Going to Disneyland in a couple of weeks. Where else to take my little boy?

[cantdrv55]

We've got a 3 day pass for Disney. Where else should I take him? Is Lego Land a ripoff?

What about for me? Does Pelican have a showroom?

[Noah930]

My elementary school-aged kids love LEGOLAND. There are lots of buy-one-adult-get-a-child-ticket-for-free offers, so don't go paying "full price." I can go digging around in drawers at home to see if I can find any of those coupon codes, if you want. I think the park opens at around 10 am, but closes at 5 or 6 pm. So the LEGOLAND day is shorter than the Disney day. Parking is something like $12, too. There are 3 "parks" at LEGOLAND: the main LEGOLAND park, the aquarium, and the water park (closed during non-summer months). So to do more than one of those things, you'll have to get a park-hopper ticket. The aquarium is so-so. Have not done the water park. Finally, we recently stayed at the LEGOLAND Hotel. The kids LOVED it, but it's not cheap at $350 on up per night. And I don't think it's worth spending more than 1 or 2 nights there.

[look 171]

Depending on the age of you kid(s), Legoland is a great place for a certain age kids. My kids still like it. They are 6 and 8.

Have dinner at Downtown Disney.

[Determined]

LEGOLAND is nice, there is also Universal Studios (in Los Angeles area), and Knott"s Berry Farm (less expensive and near to Disneyland).

I've been to Pelican and I don't believe they have a showroom since I've been there a few years ago. Regardless, have fun with the kids.

[GWN7]

How old is he?

[craigster59]

The science museum in LA is cool for kids, they have the space shuttle there. California Science Center: general Information I think Scottmandue works there, he can give you more info. Also La Brea Tar pits (dinosaurs) and Petersen Auto Museum are fun.

[Joe Bob]

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park.

[look 171]

Peterson is fun for us, but a real drag for kids. Depend on the age of the kid of course. Joebob is right, Knott's is another good one.

[Nostril Cheese]

This place is a favorite. Museum of Jurassic technology..

The Museum Of Jurassic Technology

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Determined

LEGOLAND is nice, there is also Universal Studios (in Los Angeles area), and Knott"s Berry Farm (less expensive and near to Disneyland).

I've been to Pelican and I don't believe they have a showroom since I've been there a few years ago. Regardless, have fun with the kids.

That about covers it for the big ticket items, Santa Monica Pier might be interesting.

Originally Posted by craigster59

The science museum in LA is cool for kids, they have the space shuttle there. California Science Center: general Information I think Scottmandue works there, he can give you more info. Also La Brea Tar pits (dinosaurs) and Petersen Auto Museum are fun.

Yes, I do... we also have the space shuttle... admission is free but parking is $10... the natural history museum is right next door but they charge...

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

They have dinosaur bones and all that cool stuff...

DO NOT COME on May 10th!!! It is the Revlon run and the park will be closed down so to speak. God bless them and their cause but 30,000 people will descend on my workplace starting at 5:00AM and lots of street closures. However they will clear out by noon or so...

I would be remiss is I didn't mention my hometowns big attraction:

Battleship Iowa | Museum Ship of the Year

[nostatic]

Legoland rocks. Disneyland, not so much. ymmv.

[kanadary]

+1 for knotts. Its a lot less crowded, there's always some sorta discount at ralphs and if he's v little, camp snoopy has a bunch of rides, abit older there's rides too. Plus you can park across the street/mall and its free as far of a walk as going to their parking lot and therea a portellos down the road on the mall side. Or in n out near by too. Otherwise the beach is a great place to hang out

[Craig T]

+1 on Knott's...if he's older than 7 or 8.

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is a great day. Not quite Monterey Bay Aquarium, but nicer than most across the country.

Aquarium of the Pacific

[Chocaholic]

It's all a rip off. Take him to the beach. Get a flashlight and a bucket and he'll have more fun crabbing than he will sweating in long lines while watching you empty your wallet for a dry hamburger and a $7 coke.

The best day at Disney is the day you get to leave. Ask how I know...

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

It's all a rip off. Take him to the beach. Get a flashlight and a bucket and he'll have more fun crabbing than he will sweating in long lines while watching you empty your wallet for a dry hamburger and a $7 coke.

The best day at Disney is the day you get to leave. Ask how I know...

+1 on that and for the beach. What kid does not like the beach?

[cantdrv55]

Thanks everyone.

My boy is 6 and quite short for his age so he may not be able to get on any rides at Knotts.

I thought about the beach but then I'd have to take my shirt off. No thank you.

Looks like Legoland it is! Thanks for the offer for coupons Noah930 but I think I can get discounted tix through work.

[nostatic]

Legoland is perfect for a 6 year old. I hate theme parks - except Legoland.

Disneyland is one of my least favorite places on earth. Thankfully I've only had to go there a handful of times. The beach however has been a source of great joy for decades. Get a rash guard and then you don't have to take off your shirt.

[cantdrv55]

Great idea Nostatic. Thanks!

[Noah930]

Going to Legoland, we have also stayed at the Beach Terrace Inn in neighboring Carlsbad. Literally on the ocean. Also has a pool. The kids enjoyed staying there, as well. And there are multiple restaurants in the downtown Carlsbad area. IIRC it was a bit cheaper than the Legoland hotel.

[cantdrv55]

Noah, I will pass on your hotel recommendation to my wife. Thanks!