Studs, bricks, 2x4s, 2x8s... 
It´s not the list for our next home improvement project. We´re getting a crash course in LEGO lingo at the Master Builder Academy at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Vaughan Mills, just north of Toronto.
Cheese pieces, SNOT pieces (Studs Not On Top), plates...
I think I´ve got it now.

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Highlights

We spent the entire afternoon at the Discovery Centre and we tried out everything, at least twice. Below we´ve summarized our favorite parts.

LEGO Factory

Ever wondered how LEGO is made? How do they make all those shapes? This interactive exhibit will answer all your questions including - What is my height measured in LEGO bricks?

MINILAND Toronto

Even in miniature, the CN Tower is really tall.  It dominates the skyline of the MINILAND Toronto and even lights up when the lights in the room cycle through night and day.  Is MINILAND interactive?  Of course. Play baseball for the Jays at the Rogers Centre and help the Leafs score a goal at the Air Canada Centre. Or take a quick visit to Niagara Falls and watch the fireworks over Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

LEGO 4-D Cinema

My kids love 3D movies, but add some wind, rain and snow and now you´ve really got their attention.  My advice, stay for both features.  Unexpectedly enjoyable and totally worth the time for adults and kids alike.

LEGO Master Builder Academy

Our final activity of the afternoon was to participate in a LEGO Master Builder Academy Workshop. Here we learned the appropriate naming conventions for LEGO bricks and then put our building skills to the test. Our project ? A float plane, which can be built with the parts from the first kit of the LEGO Master Builder Academy. We purchased the parts for the float plane for $5 (a dollar of which goes to charity) in the gift shop on the way out.

Hints and Tips

Best time to go: Try to go when the centre opens or on a midweek afternoon. It was quiet when we went on a Monday afternoon, so we had access to everything we wanted to do with no crowds.

Best ages to enjoy LEGOLAND Discovery Centre:  3-9

Price: A family of 4 will run around $80 + tax.

Little ones will need to be wearing socks if they want to enjoy the LEGOLAND Fire Academy playground, so if you aren't wearing socks with your sandals, you can pick up a pair at the cafe for $1.

Staying Native would like to thank our hosts LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.  All words, opinions and pictures are our own.