This past weekend, my family and I packed up the car for a road trip from Indianapolis to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Columbus, Ohio. It’s about a three-hour drive—not too bad, especially since our boys (ages 8, 5, 3, and 20 months) are huge LEGO fans. We’d been talking about the trip for weeks, and I’m happy to say, it didn’t disappoint. If you’re thinking of making the trip, here’s a little rundown of our experience and some tips that might help you out!
Planning the Trip
We bought our tickets ahead of time, which included a couple of VR passes and activity books for the older boys. This was a smart move—it helped us skip a few lines and get straight to the fun. The Columbus LEGOLAND Discovery Center is inside a big mall, so there’s plenty to do around, but once we got there, all our focus was on LEGOLAND.
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First Impressions
We made it just as the center opened—highly recommend this. It was a lot quieter in the morning, so it was easier to get around. The first thing we did after checking in was watch an interactive movie intro, where the kids could control mini-figures on the screen. All four boys were glued to it, and it definitely set the tone for the day!
The Rides and Attractions
Kingdom Quest Ride
This was the first ride we hit, and wow, it was a hit with the kids. Think of it like a mini roller coaster where you shoot at targets to beat the “bad guys.” My boys loved it so much we went on more than once.
Merlin’s Apprentice Ride
My 3-year-old, Charlie, could not stop giggling on this one. You pedal to make your seat go higher and higher. He loved every second of it!
4D Movie Experience
This one’s short—just 10 minutes—but super fun. It plays every 15 minutes, so it’s easy to fit into your day. The interactive effects, like wind and water splashes, were a big hit with my 3-year-old.
Creative Workshop
My older boys, Timothy (8) and Calvin (5), joined the workshop, and honestly, it was one of their favorite parts of the day. They learned new LEGO-building tricks and facts, and now both think the instructor has the coolest job in the world. They even got to bring home their own mini creations.
Build & Test Race Track
Another favorite, especially for my youngest ones. Charlie (3) loved building cars and testing them on the race track ramps. He kept sending them down to see how well they’d hold up after crashing—definitely a fun, hands-on spot for them.
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Activities for Younger Kids
Even though my 20-month-old, Peter, couldn’t do some of the bigger rides, he had a great time in DUPLO Land. It’s a section designed for toddlers with softer LEGO bricks and lots of space to play. It gave him a chance to explore safely while his brothers were off on the rides.
VR Experience
Timothy and Calvin had an absolute blast with the VR experience. It was immersive, challenging, and definitely one of the day’s highlights for them.
Extra Fun and Surprises
Beyond the rides and building areas, there were little surprises throughout the day—like a character meet-and-greet with a life-sized LEGO figure and a mini dance party. They also had a bingo game where the kids could win prizes. These small touches made the day feel even more special.
Helpful Tips for Other Parents
- Look for Promo Codes: Before buying tickets, check online for discounts. We found a code that saved us some money.
- Start with the Basic Ticket: If you’re not sure what your kids will like, just get the basic ticket. You can always add on extras like VR or the workshop once you’re there—that’s what we did, and it worked out perfectly.
- Spotty Cell Service: Once you’re inside the main area, cell service gets a little weak. If you have any tickets or codes saved on your phone, take screenshots beforehand.
- Activity Books: We bought two activity books for our older boys, but honestly, one per family would’ve been enough. The activities were fun but not necessary for the overall experience.
- Snacks and Drinks: I wish I’d known this before going—you can’t bring your own snacks or drinks inside. They have a café with plenty of options, but it would’ve been nice to have exactly what our kids wanted, especially for the little ones.
Best Age Range
While there’s something for all ages at LEGOLAND, I’d say it’s best for kids between 4 and 8. The two younger boys a great time too, but they didn’t stay as engaged with some of the attractions as their older brothers did.
Final Thoughts
All in all, our trip to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Columbus was a big win. The boys had a fantastic time, and it was a great little weekend getaway. If your kids love LEGO or just enjoy interactive play, this is a solid choice for a family-friendly day trip from Indianapolis.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering the creative workshop, go for it. It’s worth the extra cost. Not only do the kids learn some cool new building techniques, but they also get to take home what they build. Basically, you’re paying for a LEGO set, which makes it totally worth it.
For any parents thinking about making the drive, I highly recommend it. It’s a great mix of fun rides, hands-on activities, and plenty to keep the kids entertained for hours!
