Family: How To Do Legoland With Toddlers And Under-4s

We took the kids to Legoland Windsor for the second time a couple of weeks back and had such a lovely day. Last time we went – almost a year ago to the day – my eldest, then a toddler, was only just tall enough to go on a handful of the rides, and my youngest was a) too little to go on most things, b) not yet walking and c) seriously annoyed about being stuck in the buggy all day.

This time, the eldest – who’d just turned 4 – had breached the 100cm mark and could therefore go on loads more rides, and the youngest could at least wander around and go on the family-friendly ones. Because it was during term-time we didn’t queue for a single ride, and because it was mid-October the park felt relatively empty compared to the last visit in the midst of half-term (oops).

If you’re thinking about taking young children to Legoland Windsor but wondering if it’s worth the money I’d say it’s definitely worth it, as long as you know a few things first…

1. There really isn’t anything for crawling babies. There are no soft play areas for little ones, and last year we found ourselves desperately looking for somewhere – anywhere – to put our almost-1-year-old down on the floor so she could explore. It was October and damp, which didn’t help, and in the end we had to put her down on the floor of the area upstairs above the shop, just so she could spend some time out of the buggy before we bundled her back into the car for the journey home.
2. That said, the baby changing facilities at Legoland are fantastic. There are things like highchairs in the restaurants, too.
3. If you’re taking a baby, it might be worth taking a baby carrier to get around. Or at least a decent buggy. There’s more about that in my last post.
4. If you’re taking a toddler, measure them beforehand. If they’re under 90cm they’re going to be limited to certain rides. Over 90cm and they’ve got a few more options, and over 100cm and they’ll be able to go on almost everything, providing they’re with an adult.
5. The Splash Zone in Duplo Valley is closed out of season. Check the dates before you go, and if it’s open, remember to take swimming bits and towels – it looks amazing.
6. If you’re visiting in autumn, like we did, check if there are fireworks on the day you’re planning to go. You don’t have to pay any extra and when we went we bought 3D glasses that turned all the fireworks into little LEGO bricks. Very cool.
7. Check the opening hours. Chances are, if you’re visiting Legoland with preschoolers, you’re going to be going during the school term. Check the opening hours as the days are shorter off-season, and the park closes on some days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays in October, for example).

The best rides and attractions for Toddler and under-3s at Legoland Windsor

Access to all the rides at Legoland Windsor is based on height, so it’s worth measuring your kids before you go. There’s a really good guide to what they can and can’t go on here on the Legoland website. Here are our favourites…

1. Brickville play area

Part of Duplo Valley, which is basically going to be your best bet if you’re here with toddlers, Brickville play park is perfect for toddlers and kids under 5.

2. Fairy Tale Brook

I must have been round this lazy river 8,658 times, so it’s a good job it’s actually quite fun. Both kids could go on it, which was a huge bonus.

3. Atlantis Submarine

Another one for all the family, this one takes you underwater to discover a world of colourful fishes and creatures. All without getting wet, of course. The queues were hideous in half-term, but non-existent out of season. Just don’t rush off too quickly afterwards – there’s lots to see on the way out.

4. Miniland

OK, so I spent most of the time trying not to let the littlest climb in to the displays. But this miniature Lego universe has to be seen to be believed, even if it’s mostly the grown-ups gawking at it.

For more useful info about visiting Legoland Windsor, take a look at the Legoland FAQs.