Wegowand Windsor

A couple of weeks ago, we decided to give the kids a break from sight-seeing, and we headed for Legoland Windsor.  Legoland (replace the L's with W's for Soren's pronunciation) is basically a Lego-themed amusement park, with a few areas where kids can actually build with Legos.  Erik got some vouchers (a.k.a. coupons, in America) from work that allowed us to get the kids in for free, so the day cost slightly less than an arm and a leg.

The kids loved the rides, but they are pretty easy to please, as long as the ride is not too scary.  Most rides had Lego creations that could be viewed from your car, boat, train, what-have-you.

A submarine made of Legos at the Atlantis submarine ride.  The submarines we rode (not made of Legos) took us on a tour of both live and Lego fish.

Dinosaur safari ride.  The cars moved on tracks, but the kids thought they were actually steering.

Lego dinosaur

Boat ride with Lego animal viewing

The carousel, always a favorite

The day was chilly and rainy (as usual), but the water play area was packed with children in swim suits.  One was shivering so hard, I wanted to fling my coat around him.  It reminded me of summers swimming in Lake Michigan, but at least we had the sun to warm us up when we got out of the water.

Brrr!

Legoland is geared toward young children, so there are not too many rides that are terribly exciting for adults.  Our favorite part was Miniland where the landmarks of Europe are recreated in miniature, made entirely of Legos.

Edinburgh Castle in Legos

Lego London with a grumpy Malcolm

Mt. Rushmore was the only non-European landmark-- kind of random.  Our kids horned in on another family's photo op.

The last ride of the day was a self-powered one.  Erik hauled himself and the kids to the top of this tower, and then they could free fall back down.  

On the way back down

You can't really get out of Legoland without purchasing some Legos at The BIG Shop.  Malcolm actually picked out a cool clock that looks like a big Lego block.

In case the entry fee and overpriced lunch didn't empty your wallet, you can drop the rest of your cash here.

One last Lego moment before heading home

The kids loved it, and they are already asking to go back.  Given that we went to Disneyland in March, and we're heading to Disneyworld in December, we aren't itching to get back any time soon.  We'll see if we can distract them with train trips to London and other less expensive kid-friendly outings.