attractions, are not very risky, it can also be an ideal destination for grandparents, too.

The beautiful landscape and overall layout of the park work together to create an easy-going environment, where children seem to be especially happy and carefree. Whereas at other theme parks, you’ll often hear kids whining and crying, it’s just not so at LEGOLAND.

Why? I can only surmise that here children are the focus. Here there are abundant opportunities for them to participate and discover, not to simply be spectators. From a child’s point of view, it has got to be overwhelmingly rewarding to DO something. Whether they are building robots, or boats or buildings, the children get to see the end result and realize that what they did mattered.

And with more than 62 million LEGO bricks incorporated into the construction of landscapes and cityscapes, leaders and legends, and so many other wonders that fill our world, it’s no wonder that children are inspired.

Perhaps, inadvertently, it is the perfect place to help build character, too…one brick at a time.

LEGOLAND California is located at 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008. For additional information call: (888) 690-5346.

PHOTO BY: CHRISTINE ZEIGER