New Year's Fireworks Over LEGOLAND, California
Here in Southern California, the weather is almost always beautiful and it’s fun to enjoy local theme parks any time of year. If you live locally, a membership can be a Christmas present that will be enjoyed long after the Christmas toys are broken and the video games have been played until they are worn out. Members get special privileges that can make your visits even sweeter. They also give your family the flexibility to have short visits on off days or even holidays.
One Christmas, my family headed to LEGOLAND after unwrapping our presents. The lines were short, the staff was surprisingly cheerful, and the kids got to run around in the fresh air. LEGOLAND also offers a fun New Year’s Eve Celebration where the kids enjoy a LEGO ball drop and kid friendly concert long before the clock strikes midnight.
If you think an extended trip to San Diego is in your future or live in the area, here are some membership options that will keep the holiday happiness going all year long.
LEGO Santa Offers a Ride, LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND has a new water park, a fun kid friendly aquarium, and lots of great rides for the little ones. From the not so spooky Brick or Treat dance party to Fourth of July fireworks, you will gain treasured holiday memories in exchange for your membership. A Plus Membership gives you free parking, so make sure that a member of your family who will be visiting frequently is a Plus Member. (Here’s a hint, the kids membership is cheaper, but they can still show it to park for free.) A Resort Membership includes entry to a perfectly preschool-friendly water park. If you plan to spend the summer relaxing and watching the kids splash around it might be worth the extra cost.
LEGOLAND offers a pay monthly plan for Plus memberships which means you can give a great Christmas present without the giant credit card bill come January.
Flamingo Walk, Seaworld San Diego
Seaworld
Seaworld offers great membership options. An affordable 2011 Fun Card gives you unlimited admission for the cost of a one day visit with very few restrictions until December 31st 2011. Parking is an additional charge for Fun card holders. Silver passes that include free parking are more expensive, but if you purchase a two year pass it works out to be only about $10 more than two one-year Fun Card passes. Silver Passes also have a monthly EZ pay option that would be a convenient way to enjoy Seaworld without the January credit card hangover.
A Polar Bear Meets Her Fans at the San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park
A San Diego Zoo membership gives you unlimited access to both these great parks at a very affordable price. Both the Zoo and the Zoo Safari park have holiday and special events throughout the year. Both parks are open late during the summer so Dad can join you and the kids after work for an evening excursion. I would recommend a Diamond membership for the adults,with free parking at the Zoo Safari Park. Unfortunately membership is not available for those who live outside of Southern California. Luckily single day entrance fees are still pretty affordable.
If you are thinking of a shorter San Diego adventure, Passports with Purpose has two great prizes that will get you into Southern California Themeparks. Mother of All Trips is offering 4 Three Day Go City Cards that would give you entry to LEGOLAND, Seaworld, and The San Diego Zoo or Zoo Safari Park. Family Adventure Guidebooks has a great LEGOLAND prize package that includes a Hotelclub.com gift certificate. A $10 donation to LAFTI can win you one of these great prizes. See the Passports with Purpose website for more information.
Kudos to UPTAKE for being a Passports with Purpose sponsor this year!
*LEGOLAND Photos provided by LEGOLAND, Ca. All other photos by Bridget Smith of Family Adventure Guidebooks.