Are you planning a LEGOLAND vacation? You won’t want to miss this list of what to pack for LEGOLAND!
This LEGOLAND packing list was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
My kids LOVE going to LEGOLAND California. It’s just a 3-hour flight from Seattle so it’s pretty easy for us to go on school breaks or even a long weekend.
Since my family goes frequently, I figured I’d jot down exactly what we bring to LEGOLAND California as well as a general list of what to pack for LEGOLAND for families with kids of all ages.
While I wrote this LEGOLAND packing list with California in mind, most of this stuff would also apply to LEGOLAND Florida.
Packing for the Airplane
For our family, waiting around the airport and sitting on the plane are the most stressful parts of our trip to LEGOLAND.
So, we always make sure that our carry-on bags have exactly what we need. And each kid gets their own backpack full of stuff.
Here’s what we put in our carry-on bags:
Essential Documents
This includes tickets, IDs, and travel insurance. Honestly, I keep our airline tickets, hotel reservations, car reservations, etc all on my phone. But, it can be helpful to have paper copies if you tend to not charge your phone frequently.
Comfort Items
This includes neck pillows, earplugs, lightweight blankets, and eye masks (if there’s any chance we’ll sleep on the flight).
Sometimes my kids bring a stuffy (like a Squishmallow) that they use as a pillow and comfort item.
Entertainment
This includes tablets, books, and noise-cancelling headphones. I love my Bose headphones but they are a bit pricey for my kids. So, they have these ones that are also pretty good.
Personally, I like to read physical books so I usually put a paperback in my bag. My kids usually put 1-2 books in their bags in case they need a break from screens.
We definitely do a lot of screen time when we travel. I suggest downloading a movie or episodes of their favorite shows while you have WiFi in the airport. It’s also a good time to update any games on their tablets.
And you MUST double-check that you have the right charging cables for any devices you bring.
Snacks and Refillable Water Bottles
Airport food can be crazy expensive. I usually hit up Target and grab a few small snacks. Beef jerkey or protein bars are great to offset any candy or chips they might eat.
We’re also big fans of bringing our own water bottles. I’m obsessed with our HydroFlasks because the water stays super cold all day long. We fill them up at the airport. They are usually less messy than getting drinks in cups on the plane.
Extra Clothes
It’s usually a lot warmer in San Diego than it is in Seattle, so we often pack shorts in our carry-on bags and change at the airport. Sometimes I pack an extra shirt for my kids because you just never know.
I also get super cold on airplanes so I usually have a sweatshirt that I wear on the plane.
Packing for the Hotel Stay
If you’re staying at the LEGOLAND Hotel or the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, they are totally set up for families. They have a night light, snacks, and LEGO activities in the room.
If you’re staying at a hotel near LEGOLAND, you’ll want to check their amenities before you pack.
Here’s what you might need for the hotel:
Clothing
Make sure that each person has casual wear, swimwear, underwear, socks, and pajamas. I like to make sure that people have a sweatshirt or jacket, too.
We usually wear sneakers in the parks but it’s nice to have sandals or flip flops if you will be enjoying the hotel pool.
Toiletries and Medications
You should bring travel-sized items, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. We always carry Neosporin with us and always use it.
You’ll also want to make sure you have any prescription medications (and make sure you have enough to last you the entire trip).
Snacks and Non-Perishable Food Items for Quick Bites
We usually bring some easy breakfast items (like cereal bars or granola bars) for the kids to eat before we’re ready to go downstairs for breakfast.
It’s also a good idea to have a few snacks to munch on in the room if you take a mid-day break or need something before bed (if your kids don’t eat much dinner).
Small LEGO Sets
If you’re not staying at a LEGOLAND hotel (which has LEGOs in the rooms), you might want to bring some small LEGO sets for your kids to build when they are hanging out in the room.
Extra Bags for Dirty Laundry
I personally hate mixing dirty clothes with clean clothes when we re-pack to head home. It can be helpful to throw dirty clothes into a garbage bag or extra packing cube to make it easy to know what you need to wash when you get home.
What to Bring into the LEGOLAND Theme Parks
We usually bring in a backpack that has a bunch of stuff in it. When my husband comes with us, he carries that backpack (and I usually have more stuff in it like an extra water bottle). But when it’s just me, I bring the bare essentials.
Park Essentials
We usually grab a printed park map so the kids can help me navigate and choose what they want to do. It also keeps their hands busy, which is always a bonus.
If you have printed tickets or coupons, make sure to bring those. I usually have my tickets on my phone.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Typically, we wear t-shirts, shorts, and sweatshirts in the morning. We always have hats, sunglasses, and rain gear (if there’s the slightest chance of rain).
You’ll also want comfortable walking shoes for everyone in your family. If it’s raining, you might also want to pack an extra pair of dry socks for everyone.
Change of Clothes
After water rides or play areas, kids might appreciate a change into dry clothes. This is also really helpful if your kids are messy eaters or don’t like being in dirty clothes.
Power Banks for Electronics
One of my biggest LEGOLAND tips is to bring a portable battery pack so you can keep your phone and any electronics you bring fully charged.
There’s a LEGOLAND app you can use in the parks, but it can drain your battery. Plus, you’ll probably take more photos and videos than you do on a normal day.
Sometimes we bring tablets or Nintendo Switches for our kids to use while we wait in line or eat lunch. Having a way to keep them charged can minimize meltdowns.
Water Bottles and Snacks
I actually think the food at LEGOLAND is pretty good (for theme park food) so most of the time we just eat in the park. But if your kids are picky or they like to snack all day long, just pack your own.
Wet Wipes or Hand Sanitizer
To be honest, we don’t usually use wet wipes or hand sanitizer much. The big exception is in theme parks. I think these are essential to keep hands clean, especially before and after meals or snacks.
But mainly I use them to minimize our risk of getting sick because my kids touch EVERYTHING.
Stroller or Wagon for Younger Kids
If you’re visiting LEGOLAND with a baby, toddler, or preschooler, it’s a great idea to have a stroller. This makes it easier to get around the park, saves energy, and sometimes even encourages a mid-day nap.
You can also rent a stroller near the LEGOLAND entrance. We’ve done this before and it’s been a good experience.
Souvenir Budget and Spending Plan
I only included this on the list in case you are giving your kids gift cards or cash to spend on souvenirs. You’ll definitely want to bring these with you (or you’ll never hear the end of it from your kiddos)!
LEGO Minifigures
When you visit LEGOLAND, your kids will have an opportunity to trade minifigures with LEGOLAND staff members. You can buy new minifigures at the stores there, but it’s MUCH cheaper to bring ones from home.
The only rule is that they need to have all their body parts in order to trade. Have your kids go through their LEGO bins and see which characters they are cool trading.
Things to Bring to the LEGOLAND Water Park
When visiting the LEGOLAND Water Park, there are some key things to bring for a fun and comfortable experience.
Obviously, you’ll want swimwear and a change of dry clothes for after you’re done in the pool. Flip-flops or sandals are also great for walking around the area. I like to keep things in a water-resistant beach bag.
One thing to note is that you can’t go on the slides if you have swimwear with exposed zippers or buttons. And you can’t wear water shoes on the slides.
You’ll also need to bring your own towels. They do NOT have towels there. We usually bring Turkish towels or microfiber towels because they don’t take up much room.
The SoCal sun can be pretty strong (especially for us Seattle folks) so you’ll want to apply sunscreen throughout the day. It’s extra important to reapply after swimming.
Along those same lines, it’s helpful to have hats and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the bright sunlight. If you’re kids like swimming with goggles, be sure to pack them.
If you think you’ll want to take photos of your kids while they are in the water park, you might consider a waterproof phone case. That way, you won’t stress out about accidentally dropping your phone in the water.
We also bring our reusable water bottles to make sure everyone stays hydrated all day long.
LEGO-Themed Clothing
This is totally optional, but I’m a big fan of doing family-matching clothing at theme parks (at least until my kids say no).
I’ve found some cute things at Target, Etsy, and Amazon over the years. Here are my top picks:
- Demo Expert/Master Builder/Clean Up Crew
- Personalized LEGOLAND Vacation Family Shirts
- LEGO Movie Character Shirts
- Personalized LEGO Minifigure Heads
- LEGOLAND Family Matching Shirts
- Yellow Brickhead Shirts
- LEGOLAND Vacation Shirts
Visiting LEGOLAND California FAQS
Can you bring a backpack into LEGOLAND California?
Yes, you can bring a backpack into LEGOLAND California. It’s a good idea for carrying snacks, water, and other essentials.
When is the best time to go to LEGOLAND California?
The best time to go to LEGOLAND California is during the spring or fall. These times are less crowded and the weather is usually nice. It’s also less crowded if you go mid-week (just check the calendar to make sure the park is open).
What are the top things to do in LEGOLAND California?
The top things to do in LEGOLAND California include exploring MINILAND USA, riding the roller coasters, meeting LEGO characters, and enjoying the LEGO-themed shows and building areas.
Are there safes in the LEGOLAND hotels?
Yes, there are safes in the LEGOLAND hotels. You can use them to keep your valuables secure while you’re at the park.
Do I need to bring cash to LEGOLAND?
You don’t need to bring cash to LEGOLAND as they accept credit cards and mobile payments, but having some cash can be handy for small purchases.
Can I bring food into LEGOLAND?
Yes, you can bring food into LEGOLAND. It’s useful for snacks and lunch, especially if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.
Packing for LEGOLAND Theme Park Wrap-Up
I hope this LEGOLAND packing list helps you feel a bit less stressed so you can focus on building memories with your kids.
LEGOLAND is one of my favorite theme parks and I hope you have an awesome trip!
Looking for more LEGOLAND California tips and tricks? Check out LEGOLAND for Toddlers: Guide to Rides, Activities + Hotels, 10 Tips for LEGOLAND California: Know Before You Go, Tips for LEGOLAND California You NEED to Read, 5 Best Hotels Near LEGOLAND California Worth Booking, Is the LEGOLAND Hotel in California Worth it?, 13 Ways to Visit LEGOLAND on a Budget, LEGOLAND California Castle Hotel Review, and Disneyland vs LEGOLAND: Which is Right for Your Family?!
