LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Yonkers New York

LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Yonkers, New York, is a dream destination for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. Located in the Ridge Hill shopping center, this indoor family attraction offers an immersive LEGO experience, filled with exciting rides, interactive exhibits, and creative activities. With a focus on hands-on fun, LEGOLAND is designed for families with children ages 3 to 10, but it holds appeal for anyone who loves building with LEGO bricks. Here’s a complete guide to everything you need to know about this unique and playful destination.

What to Expect at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is an indoor playground centered around the magic of LEGO. The moment you walk through the doors, you’re greeted with vibrant displays and thousands of LEGO bricks, waiting for your creativity. The center includes a wide variety of attractions and activities, ranging from thrilling rides to elaborate LEGO models, all designed to inspire imaginative play and hands-on learning. Whether you’re visiting for a couple of hours or planning a full day of fun, there’s no shortage of entertainment.

Rides and Attractions

LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Yonkers features several fun rides that offer an interactive experience for children and families:

• Kingdom Quest: This popular ride takes guests on a thrilling adventure as they board a chariot to rescue a captured princess. Armed with laser blasters, participants must defeat trolls, skeletons, and other obstacles in this interactive game ride.
• Merlin’s Apprentice Ride: Spin your way to become Merlin’s top apprentice on this ride. The more you pedal, the higher your enchanted cart soars! It’s a fun, magical experience that children especially enjoy.
• LEGO 4D Cinema: Experience the world of LEGO like never before in the 4D cinema, where movies feature your favorite LEGO characters and come to life with wind, snow, and rain effects, making you feel like you’re part of the action.

MINILAND: A LEGO Replica of New York

One of the most impressive attractions at LEGOLAND Discovery Center is MINILAND, a detailed and intricate LEGO-built replica of New York City. Featuring iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square, MINILAND is constructed with over 1.5 million LEGO bricks. The exhibit is interactive, allowing kids (and adults) to control certain aspects of the display, like turning on lights in the buildings or setting off mini LEGO cars. It’s a great way to explore the city in miniature form and spot famous landmarks crafted entirely from LEGO.

Creative Play Zones and Build Workshops

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is all about encouraging creativity and hands-on building. Several play zones throughout the center allow children to build, test, and design their own creations:

• LEGO Racers: Build & Test: In this fun and competitive area, kids (and parents!) can design and build their own LEGO race cars and then test them on a track. Watch as your creation speeds down ramps and races against others.
• Earthquake Tables: Here, visitors can build towering skyscrapers out of LEGO bricks and then test their strength against simulated earthquakes to see if their structures hold up during the shaking.
• Creative Workshop: For those looking to learn new building techniques or take on a new challenge, the Creative Workshop offers hands-on lessons with Master Model Builders. These workshops are perfect for improving your LEGO skills and taking your building expertise to the next level.
• Duplo Village: This space is designed for younger children with larger, softer Duplo bricks, allowing toddlers to build in a safe and fun environment.

Meet the Master Model Builder

One of the highlights of visiting LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the opportunity to meet a Master Model Builder, a LEGO expert who builds the massive and intricate models on display throughout the center. In the Master Builder Academy, kids can learn tips and tricks directly from these experts and even participate in special building challenges. It’s a great way to get inspired and enhance building skills with guidance from professionals who turn LEGO bricks into incredible works of art.

Special Events and Seasonal Activities

LEGOLAND Discovery Center hosts various special events throughout the year that add extra excitement to your visit. These events often feature themed activities, limited-edition builds, and character meet-and-greets. Popular events include:

• LEGO Ninjago Weekends: Fans of the Ninjago series can enjoy ninja-themed activities, building challenges, and exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with characters like Kai and Lloyd.
• Brick-or-Treat: During Halloween season, the center transforms for “Brick-or-Treat,” a spooky (but not too scary) event where kids can dress up in costumes, participate in seasonal LEGO builds, and trick-or-treat throughout the center.
• Holiday Bricktacular: During the winter holidays, LEGOLAND is decked out in festive LEGO displays, including winter-themed builds and special holiday activities.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center Shop

No visit to LEGOLAND Discovery Center is complete without a stop at the LEGO store. The shop features an extensive collection of LEGO sets, including popular themes like Star Wars, Ninjago, Friends, and Harry Potter. You can also find exclusive sets and items that are only available at LEGOLAND locations. For those looking for a memorable souvenir or the perfect gift, this store is the ultimate stop.

Birthday Parties and Group Visits

LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Yonkers is a fantastic place to celebrate a child’s birthday. The center offers special birthday party packages that include access to all the attractions, a private party room, and LEGO-themed activities led by staff. It’s a hassle-free way for parents to host a memorable birthday party where the kids will have a blast.

Group visits, including school field trips and camp outings, are also popular at LEGOLAND. Educational programs are available that align with school curriculums, offering a fun and engaging way for children to learn through play.

Plan Your Visit

When planning your visit to LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Yonkers, it’s important to note that tickets are best purchased in advance online. This guarantees entry at your preferred time and often includes discounts compared to buying tickets on-site. The center offers a variety of ticket options, including standard admission, annual passes for frequent visitors, and special combination packages with other nearby attractions.

Hours of Operation:
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is typically open seven days a week, but hours may vary. It’s always a good idea to check the center’s official website for the most up-to-date information on hours, ticket prices, and special events.

Location and Parking:
The center is conveniently located within the Ridge Hill shopping complex, which offers ample parking. The location is easily accessible by car from both Yonkers and New York City, making it an ideal day trip destination for families in the region.