I am a LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan Ambassador and will receive tickets in exchange for promoting the attraction. Views expressed are my own.
If you’re wondering about what LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan {LDC Michigan} is like, I have the scoop for you!
We attended a media sneak yesterday, and I have to say, it was SO fun. This is such an amazing destination for families. Because we were among the first families to go through, I wanted to share some tips for those of you eager to make plans to visit once the attraction opens to the public on March 25.
Note: I visited with my 5, 3, and 1.5 year old children + a grandma.
PARKING/ENTRY
LDC Michigan is in Auburn Hills, Michigan, inside the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. Once you arrive in the plaza, look for parking section 6, as that is where you will need to walk in to enter the attraction. Look for the bright yellow building.
Once you’re inside the mall, follow the signs for the food court. On your walk there, a candy shop will be opening soon, so little eyes may wander 😉 But no worries, because adults eyes’ may wander to the Starbucks right across from the LDC Michigan entrance. Score!
ATTRACTIONS INSIDE
We started off on the LEGO Factory Tour, an interactive experience to show how LEGOs are made. It was so neat, and my girls loved creating their own Minifigs with easy-to-use controllers.
From there, we checked out the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride {one of my favorite parts…I had too much fun to take photos!}, and MINILAND, which highlighted many of the best metro Detroit-area attractions in LEGO form.
My girls loved Ford Field, the airport and the “polka dot house” {Heidelberg Project}, while I loved the Detroit Yacht Club/Belle Isle area and Motown, which played music. They truly are works of art. {See the RenCen at this post}
From there, we rode another fun ride, and began exploring all the different areas. I had such a smile on my face seeing the kids around us having a blast creating in each area. Imaginations were alive!
We didn’t have enough time for the 4D theater, but it looked amazing. We ended our trip with playing in the LEGO City Play Zone, which was extremely neat.
You can see all the attractions at this link.
AGE SUGGESTION
I would say the best ages for this would be 3+.
My 19-month old wanted to do everything his sisters did, but he was too short for one of the rides and couldn’t go in the larger play area either — a big bummer for him since he loves climbing. May be a good idea to leave toddlers at home if it may cause drama 😉 With that said, it was very stroller-friendly, so that’s a bonus.
This guy didn’t want to leave DUPLO Farm
Additionally, it may be a bit much for kids with sensory issues to noise and crowds. Because of this, my 3-year-old got overwhelmed a few times when things were loud, and she also had zero patience for lines.
My 5-year-old was totally in her element and loved it the most. We could’ve easily stayed for 3-4 hours with just her.
BATHROOMS
There are bathrooms inside LDC Michigan near the 4D cinema, which is near the end. In this area, there is also a family bathroom. I would recommend using the bathroom located in the food court before entering if you think it may be an issue shortly into your visit.
FOOD
There is a Café on the premises. It wasn’t open yet, so I can’t judge the food, but it promises a selection of healthy options. No food is allowed inside the attraction, however water is OK. If eating at the Café isn’t going to please your taste buds, the food court is immediately outside the attraction.
NURSING AREA
If you are a nursing mother, there is a lounge near the play area with plenty of comfortable chairs.
PRICING
Tickets are $23.50/adults and children, ages 3+. Children under 3 are free.
Is the admission price worth it? YES! The prices are steep for larger families, but I do feel it’s a decent value — the facility is absolutely stunning, and there is plenty to do to keep you entertained. The annual passes may be attractive to families nearby, but are only worth it if you can commit to at least 3 visits during the year.
Learn more about annual passes and dual attraction tickets in partnership with SEA LIFE Aquarium here.
Purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee a time slot for your visit.
GIFT SHOP
Upon leaving LDC Michigan, there is a gift shop. I was pleased to see most LEGO sets were on-par price-wise with stores, and they had some really neat things. I wanted a million things myself!
OTHER THINGS TO DO AT GREAT LAKES CROSSING
A few ideas for other things to do upon leaving:
- Visit LDC Michigan’s sister attraction — SEA LIFE Aquarium
- Eat a fun meal at Rainforest Cafe {$2.99 kids meals on Wednesdays after 5 p.m.}
- Ride on the carousel
- Play in the kids play area
- Dine at the food court or bring your own food
- Go to Bass Pro Shops and visit the giant freshwater fish tank {FREE}
- Shop! Kid favorites include Carters, The Children’s Place, Justice and OshKosh B’Gosh
- Kids 12 and under can join Club GLCO for exclusive discounts and offers for the mall
I am beyond thrilled to have another place to take my kids. We are so lucky to have great things to do here in SE Michigan! {For more indoor fun, check out my list here.}
Learn more about LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan at www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan/ or on Facebook and Twitter.
What do you most look forward to doing at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan?
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