DAY TRIP Legoland

Offering far more than just mammoth piles of tiny plastic bricks, Legoland includes more than 50 attractions for kids ages 2 to 12 and their families.

The Carlsbad theme park is just off the 5 Freeway, south of Camp Pendleton Marine Base.

In the park’s Land of Adventure, its newest attraction, the Lost Kingdom Adventure puts park guests in an all-terrain roadster, where they can blast targets with laser guns.

In Cargo Ace, kids become pilots in 1920s Egypt.

The Pirate Shores water ride area includes soaking games on ship and land, with fountains and water cannons.

On Castle Hill, kids can participate in a Knights’ Tournament, ride the Dragon coaster or try the Royal Joust, atop their own Lego horse.

Fun Town includes a Fire Academy, Volvo Driving School, Skipper School, Sky Cruiser, bi-plane ride and a Lego factory tour.

Afterward, at the LEGO Club House, kids can stock up on bulk Lego bricks or buy kits.

The classic image of Legoland is Miniland USA, a replica of seven regions of the country made with 20 million Lego bricks.

It includes an art gallery of classic works made from Lego blocks and a family cruise on a 1.73-acre, man-made lake.

Kids can also view Master Builders as they create models for the park.

The Imagination Zone includes the chance to build cars and test them against the competition, play with all the varieties of Lego and Duplo blocks, as well as the Mindstorms, computerized Lego robots that obey park visitors’ commands.

On the Bionicle Blaster, circular cars are sped up by the amount their wheels are twisted, allowing riders to customize the ride.

On Dino Island, the Coastersaurus speeds up to 21 mph.

Over in the Explore Village, a Fairy Tale Brook ride on leaf-shaped boats introduces kids to their favorite fairy tale characters, while the Safari Trek puts visitors in jeeps to explore Africa.

Journey to the Lost Temple, a live-action, 25-minute musical, incorporates volunteers in the story of an ancient time machine found in Cleopatra’s lost temple by explorer Johnny Thunder.

Kids can build with bricks within eyesight of their parents at some attractions, while the grown-ups wait in line.

Dining opportunities abound, from the Knights’ Table Barbecue to the Upper Deck Sports Café.

The adjacent Sea Life Aquarium offers more fun.

GETTING THERE

Take the 5 Freeway south about 45 miles to Cannon Road East. Turn right on Legoland Drive and follow the signs.

HOURS

The park typically is open Thursday through Monday; hours vary depending on day and season.

The park is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the summer and the holiday season. Call or visit the website for more details.

ADMISSION

Admission is $59.95 for adults or $49.95 for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors ages 60 and up.

Admission tickets can be printed from a home computer, eliminating one line at the amusement park.

AAA members receive a 10% discount.

Ticket holders can add a second day of admission (to be used within one week) for $15.

— Candice Baker