Manly Mondays :: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago

LEGOLAND is always a top choice in this household.  It polls well among both the under 14 demographic and, more importantly, with parents.  Its likability is off the charts.  So when we heard about spending the night at Legoland for its first ever overnight adventure sleepover for Halloween?  No debate there.

The folks at Legoland put together a great program for kids aged 7 – 12 to spend the night, enjoy their Halloween themed redecoration, and participate in a variety of activities.  I took my nephews, David and Jonathan, to see what it was all about.

First, spending the night anywhere is an adventure for kids this age.   The fact that it’s at Legoland is just gravy.  It only gets better if you consider the excellent job the staff had done as sprucing up the place for Halloween.  The Lego Chicago is your first stop, and my have the Lego monsters taken over.  From mainstays King Kong to Godzilla to my personal favorite, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, the city is under attack (yes, the Ghostbusters are on the case with the marshmallow man).  Master Lego builder Andrew Johnson and his creative compadres have a number of new spooky Lego figures on display.

The staff had a number of creative activities lined up for us: two 4-D movies, a tour of the Lego factory, riding Knight Quest, pictures in front of the green screen, a costume contest, and creative challenges with prizes(build your own Lego ghost or zombie, for example).  One of my and the kids’ favorite part is that everybody wins and gets a prize.  The staff even improvised costumes for the kids who didn’t bring one.  We came home with a huge bag filled with Legos collected throughout the night.

In terms of amenities, a dinner of pizza and cookies and continental breakfast were served.  Most important for those of us over the age of 12, there was coffee.  We were given gym-like mats and slept by the mini Chicago or in the jungle.  A lot like camping.  I also can’t say enough about the staff.  They are enthusiastic and show genuine interest in making sure the kids have a memorable time.  I know we did.

Here’s a sampling of the night’s agenda:

7:15 p.m.

Explore MINILAND, Halloween Group Build, and Jungle Expedition which will feature a LEGO^® Ghost scavenger hunt for a chance to win 4 Annual  Passes

7:30 p.m.

Group picture/family photos; Guests ride Kingdom Quest Laser Ride

8:00 p.m.

Pizza Party

9:00 p.m.

Various activities :: Build your own LEGO Pumpkin, Model Builder Workshop, Factory Tours, 4D Movie Theatre, Technicycle Ride

Tickets were $55 per person, $45 per person for annual pass holders. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is located on the Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg, Illinois. For all of LEGOLAND’s special and upcoming events, check them out here.