Legoland California Water Park Tips (With Kids!)

Follow these Legoland California Water Park tips for a splashing good time with kids of all ages. Learn what you need to know before you float along the Build-A-Raft Lazy River, zip down themed water slides, and get doused by water cannons.

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Build-A-Raft River for All Ages

For an activity sure to please everyone in the family, head to the Build-A-Raft River. This lazy river meanders through the water park and welcomes guests of all ages, including lap-held babies.

Be ready to get doused or hop off to steer your vessel away from squirting cannons and pouring buckets poised along the watery path. Upbeat, summery tunes like Beatles remakes and “Brown-Eyed Girl” bopping through speakers add to the fun.

Kids and grown-ups alike enjoy stacking foam LEGO bricks on the perimeter of their rafts before setting sail. While waiting in line for the more daring slides, I was entertained by watching floaters of all ages who busied themselves rearranging their LEGO creations as they floated down the river.

DUPLO Splash Safari for Young Children

The best part of LEGOLAND Water Park for babies, toddlers, and little kids is DUPLO Splash Safari. LEGOLAND shines best when catering to younger children, as evidenced by its abundance of kid-centric rides while offering just a few relatively tame “thrill” rides.

The three small-scale waterslides do not have any height requirements but do not allow parents to ride with children in their laps. Instead, you must ride side-by-side. I found this to be a precarious way to keep my toddler safe while sliding together, resulting in him getting a noseful of water on one splashy entry.

My kindergartener appreciated the freedom that DUPLO Splash Safari allowed. Under her parents’ watchful eyes, she zipped down the slides again and again without any help from Mom or Dad. 

She also loved setting sail on Kids Creek, a miniature lazy river, whenever she wanted, no permission or assistance required. LEGOLAND Water Park lifeguards help kids board their rafts and closely watch them as they float along the circular river.

The squirting polar bear, alligator, and elephant fountains provide oodles of entertainment to the youngest parkgoers. Plus, they allow for adorable photo opportunities for parents of tots.

Water Slides for Big Kids and Adults

There are five big waterslides at the LEGOLAND Water Park. Be forewarned that kids cannot wear life vests on any of the bigger slides besides Orange Rush. Riders must be 42″+ for all of the full-sized water slides besides Pirate Reef, for which the minimum height is 36″ if accompanied by someone 42″+.

Orange Rush is by far the most exhilarating water slide in the park. Board a giant innertube for a spinning journey down an aptly named orange half-pipe.

Splash Out isn’t for fearful parkgoers, either. Single riders spin along a blue slide and splash out at the ride’s end.

Riders board a pirate’s ship for Pirate Reef. Shoot water cannons at battling ships during this competitive flume ride.

I like the Twin Chasers well enough, but aren’t the zippiest of slides. In fact, I’ve gotten stuck midway and had to scoot myself down to keep going.

Play Areas for Gradeschool Kids

The Joker Soaker near the big slides is a big hit with grade school boys. It’s a big clock tower that gushes buckets of water periodically on those below it. There are also water guns the kids delight in aiming at one another.

Another fun spot is Imagination Station, where LEGO fanatics can build creations in a watery environment.

LEGOLAND Water Park Entrance Fee

There is no option to visit just the water park. You must pay for entrance into the main LEGOLAND California Park plus pay an additional fee for the LEGOLAND Water Park.

As someone who has been to this theme park numerous times and whose family loves water parks, this extra fee makes sense. If you think you will be too busy riding roller coasters, eating apple fries, and building with LEGO bricks, you might not have enough time to squeeze the water park into your day.

Keep in mind, you can always cool off in Pirate Shores, a splashy land that comes with the cost of admission to the regular park.

What to Bring and What to Borrow

Bring your own beach towel. They aren’t provided but you can purchase one if you forget yours at home.

Lockers are available at an additional cost. You can use changing rooms for free.

Children’s life vests are available at no extra charge. Even if your child is a good swimmer, using a life vest for little kids can help parents relax and enjoy the day. Lifeguards stand watch over all areas of the park, but parents must be vigilant to keep an eye on their children.

When to Visit LEGOLAND California Water Park

LEGOLAND Water Park hours vary from those of the amusement park. Check the website for the LEGOLAND schedule. LEGOLAND Water Park hours vary from those of the amusement park. Check the website for the LEGOLAND schedule.

Go midweek if possible. Wait times are significantly longer on weekends and Fridays. You can always go early or stay late and enjoy the rides on dry land to round out your day.

Save Money on Your LEGOLAND Water Park Visit

Want to save money on your LEGOLAND California visit? Of course, you do! Use discount code TravelMamas to get $10 off any two-night or longer Southern California package (hotel and two ticket minimum) when you book through our trusted partner, Get Away Today. Just want tickets? Buy discounted LEGOLAND California tickets now!

Learn More about LEGOLAND California

To make the most of your visit to Carlsbad, California — check out these LEGOLAND California Tips for All Ages from Babies to Teens or read my LEGOLAND Hotel Review now.

Do you have any LEGOLAND Water Park tips to share or any questions about your visit? Let us know in the comments below!

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