Photos courtesy of Leeza Hernandez
A brand spanking new LEGOLAND Discovery Center opened this April in Philadelphia’s Plymouth Meeting Mall. It’s the second location in the NJ area. The first opened in Yonkers, NY in 2013. Both are tons of fun for your LEGO-obsessed kid, and a relatively affordable way to spend a few hours inside—especially on a hot summer day.
Get Interactive
The Philly location greets visitors with a fun interactive ride on which passengers pop bubbles with laser guns. Once you step off, you’ll find yourself next to a massive pirate-themed jungle gym. The Westchester location features two small LEGO-themed rides, too.
The kids will be delighted to see a miniland featuring mind-blowing cityscapes made with more than 1.5 million bricks. The model of Philadelphia boasts intricate details, including a working subway, construction workers and the historic Independence Hall.
There’s plenty of space to build with blocks, from a LEGO Friends-themed area to a DUPLO Village to earthquake tables where kids test the structural integrity of their buildings.
Both locations have a LEGO Master Builder Academy, where your little builders take lessons from LEGO experts to up their own skills. There’s a 4-D cinema that lets kids sit in vibrating seats and feel the special effects (be prepared to get a little wet!). The theater rotates movies starring characters from Ninjago, among others.
Extra!, Extra!
If the kids get tired or hungry, there’s a café that serves grilled panini sandwiches, cakes, ice cream and more. Not sure what to do for his next birthday? Host the party in one of the center’s private rooms.
If they want even more fun, there’s an app available on the LEGO site which tracks their mini-figure trading and a special scavenger hunt.
Grownups aren’t usually allowed in without kids, but there are special adult-only nights that could be the perfect out-of-the-box date night. You’ll want to make reservations online in advance. Not only will you save a few dollars, but it’ll guarantee you a shorter wait, too. Fair warning: there’s a LEGO store you’ll pass through when you leave, so be prepared to get hit up for some goodies to take home.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center: Philadelphia
Plymouth Meeting Mall
500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA
Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 10 am–7:30 pm, Sun.: 10 am–6 pm
LEGOLAND Discovery Center: Westchester
Ridge Hill Mall, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers, NY
Hours: Sun.–Thurs.: 10 am–5 pm, Fri-Sat: 10 am–9 pm
Good To Know: The last entry is two hours before close at both locations.
Admission starts at $15.95 and visitors age 2 and older must have their own ticket.