It's a LEGO® world, and we're just living in it. The familiar toy building blocks have enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years among kids and adults of all ages.

"LEGO really is the best toy ever invented," writes Roy Schwartz, pop culture historian and critic. "But it's more than just a toy. Its infinite possibilities give it infinite purposes. It's a medium of creation and expression. And it's a great way for me to share my childhood with my kids, and for them to share theirs with me."

That's right, these toy bricks aren't just for kids. Social media abounds with AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGOs) sharing their impressive MOCs (My Own Creations). Joan McGuire of Tonawanda, NY, is a proud AFOL. Her son-in-law gave her a kit for her birthday a few years ago - a bouquet of flowers.

"At first I set it aside, thinking that LEGOs were those things my kids used to leave all over the house," McGuire said. But while recovering from an injury, McGuire decided to give LEGOs a try.

"I was surprised how satisfying snapping plastic bricks together could be," McGuire said. "The relative speed at which a LEGO kit comes together is very satisfying." Now, McGuire's collection has grown to include several buildings from the Creator series as well as the Starry Night kit.

LEGO gives its fans multiple ways to enjoy its product, from the endless inventive sets available in stores to feature films like "The LEGO Movie" and the reality competition TV show "LEGO Masters." But if that's not enough LEGO for you, take a LEGO-cation and visit LEGOLAND®!

Luckily, Western and Central New Yorkers are within driving distance of one of the three LEGOLAND theme parks in the United States - LEGOLAND New York Resort in Goshen, NY. And just like the famous bricks, LEGOLAND appeals to kids from one to 99.

Located just 60 miles away from New York City in the Hudson Valley, LEGOLAND New York features attractions in over seven LEGO-themed lands. Visitors won't want to miss Miniland, a massive panorama of animated, interactive, LEGO-built cities. See all five boroughs of New York City, including a working subway, as well as other U.S. cities and landmarks like Mount Rushmore.

"The models of the cities are amazing and so detailed," said AAA Travel Advisor Kelly Gonseth-Harrienger. "It is hard to believe they are made out of LEGOs!"

LEGOLAND New York, which opened in 2021, is known for its interactive rides and attractions. LEGO NINJAGO: The Ride is a unique 3-D attraction where riders use karate-chop hand gestures to shoot fireballs at ninja warriors. The ride is popular among all ages, as kids and adults compete for high scores (and adults enjoy the arm workout).

Some visitors report riding multiple times as they try to top the leaderboard! Another highlight is the Fire Academy, where visitors are challenged with powering a LEGO fire engine and putting out a "fire" with water cannons.

"It's so much fun working together as a family in your own fire truck," Gonseth-Harrienger said.

LEGOLAND debuted a new attraction in 2023, the Water Playground. This  oasis features waterslides, a giant water bucket that will douse visitors with 318 gallons of refreshing water, and the chance to build your own LEGO boat to float and race.

And for AFOLs, LEGOLAND New York offers Adult Nights where adults 18 and over can visit the park in an adult-only atmosphere. Tickets include parking, master model builder-led LEGO builds, activities, and games, as well as one adult beverage. Try the Build it Boss IPA, a bright and citrusy IPA brewed exclusively for LEGOLAND New York by Newburgh Brewing Co.

Hit the road to LEGOLAND

• Planning a LEGOLAND Road Trip? Your AAA Membership can save you money on your way to and from the Park:
• Don't want to put the extra miles on your car? Rent a vehicle from Hertz at AAA.com/Hertz and save up to 20%.
• Book a hotel room nearby or on the way with your AAA discount at AAA.com/Travel.
• Extend your trip to New York City. Get discounted tickets to Broadway shows, museums, tours, and other attractions at AAA.com/Tickets.
   

Fun facts

•  LEGO is a portmanteau of "leg godt," which means "play well" in Danish.
• LEGO was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, a carpenter turned toymaker from Billund, Denmark. It's been family-owned since, now headed by grandson Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen.
• Every LEGO brick made since 1958 fits every other one, allowing collections to grow for generations.
• Chinese artist Ai Weiwei made his own version of Claude Monet's famed water lilies with 650,000 studs of LEGO bricks. His artwork will be on display through July 30 at the Design Museum in London, UK.
• Visit a LEGO store at Walden Galleria in Cheektowaga, Eastview Mall in Victor, or Destiny USA in Syracuse.

If LEGOLAND New York sounds like fun to you and your family, use your AAA Membership to purchase discounted tickets. Save over 30% when you purchase admission from AAA Tickets.

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