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.

Things to Do in Austin: Lego KidsFest at the Austin Convention Center.

We had the opportunity to visit Lego KidsFest at the Austin Convention Center when it toured through town this past weekend, and it was AWESOME!

I was worried that the event was more aimed at seven- to ten-year-old little boys than my two-year-old little girl, but Ava found plenty of things to entertain her, and had a blast! Not only that, but the adults had a great (if slightly overwhelming!) time as well, with plenty to interest us as well. All in all, a great event for the entire family!

If you've never been, you should definitely catch the tour when it comes next to a city near you. Stops still left this year include Detroit in mid October, and Pittsburgh at the end of November!

If you need more persuading that this event is worth checking out, you will probably find it below:

The entrance to Lego KidsFest - definitely drew in the crowds!

Some of our favorite Lego characters!

There were literally dozens of them, including Buzz, Woody, Lightning McQueen (which I've been told shouldn't be referred to as the car from Cars but by name, so there you have it!), Darth Vader, and many, many more iconic characters!

There was also a ton of opportunities for building with Lego blocks, including monochromatic building stations, creation nation stations, and Duplo stations:

Ava's masterpiece:

                      And another one of her creations:

Creation Nation was really awesome - and, of course, they always build the skyline of the city they're in, so they paid homage to Austin :)

Hook 'em!

Ava's favorite part, though, definitely seemed to be the humongous Lego pile in the middle of the exhibit hall! Everyone just climbed up on top, and got to building!

Overall, we had a great time at Lego KidsFest! Ava has been getting increasingly into playing with Lego blocks with the older girls, especially with the recent introduction of the girl-aimed Lego Friends line, and so this was the perfect timing for to really encourage her interest. In fact, I think I know someone who may be wanting some for Christmas after that morning!

This post is a part of the Texas Tuesday link-up, where things, places, events we love and are happening in/from Texas are showcased (as well as some lovely Texas bloggers!). 

LEGO KidsFest at Austin Convention Center Next Weekend

The LEGO^® KidsFest national tour stops in Texas at the Austin Convention Center August 31 – September 2, 2012, 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 for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.  

Among the many LEGO attractions, families will find:

•         LEGO Model Gallery: 40 life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks

•         LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play

•         Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.

•         Race Ramps: build your own custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family 

•         LEGO Games Arena: roll the dice to play LEGO board games

•         Construction Zones: creative free build, play and display areas

•         LEGO DUPLO®: younger visitors can explore imagination through building

•         LEGO Retail and KidsFest Marketplace: purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods

•         Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment

•         Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color to foster group creativity

•         Brickscapes: 

fantastic displays that combine lots of LEGO and DUPLO sets

•         LEGO Universe:  become a custom LEGO Minifigure in this multiplayer online game

•         And much more, covering over 150,000 square feet of space

“Any family who likes to be inspired, get hands-on and have fun together won’t want to miss LEGO KidsFest,” said Vince Rubino, LEGO events manager. “We’re bringing so many activities for Texan families to test and showcase their creativity and building skills in what is sure to be a family event to remember.” 

Based on sell-out attendance in previous markets, advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.

Five sessions – all identical – are available for the August 31 – September 2 tour stop.  LEGO KidsFest tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for children and can be purchased online atwww.LEGOKidsFest.com. 

Giveaway: 2 Tickets to LEGO KidsFest at the Austin Convention Center!

Are you as hot as I am in this Central Texas heat? Are your kids starting in with the, "Mommmmm, I'm booooorrrrrred!" exclamations with more than a month to go before school starts? If so, have I got the giveaway for you! If you're looking for an exciting end-of-summer activity that you can enjoy with your kids while still beating the heat, let me tell you how excited I would be for you to join me for LEGO KidsFest at the Long Center for the Performing Arts on opening night! 


LEGO KidsFest will be visiting the Austin Convention Center on Friday, August 31st, through Sunday, September 2nd, and I have two tickets to giveaway to one of my amazing readers! 

The LEGO^® KidsFest national tour stops in Texas at the Austin Convention Center August 31 – September 2, 2012, 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 for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.  

  Among the many LEGO attractions, families will find:

•         LEGO Model Gallery: 40 life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks

•         LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play

•         Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.

•         Race Ramps: build your own custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family 

•         LEGO Games Arena: roll the dice to play LEGO board games

•         Construction Zones: creative free build, play and display areas

•         LEGO DUPLO®: younger visitors can explore imagination through building

•         LEGO Retail and KidsFest Marketplace: purchase LEGO merchandise and KidsFest goods

•         Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment

•         Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color to foster group creativity

•         Brickscapes: fantastic displays that combine lots of LEGO and DUPLO sets

•         LEGO Universe:  become a custom LEGO Minifigure in this multiplayer online game

•         And much more, covering over 150,000 square feet of space!

To enter the ticket giveaway, please like the LEGO KidsFest Facebook Page and/or follow their Twitter account. Then, visit here to enter! Simple as that!


*Note: you can access the giveaway via "here", despite the link not being a different color :)*