I was able to take two LEGO-loving kids downtown to the LEGO KidsFest last night. The traffic getting down there, with several other events happening at the same time, made it slow-going. But once we finally got there, WOW! The kids had a blast making structures, participating for prizes, looking, and shopping. We were running late, and got there even later because of the traffic jam, so we had about 3 hours. It was not enough. We only were able to do about half of the activities. So when you go, plan accordingly!
Right at the show entrance is the Model Museum where you can see Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Lightning McQueen, Darth Vader and lots more all made out of LEGOs. It is amazing! They have more of these scattered all over the show floor so keep your eyes open.
The Big Brick Pile was next. We skipped past it because we were short on time, but it is literally a big pile of LEGO bricks. There were lots of kids building and they are smart to outline the area with chairs for parents to sit back and have a rest.
From here, we walked around to get a lay of the land and figure out the map. This is where my daughter had a break-down because of the lines. But I have to say that either the crowd started to thin after we got there, or the lines really aren’t that bad. They bring most of the kids in as a big group, so you have to wait until the group in the activity is done, then your group gets to go in. So the lines seem long because they back up, but then most everyone waiting gets to go in at once.
We figured out that the map has certain activities marked with a star for “Participation LEGO Prize Area.” These were the ones my kids wanted to hit first. And as it turned out, that was pretty much all we had time for.
The Brick Battle Zone was my favorite. They split the kids up into 6 teams to work together to build a bridge using Duplo blocks. The goal was for it to be a certain length and width and hold weight after being put up on pillars, like a real bridge. My kids were in a great team who all worked together and came up with a good idea to make it work. They actually won the contest but that wasn’t why I liked it the most. I liked how it encouraged teamwork and used engineering principles to make a strong bridge.
My second favorite was the Creation Nation. It is a big area taped off in the shape of the United States. Kids are encouraged to build anything and then a member of the staff places it in the state the child requests. One of mine made a boat for the New York Harbor and the other made a race car for the Indianapolis 500. It was really cool to see the skyscrapers some kids had made.
Several more activities, the Master Builder Lab, lots of places for building, a LEGO Store, a KidsFest Marketplace for souvenirs, a theater and reading rest stop in case your kids need some down time, and concessions pretty much round up the map.
When I asked my kids what their favorite part was, they couldn’t decide and said “Everything!”
Be sure to bring a bag to hold the prize kits that are handed out at the specially marked areas and wear good walking shoes. And most of all, bring a lot of patience – you’ll be waiting around a lot while they build their amazing creations – and a camera so you can photograph those creations. You don’t get to take them home.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
I received comp tickets for the review, but the thoughts are all my own.
For the very first time, LEGO KidsFest is bringing all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in this three acre activity and entertainment-packed family event.
LEGO KidsFest is for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.
NOTE – Currently (as of April 1) both Saturday sessions are SOLD OUT and Sunday Session 1 is at limited availability. The Friday and Sunday Session 2 still have plenty of tickets left. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance!
Among the many LEGO attractions, families will find:
- LEGO Model Museum: walk among the dozens of life-sized models made from LEGO bricks
- LEGO Ninjago: spin the way to being a Spinjitzu member
- LEGO Mindstorms: play with programmed robots and snakes
- LEGO Movie: help Emmet and Lucy conquer the bad guys
- LEGO Fusion: work with real and virtual bricks in this
- Race Ramps: build a custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family
- Creation Nation: construct a creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.
- Construction Zone: enjoy a creative build, play, and display area
- LEGO DUPLO: explore imagination through building for the younger set
- LEGO Retail: purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods
- Big Brick Pile: build and have fun in a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment
- Monochromatic Builds: construct buildings and more using bricks of a single color to foster group creativity
- LEGO Disney Princess: create and build a fairytale through LEGO bricks
- LEGO Friends: build for the five empowered friends from Heartlake City
For more information: http://www.legokidsfest.com/nashville/
LEGO KidsFest Tickets Giveaway!
We have 2 tickets to give away for the opening night session of the LEGO KidsFest at Music City Center on Friday, April 17, 2015 (4-8:30pm).
One lucky winner will be chosen on April 9, 2015. You must be 18 to enter, 1 entry per day allowed, random drawing by USFG. The winner must confirm by email by April 12 or her prize will be forfeited and given to another entrant.
