Just outside of the city proper, Legoland Discovery Center is a wonderland of toys, fun, and learning geared to children ages 3-10. Taking the time out of a Chicago trip to go to the Legoland Discovery Center is a great way to beat city crowds and give the kids a special day of their own.
Money Saving Tip! Legoland Discover Center is included on the Go Chicago Pass. If you are sightseeing in Chicago, then you can save a lot of money with the card. PLUS SAVE AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF off a Go Chicago Card with coupon code CMGOCITY10.
Legoland Discover Center History
As part of the larger Legoland chain of amusement parks, Legoland Discovery Center, Chicago is a miniature version of the larger amusement parks in the Legoland chain all of which are specifically geared towards school-age children and their families. Owned and operated by the Merlin Entertainment Group, the Legoland brand of amusement parks is a multi-national chain centered on and all about everyone’s favorite building toys.
The purpose behind the Legoland Discovery Centers, which are located throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, is an experience focused on even younger children than the larger Legoland amusement parks, specifically geared towards the 12 and under crowd. The Discovery Center focuses on hands-on experiences, simple rides, and play spaces which focus on the energy and imagination of young children.
The Chicago branch of Legoland is a 30,000 square foot indoor entertainment center and 4D theatre located just outside of the metropolitan Chicago area at the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumberg, IL. It is just off of Interstate 290, 28 miles north of downtown Chicago. Though outside of the city, the location can be accessed via CTA bus line and lies in a larger mall complex, the Woodfield Mall, which offers 2.7 million square feet of shopping and dining options for parents and older siblings.
Legoland Discover Center: The Main Attraction
Legoland Discovery Center, Chicago is comprised of 30,000 square feet of space featuring 11 different rides and/or play spaces. Among the most popular of these options is the Star Wars MINILAND Model display, MINILAND which replicates the Chicago skyline, and the 4D theatre. In addition, the Lego Factory offers guided tours that reveal how Legos are made and Duplo Village offers special building and playing opportunities for the smallest Discovery Center visitors.
Entrance to Legoland Discovery Center is priced both individually and in ‘family’ packages, which strives offer discounts to larger parties. Open daily until 7pm, the park suggests that families reserve at least 2-3 hours to enjoy all that Legoland Discovery Center has to offer. In that vein, no new admissions are allowed to enter after 5pm.
In addition to basic visits and play time, Legoland Discover Center also offers group visits, school visits, and birthday parties. All of these options include workshops in which children learn about the relationship that Lego play has to their art, science, and mathematics curriculum from grades Pre-K through 6.
A fully accessible facility, Legoland provides family-friendly access to bathrooms and changing facilities as well as tactile opportunities for special needs children.
Why the Legoland Discover Center is a Must-Do
Though it is a bit of a trip to go outside of the city itself, taking the time to travel to Schaumberg, IL and visit the Legoland Discovery Center is a really great option for visitors with children ages 3-10. Unlike most other tourist attractions and even amusement parks, Legoland’s principle interest in the entertainment of young children makes it a one-of-a-kind attraction that only keeps its appeal for so long in a child’s life. Plus, with its location at the Woodfield Mall, one of the largest in the Chicago-land area, parents and older siblings will have plenty to do themselves. Travelling outside of the city to Legoland is a worthwhile choice for families looking for some truly child-centered fun.
Where to Buy Legoland Discover Center Tickets
There are a number of ways you can enjoy admission to this attraction.
Pay Full Price and purchase a ticket from Legoland Discover Center either online or in person.
Purchase a Tourist pass. The Legoland Discover Center is available on the Go Chicago Card or Chicago Explorer Pass