Star Wars Miniland is the newest addition to my favorite section of Legoland California in Carlsbad. Miniland is simply mind-boggling to the LEGO-lover in me. I once saw a Brick Master discuss the challenge of making round shapes out of square and rectangular bricks. I’ve never looked at LEGOs the same way.
Read Trekaroo member reviews of LEGOLAND.
I heard from mom friends that the Star Wars Miniland was awesome. I also heard that it took the place of the Nascar racetrack that my kids loved. I expected to see a Star Wars scene occupying the same small parcel that held the racetrack. Boy, was I wrong! There were actually SEVEN separate new display areas grouped together with each area representing planets like: Hoth, Tatooine,Geonosis, Naboo, Endor, etc.
Within each display, Star Wars fans will recognize different scenes and details from the episodes. It was fun to see and even entertaining to photograph. If your family is into Star Wars, then it demands a visit.
Need a place to stay? Read reviews of kid friendly hotels in Carlsbad.
LEGO Star Wars Days (June 18-19th) – We’ve attended this event in years past and it really is worth the trip. I still have photos of my little guy with a bunch of clone troopers, Jedis, storm troopers, and Darth Vader from 2008.
Splash Zoo at LEGOLAND Water Park - The DUPLO® themed area, located next to
DUPLO Splash Safari and Kid Creek, features interactive spray pads, fountains, a teeter totter and interactive DUPLO animals geared specifically for guests ages 1 to 3. It’s a great addition to the 5.5. acre family water park.
Read reviews of the LEGOLAND Water Park.
Octopus Garden at SEA LIFE Aquarium – An interactive exhibit introducing families to the amazing world of cephalopods featuring their almost supernatural abilities including camouflage, ink clouds and jet propulsion to surprise and delight adults and children alike.
Read reviews of SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Fun Town Police and Fire Academy – Regulars will recognize this classic LEGOLAND ride where families pile into a fire truck and power it by pumping levers up and down as they race other families to put out the “fire.” Now there are police cars in the mix and two separate entrances with trucks racing on both sides of the wall. Even if you don’t ride it’s extremely entertaining watch.
Hero Factory – Located inside the I-Zone. In this next generation LEGO story, heroes are designed, equipped and built depending on specific missions that beam in from across the galaxy and across time. They are dispatched in hero pods to defeat evil and take on a variety of missions.
My insider advice would be to arrive early and start at Star Wars Miniland before it gets busy!
Michele Whiteaker blogs at FunOrangeCountyParks.com where she promotes play and encourages family outdoor activity. She’s also a 2011 Superoo who’s taken to putting “-roo” at the end of anything travel-related.
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The last time our family visited San Diego, we discovered a wonderful cave at a beach with our 2 year old. It was a discovery too good to keep to ourselves and that’s where the idea for Trekaroo took birth. I love San Diego because it has that Southern California vibe without the insanity of LA and there are a ton of fun things to do with kids. So, this is what Trekaroo families voted to the top for 2009.
#1 Place to take Kids and #1 Animal Attraction: San Diego Zoo
With a total of 27 votes, this world famous zoo is not only the most popular attraction in San Diego with families. It also receives a remarkable 5 star rating on Trekaroo. Rockinmama says it’s the “Best Zoo for Children”. Kidsgowest says it’s “Zoo Heaven”. Knoxvilledoula declares it’s “worth every penny.” The most popular exhibit is the large number of adorable pandas. However, expect some waiting time to see these cuddly bears.
Photo credit: Flickr/thenickster
Best Kid-friendly Museum - Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre and Science Museum
Flying high with families is the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre and Science Museum. Some families like to cool off in this indoor space. TheQFamily says “don’t let the smarty name fool you. This musuem is a great hands-on interactive museum that even a toddler can enjoy.” Kids’ City is an entire child-size town popular with toddlers. A another big favorite with Trekaroo families is the Blockbuster room with tons of blocks that kids can build just about anything with. Wanna be astronauts get a kick out of pretending to sit at NASA command central.
Photo credit: www.rhfleet.org
Most Interesting Neighborhood – Old Town Historic San Diego
Old Town San Diego is a “Step back in time” (kidsgowest) that take us back to the Mexican and early American periods in the history of San Diego. Enjoy the architecture and ambiance of mariachi music and colorful papel picado. There is eye candy at every turn. Familyadventureguidebooks recommends taking hte Coaster train to Old Town. Grandma Dot loves how it sparks a kids imaginations of “Mexican cowboys with sombreros riding their horses through town”.
Photo credit: mattanddolly
Top Amusement Park – Legoland
It was a tight race between Legoland and SeaWorld, both getting 5 stars on Trekaroo. But Legoland wins by popularity. Located about 30 minutes north of San Diego, Legoland is often the reason why families choose to visit San Diego. Jeff Legato raves that its a “really fun park – especially the water section”. Yangtheman believes it’s the “best amusement park for grade schoolers”. jrussobergman goes so far as to say you can “forget about Disneyland”. Their family loves that there were “so many rides for toddlers.”
- Photo credit: anniepants
Most Kid-friendly Beach - Mission Bay Park
Emdolly tells us that Mission Bay Park is “great for small children” because of the calm clean waters and lifeguard. It is also a “great place to bike” says chich. Lots of other outdoor recreation to be had here – boating, fishing, sailing, volleyball, softball, horseshoes, rollerskating, kite-flying…the list goes on and on.
Photo Credit: Emdolly
Best Place to Experience Nature with Kids - La Jolla Tidepools
La Jolla Tidepools are home to a nice colony of seals and a playground for many a kayaker. This is a great place for kids to experience nature in nature. Besides seals, Anniepants reported seeing squid and fish swimming close to the beach. It has a great international vibe and lots of happy friendly people.
Photo credit: flickr/hermmermferm
Which Hotels came up at the top?
Top Activities for Kids in San Diego, CA – voted by parents
Other Resources for San Diego, CA
- All 104 Activities for kids in the San Diego County
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around San Diego County
- Top Tips for a Legoland Adventure with Toddler and Preschoolers – familyadventuremom
- Fun Things to Do After Visiting Legoland, California - familyadventuremom
- Must See Attractions with Kids in San Diego – theqfamily
- Kid-friendly Dining in Balboa Park – kidsgowest
- San Diego: Favorite Family Hotels – ciaobambino
- Fun Activities for Toddlers in San Diego – Toddler’s Travel
- 5 Best Family-friendly Restaurants in San Diego County – Travelmamas
- Things to Do in La Jolla With Kids – LaJollaMom
LiLing Pang is a contributing writer for Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | FL | HI | MA | NY | PA | TX | VA and now IL and WA
