The newest Legoland theme park in the United States is just a five hour drive from Montreal, New York. And it’s an essential and unforgettable stop for all Lego fans, big and small.
Updated yesterday at 11:30am.
1 hour and 30 minutes from the Big Apple
PHOTO LAILA MAALOUF, THE PRESS
Legoland New York is the newest and largest Lego theme park in the United States.
Whether it’s a destination or a detour on the way to the Big Apple: Anyone who has ever been involved in the Lego universe (or has just discovered it) will have hours of fun. Legoland is just one turn off Highway 87, just before the New Jersey border. Opened in October 2019, it is the newest and largest Lego theme park in the United States, modeled on existing parks in Florida and California. It’s also the closest to Quebec, as the Lego entertainment centers (Discovery Center) in Toronto and Boston differ greatly in terms of ride offerings.
rides and more
PHOTO LAILA MAALOUF, THE PRESS
The Duplo train for toddlers
PHOTO LAILA MAALOUF, THE PRESS
The fire station to go to to put out a fire
PHOTO LAILA MAALOUF, THE PRESS
The route of the pirate ships
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Of course there are also the classics – the carousel, the train wrapped in the Duplo universe of Lego – perfect for toddlers. Roller coasters for the older ones, flying magician rides, a pirate ship. And loads of challenges and game modules in the Ninjago universe. In summer, the wave pool and water features also provide refreshment. But the long queues leave no doubt about the great popularity of the local attractions: the driving school, where children drive small cars on a race track, the fire station, where you have to steer your truck with a water hose to put out a fire, or the coast guard academy, where you learn how to maneuver a boat. If you really want to try everything (and take photos next to all the Lego reproductions of your favorite characters), you’ll need at least two days to fully enjoy it.
Fun, rain or shine
PHOTO LAILA MAALOUF, THE PRESS
One of the many places to have a bite to eat in the amusement park
The park is open at all times. Note, however, that if the rides are inaccessible for more than two consecutive hours due to rain, you may be entitled to access valid for another day. However, we ended up at the park on a drizzly day and had no trouble enjoying the rides. Otherwise, in many parts of the park you can enjoy yourself sheltered from the rain, as there are numerous indoor activities on offer, including a carousel that follows an incredible route through a virtual Lego factory. There is also a cinema showing short Lego films at different times of the day. In short: you will never get bored, even on a rainy day. And when it comes to food, you won’t find big chains, but you’ll find plenty of choice (pasta, pizza, tacos, sandwiches, pastries, desserts…).
Challenges that stimulate your creativity
PHOTO LAILA MAALOUF, THE PRESS
A miniature city made entirely of Lego
PHOTO LAILA MAALOUF
Children can help build a fortified castle.
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A walk in the park is a real feast for the eyes; There are Lego constructions literally everywhere, some more impressive than the others. Something to dream about… Just before we leave the park, miniature cities like New York, Las Vegas, Washington (and even Mount Rushmore) have been recreated with thousands of small bricks. Each part of the park also has its own area where kids (and their parents!) can help build a fortified castle, a pirate ship, or let their imaginations run wild by diving into bowls full of coins of all kinds. You can even sign up for workshops divided by age groups to learn how to build a Lego robot or complete all sorts of challenges for true enthusiasts.
A magical night in the Lego universe
PHOTO LAILA MAALOUF, THE PRESS
The Legoland Hotel, a stone’s throw from the amusement park
If you can afford the total price and want to be close to the amusement park to arrive in time for the countdown to opening, you can stay at the Legoland hotel right next door. Each night entitles you to a day at the amusement park (breakfast included). And the experience is frankly amazing. Each floor has a theme – Ninjago, Pirates, Friends, Princesses and Knights – and the rooms are fully decorated with building blocks down to the smallest detail. There’s even an in-room scavenger hunt upon arrival. In the hotel lobby, the little ones can also have fun in the play module around pools full of Lego bricks.
Prices start at $54 per person for a day pass to the site and $87 per person including one night’s hotel accommodation.