LEGO KidsFest 2015!

Over Labor Day weekend, we took the kids down to the Convention Center for some hands-on family fun at LEGO KidsFest 2015! The last time we went was back in 2012, when the tour came to town. Ava was just starting to get interested in LEGO blocks, and Jack wasn't even being thought of, so this time, it was like a whole new experience! 

Though we recognized some of the builds, like Gandolf, Lightning McQueen, Chewbacca, and others, there were some new additions as well, like the Lego movie crew, Jurassic World characters, and more!

It also seemed like there were many more building stations this time around, or maybe I just wasn't as attuned to them before since Ava was only just at an age where she was becoming able to build well enough to be interested? Either way, the kids had a blast going to each different themed area and adding their creations! 

Jack's particular favorite was the vehicle building bins, with wheels and ramps to race them! We must have spent a half hour or more at just that one area!

One of my favorite things about LEGO KidsFest is the United States build. Each time we've been, they've had an enormous map of the U.S., with attendees encouraged to build something symbolic of an area - either the city they're visiting or another of your choice - and add it to the map. It's always so interesting to see what people come up with, and the ways in which the different areas are represented! 

Hook 'em!

Another favorite worth mentioning is the Child ID program they always have, offered by New York Life. We did this for Ava when she was 2.5 and we went, and this time, we updated hers and did one for Jackson as well. Essentially, they offer the chance to record vital data on your child (height, weight, allergies, etc.), combined with a photo they take, and fingerprints they take, and then copy them to a virtual file in case your child ever is lost, etc. Though the scenario is every parent's worst nightmare, it does offer a bit of protection in the case that it is ever needed, and the data is completely safeguarded. I pray we never need to use it, but I'm glad to have it just in case!

Did you attend LEGO KidsFest 2015, either in Austin or another city? If so, what was your favorite character? What building station did you spend the most time at? What character would you like to see represented in the future that wasn't there?

LEGO KidsFest Returns to Austin Convention Center September 4-6!

LEGO KidsFest brings all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in one activity- and entertainment-packed family event for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests. Located at the Austin Convention Center (500 East Cesar Chavez Street Austin, TX 78701), this family event is sure to please both your youngest and your oldest family members. We went back in 2012 as a family of three and had a blast – so much so that I cannot wait to take Jackson for the first time this September! He’s become quite the big fan of their LEGO Duplo line, particularly their animal and Disney kits, and so I feel certain that he’s going to enjoy checking out all the amazing creations and making a few of his own! While Ava was old enough to appreciate the creativity and the excitement during our last LEGO KidsFest visit, I am quite excited to see what she’ll come up with on her own at the event in the hands-on area, now that she’s becoming quite the Master Builder! We are big fans of both the regular and the LEGO Friends lines at our house, so I look forward to seeing how she’ll be inspired to use them in new ways at home!

If you, too, want to experience the family-friendly and hands-on fun to be had at LEGO KidsFest, I’m happy to announce that one lucky winner will be selected for two free passes to the event on opening night, September 4, from 4-8:30 p.m. You can enter the giveaway here. If you don’t happen to win, you can find info on the event and purchase tickets here. Tickets typically sell out in advance, so I urge you to take advantage of the chance to purchase them before they run out! For more info on the event, visit and like the event page here.