The Ultimate Guide to Legoland New York

Looking for a fun getaway just outside of NYC? Legoland New York is great for toddlers, elementary-aged children, and (yes!) teens and tweens.

Fact checked by Karen Cilli

To say my children are obsessed with Legos would be an understatement. My 4-year-old son has dozens of Duplos, shaped like blocks, planes, trains, and—perhaps his favorite—a garbage truck. My daughter has several playsets (and hundreds of loose pieces). We own numerous characters, or minifigs. And I have some too, though most of mine are seasonal. I tend to build Legos around the holidays. I've constructed Santa and elves and an adorable Halloween owl. But one thing this Lego-loving family wasn't prepared for was a Lego theme park. None of us knew what to expect when Legoland opened its doors in 2021 in Goshen, New York.

Related: 11 Best Vacations for Kids Under 10

Here's everything we learned (and everything you need to know) about Legoland, from what rides are toddler-friendly to when you should really go.

Where Is Legoland New York?

Located in Goshen, Legoland New York is nestled away in the Hudson Valley. It is approximately 60 miles northwest of New York City—and about 100 miles south of the state's capitol, Albany. 

How Much Are Legoland Tickets?

The cost of Legoland tickets vary, depending on the time of year and/or any deals and discounts the park may be offering; however, the average ticket costs $94. This is for children aged 3 and up.

If you plan to visit the park multiple times a year, it may be in your best interest to consider season passes. These multi-use tickets start at $149.99 and come with a variety of perks, including food and beverage discounts. However, the lower tier passes do come with restrictions, i.e. blackout dates may apply.

What Should You Bring to the Park?

While you'll want to pack lightly—Legoland New York is a moderately sized park, one that requires a good deal of walking—parents should pack the essentials, including but not limited to:

• Water. Bringing refillable water bottles isn't just good for the environment, it's good for your wallet too. And with water stations scattered throughout the park, it's clear Legoland supports this green initiative.

• Sunglasses and sunscreen. Because Legoland New York is (relatively) new, most of the park's greenery is immature. This means there is little-to-no shade. Be prepared.

• Light snacks. While Legoland New York has some amazing food—I'm looking at you, apple fries—it's always a good idea to travel with snacks, especially if you have picky eaters or young children.

• Portable cell phone charger[s]. Be sure to have a backup battery on hand for taking pictures with the characters and/or using the park's mobile app.

• Childcare essentials. Does your little one wear diapers? Use formula? Are you planning to go on water rides? While you can buy these items on-site, you should prepare for the day appropriately—with bathing suits, bottles, wipes, and other childcare essentials.

• A stroller. While Legoland New York is not unmanageable—as mentioned, the park is moderately sized—there are a lot of hills. The park was built in the Hudson Valley, after all, an area known for its rolling landscape. For this reason, you'll want to bring a stroller or wagon, specifically for younger visitors.
  

What Are the Best Rides at Legoland for Toddlers and Young Children?

With 17 rides, four playgrounds, a water playground, and a variety of stage performances, dance parties, and shows, there is no shortage of entertainment at Legoland New York. Truly. There is something for kids of every age. But what are the best activities for younger visitors? 

If you're visiting with a toddler or preschool-aged tyke, you'll want to check out Junior Driving School. This fun-filled course allows children to experience the thrill of driving, safely and slowly. Coast Guard Academy is another fan favorite. This attraction allows kids to steer boats through a small, floating course, and young thrill seekers will appreciate The Dragon's Apprentice, a kid-sized coaster. The new Water Playground, located in Lego City, is also sure to be a hit—with slides, water tables, sprinklers, and (of course) an oversized bucket—which dumps 318 gallons of water on suspecting (and unsuspecting) tykes.

Traveling with smaller kids? Head to Bricktopia and board the Duplo Express or take a ride on DJ's Dizzy Disco Spin. You can also ride Brick Party, a Duplo-designed and -inspired carousel.

Even if your little one is, well, too little for most of the rides, there is plenty for them to see at the park. Each themed section has attractions that will pique their interest. There's a musical water fountain in Bricktopia and several life-sized Lego cars, motorcycles, and fire trucks for kids to "ride" throughout the park. Our Editorial Director's one-and-a-half-year-old spent much of the day just watching the Fire Academy ride in action in Lego City—because, let's face it, toddlers and fire trucks are always a good match.

That said, it's worth noting that some of these attractions—while fun—can garner high wait times. Every time I've visited Legoland, for example, Coast Guard Academy has had a 40-minute wait or more. If these attractions (and, in particular, this attraction) are important to you or your child, you should plan to hit it early and/or at park closing.

Related: 27 Ways to Save Money When You Have a Baby

What Experiences Can You Enjoy With Your Teen or Tween?

While the sweet spot seems to be for kids younger than 8, Parents' News & Trends Editor took their 11-and-a-half-year-old daughter and 9-year-old twins to the park during the summer and again for the Brick-or-Treat Presents Monster Party. While most of the rides could still be enjoyed by all three, their favorite was The Dragon, the park’s biggest and fastest roller coaster. Older kids—and their caregivers—will also love Jay’s Gravity Force Trainer, Rogue Riders, and Splash Battle, because who doesn’t love squirting other people with water? Older kids will even enjoy Driving School, the big-kid version of Junior Driving School.

The 4-D movie experiences at Cinema Palace were fun, but also made a great place to sit, cool off, and recharge. Older kids will also love the classes offered at Creative Workshop. From pixel art to Lego-themed STEAM challenges, older kids can flex their building muscles.

Don’t let their size fool you. Older kids will still turn into giddy little kids again when they see the amazing creations throughout the park and get the chance to get a selfie with one of their favorite real-life Lego characters.

The beauty of the park with older kids is that they get to know it quickly enough to navigate to a ride or the bathroom without your assistance and there are plenty of benches and tables for parents to relax while their tweens pretend they have their real driver’s licenses and take another turn at Driving School.

What Is the Food Situation Like at Legoland New York?

Having been to Legoland several times now, I've been fortunate to eat at many of the park's dining establishments. My family's favorite, by far, is Smokey's Brick-B-Q, which offers many popular dishes, like smoked chicken and pulled pork. They also have several satisfying sides and, of course, they offer every child's fave: Mac and cheese. The theming is also spot-on. The entrance to Smokey's is through a giant dragon's mouth. But Smokey's isn't the park's only dining establishment.

Another great option is Brickolini's Pizza. With perennial faves, like cheese and pepperoni pizza, as well as pasta and salad, Brickolini's has something for everyone. Oh, and if you're looking for a quick bite, head to City Dog, Street Taco, or—for a cheeseburger and fries—go to the castle, also known as Royal Feast.

Allergies

While Legoland New York has allergen-free offerings, the company aims to make every guest experience "memorable." This means making special accommodations, when and as necessary. It also means flexibility.

On Legoland's official website you can check the park's nutrition database CertiStar for information on dietary restrictions in the various restaurants. The company also states: "For dining locations not yet listed in our nutrition database, please go to the desired food location and ask for a manager or chef. They can provide you with a safe option to eat in the park and assist with any accommodations."

Snacks

Having been to Legoland several times now—and for several different occasions—I've tried my fair share of snacks. (OK, I've eaten a lot of snacks.) And while the park offers standard fare, like hot pretzels and popcorn, their unique offerings are definitely a win. So what should you buy and try?

If you like sweet snacks, be sure to stop by Granny's Apple Fries. They offer their namesake, apple fries, with caramel and whipped cream. Looking for a savory option? And if you're in the mood for a frozen treat, Wizard's Frozen Wonders has got you covered, with colorful A La Mode ice cream designed to cure any sweet tooth.

Mobile ordering

Legoland New York is a cashless park, and has been since its opening. However, during the 2022 season, many of the park's dining locations began to offer mobile ordering—which allows you to place a food order on your phone and pickup at a designated time and spot.

Related: Fun

Are There Any Special Events?

Brick-or-Treat Presents Monster Party

A little bit spooky and a whole lot of sweet, Legoland's Brick-or-Treat is fun for monsters of all ages. But what makes this event so special? Well, there are special character meet-and-greets, with Spider Lady—who is new for 2023—Wacky Witch, and Monster Rocker, to name a few. There are fun, seasonal activities. You can BOO-gie down on the Disco Dragon coaster or see the The Great Monster Chase at the 4D theatre. You can join Lego Zombie Cheerleader and her crew as they conduct cheer tryouts. You’ll even have the chance to show some of your best moves during this high-energy pep rally.  And, of course, you can trick-or-treat. That said, it's important to note that Brick-or-Treat does not begin until 3 p.m., even though the park opens earlier.

Holiday Bricktacular

Running from late November to December 31, Holiday Bricktacular is a holly jolly event complete with carolers, trees, and Mrs. Claus. Experience unforgettable seasonal shows, holiday characters, special treats, and more. You write and send letters to Santa, with a little help from his elves. You can roast and toast smores, for an additional fee, and you can even meet the man in red himself—at a special Lego Santa workshop meet-and-greet.

Red, White, and Boom

The skies above Legoland ignite with an impressive fireworks display every Fourth of July. Truly. Having witnessed the show first-hand, I can say it was an absolute treat. But Legoland doesn't launch any ol' fireworks; thanks to special, 3-D glasses, each and every one bursts into a bricktacular shape. A must-see.

Is There Anything New at Legoland New York?

Legoland's newest attraction is the Lego City Water Playground. Opened on May 26, 2023, the Water Playground is a fun way to spend (part) of your day, splashing and slip-sliding around. This new "oasis" features waterslides, a cascading splash bucket filled with 318 gallons of water, and a build your own "boat to float" race—plus plenty of sprinklers, water tables, and water guns. That said, it is worth noting that the Water Playground is accessible by reservation only. Reservations are available on a first come, first serve basis and may be made at 7:00 a.m. the day of your visit. Each person in your party will need to be accounted for, and play time is limited to 20 minutes.

I Heard the Park Is "Autism Certified." What Does That Mean?

Legoland believes "awesome is for everyone" which is why, in March 2023, their parks became Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC).

Here’s what families can expect as part of the new Legoland experience:

• Legoland New York has trained their team members to better assist autistic guests or those with other sensory sensitivities.

• Their website has new sensory specific pre-planning resources available.

• Speaking of sensory specific, every ride now has a posted sensory guide (developed by IBCCES) indicating whether there are bright lights, loud sounds, or any other features that guests might need to plan around. Each attraction will also be rated according to its sensory level, making it easier for families to plan activities that align with their needs and accommodations.

• The park has quiet rooms dedicated to aiding those with varying sensory needs. Here, guests can decompress with weighted blankets, dim lighting, and tactile toys.

• Upon request, First Aid will distribute ear plugs to guests to assist with sound and overstimulation. “Assisted Access Passes” can also be requested. This can be done by visiting Guest Services (at the front of the park).

Tips and Tricks

Your bags are packed. Your park passes are reserved, and you're ready to hit the ground running. It's time for a day in the park. But before you go, keep these things in mind.

• Go to and through Miniland first. While most people head to and through Bricktopia first when they enter the park—which is the hub of the park and home of The Big Shop and Lego Factory Adventure Ride—experienced guests start with Miniland. Why? Because the crowds are smaller and because, in walking this way, you avoid a major uphill trek at the end of the day (which, trust us, is no fun for little or tired legs).

• Head to the back of the park. Once you've made your way through Miniland, you'll arrive in Lego Pirates land, which is an ode to your favorite swashbuckling friends. And while it is fine to stay (and play) there, if you're looking to get the biggest bang for your buck, keep walking. Head to Coast Guard Academy and then make your way to and through nearby attractions. Lego Pirates and City are quietest in the morning, so visit those rides first before heading toward the dragon coasters and castle.

• Leave cash at home. Legoland is cashless, so bring the cards and leave the cash at home.

• Spend some time in the free play areas. From playgrounds to creative workshops, there are a ton of fun things to do—with Legos and without. Be sure to check them out.

• Bring refillable water bottles and snacks. There are plenty of places to fill up water bottles while in the park. And while there are also a lot of yummy places to eat, it can get expensive to feed your kids and yourself while exploring the park for many hours. You’ll work up quite the appetite, and it can’t hurt to have extra food to keep everyone happy.

• Cool down in Ninjago, the Factory Adventure, and the 4-D Theater. Looking for an escape from the heat—or a way to warm up? Legoland New York has several indoor attractions, including a 4-D theater and two unique rides.

• Come prepared to play, particularly if you're heading to the Water Playground. Whether you are planning to spend your morning on rides or hope to snag an early reservation for the Water Playground, we recommend you arrive in swim attire (under your clothes of course). Why? Well, because the Water Playground has a 20-minute time limit. This means that, once your time slot is called, you only have 20 minutes to play. And while you could change in the park, the changing rooms are located inside the Water Playground—making this improbable, at best.

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Read the original article on Parents.