It can be tough to keep the kids entertained and off their devices. If you’re trying to avoid both the tantrums and the screen time, an indoor Lego playground is a great option. Legoland Discovery Centre Melbourne, for instance, features family-friendly rides and hands-on activities designed to appeal equally to experienced builders and newfound Lego fans – and it’s a nice halfway house between the world of film and video games, and more energetic fun.

Here are some of the highlights for your next visit.

Minifigure Madness

Lego’s instantly recognisable minifigures have been around for almost half a century now, with more than 16,000 of them out there. From the little yellow workers who started it all to the many incarnations for film and TV, they’ve become quite collectible – and, for a limited time, every guest to Legoland Discovery Centre Melbourne will get one along with their ticket purchase. It’s all part of Legoland’s Minifigure Madness special, which is expected to last till mid-November (but don’t wait too long – the minifigs are only available while stocks last). While the madness is on, there’ll also be a trading wall at the centre to compare and swap minifigures plus pick up a fun activity sheet with Minifigure challenges.

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Kingdom’s Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice rides

The two fantastical rides at Legoland Discovery Centre Melbourne are great for all members of the family. Embarking on a winding chariot ride during Kingdom’s Quest, the hero dodges trolls and other enemies to save the princess. And on Merlin’s Apprentice, the challenge is to navigate magical potions and dazzling spells via a pedalled cart to gain a coveted spot as the titular wizard’s trusted student. Both have interactive elements that are sure to keep imaginations running high.
Merlin’s Apprentice is temporarily closed for routine maintenance until early November.

4D Cinema

The 4D Cinema is equally immersive, featuring not only perspective-smashing Lego-themed viewing via 3D glasses, but also novel add-ons like rain, wind and snow. And each showing is only 20 minutes long, so you don’t have to worry about younger kids getting restless. That means you can pop in for part or all of a particular story, and even stick around for the next one.

Underwater Quest

Why stick to the familiar surface world when you can explore the depths of the ocean, Lego-style? Underwater Quest boasts a sea-themed build table, stop-motion animation stations and photo ops with the much-loved Shark Suit Guy. It’s just another way guests of all ages can travel to a whole other realm without even stepping foot outside.

Miniland Melbourne

Even if you’ve been to Legoland in another part of the world, you won’t have seen this exclusive Lego version of Melbourne. It took more than 1.5 million bricks and 5000 hours to construct this intricate replica of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the MCG and Flinders Street Station – and guests get an up-close look at every minute detail.

More interactive fun

Legoland is a fully hands-on experience. That includes a special racetrack where you can time-test your very own vehicle creation, and a dramatic earthquake table to evaluate the resilience of the tallest, sturdiest building you can dream up. There’s also a brightly appointed gift shop and a creative workshop where you can glean tips directly from the team of in-house builders.

Older kids will love the social aspects of Heartlake City, while the youngest visitors can head to the Duplo Farm Adventure and Lego City Fire Academy to get an exciting start on their Lego journey.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Legoland Discovery Centre.