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.

LEGOLAND Water Park's Build-A-Raft River ~ Legoland Water Park Tips
LEGOLAND Water Park’s Build-A-Raft River (Photo credit: LEGOLAND)

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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 slides for little kids at Legoland Safari ~ Legoland Water Park Tips
Our friend, Mathew, figured out how to slide with his little one better than I did (Photo credit: Travel Mamas)

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. 

Kids Creek lazy river at Legoland Water Park ~ Legoland Water Park Tips
My daughter enjoyed Kids Creek, a lazy river just for children (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

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.

Polar bear-shaped splash fountain ~ Legoland California Tips
Polar bear-shaped splash fountain (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

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.

A favorite LEGOLAND waterslide, Orange Rush ~ Legoland Water Park Tips
A favorite LEGOLAND waterslide, Orange Rush (Photo credit: LEGOLAND)

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.

The Joker Soaker ~ Legoland Water Park Tips
The Joker Soaker (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

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.

Kids hard at play at the Imagination Station ~ Legoland Water Park Tips
Kids hard at play at the Imagination Station (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

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.

Life vests of all sizes are available at LEGOLAND Water Park ~ Legoland Water Park Tips
Life vests of all sizes are available at LEGOLAND Water Park (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)

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.

Legoland Water Park Tips for a Joy-Filled Day

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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30 Comments

  1. We love waterparks. We have visited lots of them as a family. We have never been to the Legoland water park but it sounds fun.

    1. LEGOLAND Water Park is definitely a unique water park option. I hope you get a chance to visit it someday!

  2. We’ve always had so much fun at LEGOLAND, but I have to admit it’s been far too long since we’ve been there. Time to plan another trip. The water park looks awesome!

  3. We LOVE waterparks so I know we’d love LegoLand! We have actually based whole vacations around cities that have the best waater parks!!

    1. Erin – That sounds like something my family would do! We love fabulous water parks and hotel pools.

  4. Thank you for these tips. I love that there are age appropriate activities and pools. I would love to take my whole family there, I only wish it was closer to home. Hopefully next summer we can plan a trip to California and enjoy a day or two at Legoland Water Park.

  5. This looks really fun!! I love that even big kids could enjoy! Thanks for the tips!

  6. That’s amazing! I can imagine the kids having so much fun here! I love the concept too, water park with legos! It’s definitely a good place for the family this summer! I’d love to plan a vacation around this one.

  7. We had a lot of fun at Legoland. We weren’t able to do the waterpark so that’s still on the bucket list for sure.

  8. I’m so glad they have a bunch of fun ways to cool off at Legoland. The Orange Rush ride looks like a blast and I’m liking all of the smaller kid-friendly attractions.

  9. This Leogland Waterpark looks like a great way to spend a hot summer day with the kids and family. I love that you shared tips to enjoy the day. These are some great photos, looks like you know how to have a joyous day at this waterpark!

  10. I am not in California but if I get there I am sure to bring my young nieces and nephews to this water park. It seems to be an action packed park and a great way to keep cool for the little ones.

  11. Legoland Water Park looks like so much fun! My kids are little and they would love coming here. These are great tips, I will bookmark this for when we plan out trip there.

    1. Great! There really are so many fun options for kids of all ages at this water park. Enjoy!

  12. Thanks for the tips. We went to the Legoland water park in Florida last month and had a blast. We can’t wait to go back.

  13. We loved the water park at Legoland California when we went to a few years ago. Your tips are spot on.

  14. That looks like so much fun! We keep meaning to get there, but we’ve never gotten the chance. I would love to be able to enjoy the park with the kids, though. We have to get there!

    1. I bet your family would love LEGOLAND California and LEGOLAND California, Stacie!