Legoland Discovery Centre Chicago: a Great Itinerary & 7 Global Locations

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   Courtney Augello

Nestled just outside of Chicago, Legoland Discovery Centre is a great attraction for families.  This indoor family entertainment centre is a haven for Lego enthusiasts of all ages who want to let their imaginations run wild.

Whether you are a child, an adult, or a family seeking a day of immersive fun, the Legoland Discovery Centre in Chicago beckons with its vibrant attractions and interactive exhibits. Let your imagination soar, and prepare to be amazed by the wonders unfolding before you.

To help you make the most of your visit to the Legoland Discovery Centre, we’ve explored the history of the centre, the best attractions, and other Legoland Discovery Centres all over the world.

What is Legoland Discovery Centre?

The Legoland Discovery Centre in Chicago is an indoor family entertainment centre themed around Lego toy bricks. The centre is located in Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, at The Streets of Woodfield shopping mall. It was the first Legoland Discovery Centre to open in North America.

The centre includes opportunities for visitors to engage in building challenges, compete in races with their Lego creations, or participate in guided activities led by Lego Master Builders.

Overall, the Legoland Discovery Centre hosts a variety of attractions and activities designed for children of all ages. Don’t let this stop you, however, because Lego boasts that they invite everyone to explore the Legoland Discovery Centre, no matter what age they are.

History of Legoland Discovery Centres

The concept of the Legoland Discovery Centre was born out of the success of the Legoland theme parks. The first Legoland Discovery Centre opened its doors in Berlin, Germany, in 2007. It was designed as a smaller-scale attraction focused on interactive play and learning experiences with Lego bricks.

Following the success of the Berlin location, Legoland Discovery Centres expanded to other cities and countries. In 2008, a second centre opened in Manchester, United Kingdom. These early centres featured a variety of attractions, including Miniland displays, 4D cinemas, play areas, and Lego-themed rides.

Across the Legoland Discovery Centre locations worldwide, over 40 million bricks have been used to create landmarks, cities, characters, and more. 

The concept gained further momentum, and Legoland Discovery Centres continued to open in different parts of the world. Today, there are multiple centres spread across countries like the United States, Japan, China, Canada, and Australia. Each location offers unique experiences, often incorporating local landmarks and attractions into their Miniland displays.

Merlin Entertainments, a global entertainment company, operates most Legoland Discovery Centres. The company has worked closely with the Lego Group to create immersive and engaging experiences for visitors. These centres have become popular destinations for families, providing a combination of entertainment, education, and hands-on Lego fun.

Over the years, Legoland Discovery Centres have continued to evolve and innovate. New attractions and experiences have been added, catering to the interests of Lego enthusiasts of all ages. The centres often feature special events, workshops, and opportunities for visitors to participate in team-building activities or interact with life-sized Lego models.

The history of Legoland Discovery Centres showcases their growth from a single location in Berlin to a global network of indoor attractions loved by Lego fans worldwide. Whether in Europe, North America, Asia, or beyond, these centres provide a vibrant and interactive environment where visitors can immerse themselves in the colourful world of Lego bricks.

How Much Time Do You Need at Legoland Discovery Centre?

The amount of time you should spend at the Legoland Discovery Centre in Chicago can vary depending on your level of interest in Lego and the age of the children accompanying you. On average, visitors typically spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the various attractions and engaging in activities.

However, it is easy to spend more time at the centre if you’re fully exploring all it has to offer. Some visitors may choose to spend more time thoroughly enjoying each exhibit, while others may have a more focused visit and spend less time overall.

Consider factors such as the age of the children, their attention span, and your own level of interest in Lego when planning your visit. It’s a good idea to check the schedule of any shows or events happening at the centre during your visit, as there may be a seasonal event that interests you.

Ultimately, the goal is to have an enjoyable experience, so plan your visit according to your interests and allow yourself enough time to fully appreciate the attractions and participate in the activities that appeal to you and your family.

An Excellent Legoland Discovery Centre Itinerary 

At the Legoland Discovery Centre in Chicago, visitors can explore numerous Lego-themed zones and participate in interactive exhibits. Anyone visiting the centre is in for a day filled with Lego-themed excitement and fun. 

Start your day by immersing yourself in the captivating world of Lego at the Legoland Discovery Centre in Chicago. Visit Miniland, where you can marvel at the impressive Lego replicas of iconic Chicago landmarks, such as the Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Willis Tower. Take your time to appreciate the attention to detail and snap some photos as souvenirs of your visit.

After exploring Miniland, head to the Lego Factory Tour to learn about the fascinating process behind the creation of Lego bricks. Witness the machinery and craftsmanship involved in producing these beloved building blocks. Don’t forget to pick up your souvenir brick as a cherished memory of your factory tour.

Continue your adventure through Legoland Discovery Centre with a visit to the 4D Cinema. Step into a world of imagination as you watch a Lego-themed 3D movie, complete with special effects like wind, water, and even snow. Allow yourself to be fully immersed in the enchanting story unfolding before your eyes.

To wrap up your day at the Legoland Discovery Centre, head to the Lego Racers area. Unleash your creativity by building your own Lego race car and put it to the test on the race track. Engage in friendly competition with your family and friends, cheering on your creations as they zoom to the finish line.

Adult Events at Legoland Discovery Centre Chicago

Although adults are welcome to visit the Legoland Discovery Centre and interact with the attractions, they must also have a child in their group on most days. During special days, the centre hosts adult-only events that allow older Lego enthusiasts to explore and build.

Legoland Discovery Center in Chicago, Illinois, offers adult-only events for Lego enthusiasts who are looking for a unique and fun experience. These events provide an opportunity for adults to explore the centre’s attractions and engage in activities tailored specifically for grown-ups.

One popular adult-only event at Legoland Discovery Center Chicago is Adult Night. During these special evenings, the centre opens its doors exclusively to adults, typically after regular operating hours. 

Attendees can enjoy a relaxed and child-free environment while indulging in Lego-themed fun. Activities may include building challenges, trivia competitions, creative workshops, and access to all the centre’s attractions, including Miniland and the 4D Cinema.

Another exciting event is the Adult Lego Builders Night, where Lego enthusiasts can showcase their building skills and connect with fellow adult builders. 

Attendees can bring their own Lego creations to display, participate in building challenges or collaborative projects, and exchange ideas and techniques with like-minded individuals. These events often feature special guest speakers or Lego Master Builders who share their expertise and provide inspiration.

The adult-only events at Legoland Discovery Center Chicago offer a unique opportunity for grown-ups to embrace their love for Lego and engage in a fun and social setting. Here, adults can rediscover the joy of building with Lego bricks, immerse themselves in the colourful world of Lego, and connect with other Lego enthusiasts in a vibrant and welcoming community.

Other Legoland Discovery Centre Locations Around the World

1. Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester, United Kingdom

Located in the heart of Manchester, this centre offers a wealth of Lego-themed fun. Visitors can explore Miniland, where they’ll find impressive Lego recreations of iconic Manchester landmarks, such as Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium. 

The 4D Cinema provides an immersive movie experience, and the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride invites guests to embark on a thrilling interactive adventure. With various play zones, a Lego Duplo Farm, and creative building opportunities, this centre provides endless entertainment for Lego enthusiasts of all ages.

2. Legoland Discovery Centre Tokyo, Japan

Located within the Odaiba shopping and entertainment district, this centre offers a mix of educational experiences and playful adventures. The Lego Factory Tour takes visitors behind the scenes to learn about the Lego manufacturing process.

The Technic area invites guests to test their engineering skills. The Tokyo centre also showcases impressive Lego models of famous Japanese landmarks and provides opportunities for creative building and interactive play.

3. Legoland Discovery Centre Berlin, Germany

As the very first Legoland Discovery Centre, this location holds special significance. Situated in Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, it features an array of attractions to captivate visitors. The MINILAND exhibit showcases Berlin’s architectural wonders, including the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag, recreated in Lego form.

Other attractions include 4D movies, interactive rides, a Lego Duplo Village for younger children, and opportunities to meet Lego characters. The Legoland Discovery Centre in Berlin is truly one of the most interesting family attractions in the city.

4. Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham, United Kingdom

Situated at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham, this centre boasts a host of exciting attractions. One of its highlights is the Miniland, featuring iconic landmarks from Birmingham and the surrounding areas built entirely with Lego bricks. 

Visitors can also take part in Lego-themed rides, engage in interactive Lego activities, and even join a creative workshop to learn building techniques from Lego Master Builders.

5. Legoland Discovery Centre Toronto, Canada

Located in Vaughan Mills, just outside Toronto, this centre offers an engaging Lego experience for visitors. The highlight is the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride, where guests can join a virtual mission to rescue a captured princess using laser blasters.

The centre also features a Lego Ninjago City Adventure area, where children can test their ninja skills on various obstacle courses. Visitors can explore Miniland Toronto fit with the CN Tower, participate in Lego building competitions, and even attend exclusive Lego-themed events.

6. Legoland Discovery Centre Atlanta, United States

Situated in Atlanta, Georgia, this centre provides a range of Lego-themed activities for families to enjoy. The Miniland showcases famous Atlanta landmarks, such as the CNN Centre and the Georgia Aquarium. 

The centre offers multiple play zones, including a Lego Racers section where children can build and race their own Lego cars. Additionally, visitors can embark on a Factory Tour, participate in workshops, and enjoy 4D movies.

7. Legoland Discovery Centre Melbourne, Australia

Located in the Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne, this centre offers a variety of interactive and educational Lego experiences. Visitors can admire intricate Lego models of Australian landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and the MCG. The centre features a Lego Duplo Farm for younger visitors, a 4D Cinema, and engaging rides like the Kingdom Quest Laser Ride. Creative building areas and a Lego Friends zone ensure there’s something for everyone.

These are just a few examples of the Legoland Discovery Centre locations worldwide, each providing unique attractions and experiences. Whether it’s exploring Miniland, engaging in interactive rides, or participating in creative building activities, these centres offer an exciting and immersive Lego adventure for families and Lego enthusiasts alike.

Legoland is a Great Attraction for Family Fun

Whether you’re a fan of LEGO or seeking a fun-filled day for the whole family, Legoland Discovery Centre in Chicago promises an unforgettable experience. From working with Lego Master Builders to enjoying a 4D movie, there are endless possibilities at the Legoland Discovery Centre.

Beyond the bricks and attractions, the Legoland Discovery Centres in Chicago and worldwide provide an environment that fosters imagination, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. It is a place where families can bond, where friendships are forged, and where memories are created.

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