Michigan kids have a great reason to believe that catchy song from The Lego Movie: Legoland Discovery Center has a home right here in Auburn Hills.
Everything is pretty awesome at this 32,000-square-foot indoor destination at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, which officially opened March 25, 2016. It’s geared at ages 3-10 and features two cool rides, a 4D cinema, play zone and lots of space for kids to build anything they can imagine.
Highlights include a build-and-test area designed to teach physics concepts and Miniland, where families can spot local landmarks like the Heidelberg Project, Comerica Park, Belle Isle, Ford Field and more – all recreated with the colorful plastic bricks (over a million and a half, to be exact).
“Our Miniland is going to be so popular,” marketing manager Debbie Gibb said right before the doors opened. “It takes Detroit landmarks and puts them into Lego form.”
It’s interactive, too, with games and features like mini Heidelbergs for kids to decorate. “The guests will really enjoy that,” she said.
Expanding to Michigan was an easy choice given the success of the new Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, also at the outlets – and owned by the same company.
“We want families to play together,” Gibb added. “There are lots of areas for that to happen as well.”
Just one thing: Don’t confuse it with the outdoor Legoland theme parks in Florida and California. This center is an indoor experience and good for about a two- to three-hour visit, Gibb noted, but families can stay and play as long as they like.
Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets online in advance for a specific date and time. A cafe offers meals and snacks and no re-entry is allowed.
Legoland Discovery Center
- Address: Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, District 6, 4240 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills
- Phone: 866-622-0605
- Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (remains open two hours after last admission; call for special hours/closures)
- Cost: $23.50-plus/ages 3-plus, free/under 3; $32-$49/combo packs with aquarium; annual passes available
