While Lego is ostensibly for kids, adults are generally awed by the incredible Lego structures that make up the landscaping…and some of the attractions. Panda bears, lions, elephants, giraffes. Fire trucks, pirate ships and race cars. All crafted out of Lego. The rides themselves rely on more, of course, than plastic building blocks (thankfully) and though they target a younger age group (say 2 to 10), there’s enough to keep older kids thrilled, especially the Knight’s Tournament which offers custom experiences, from gentle to crazy. The park’s Sea Life aquarium had plenty of underwater life – and the Lego-constructed submarine’s were cool – but Monterey Bay had spoiled us.

Our trip to Legoland coincided with the park’s annual “Brick or Treat,” its October celebration of all things Lego and Hallowe’en. Kids visit various spots around the park (either in costume or not – their choice) and collect “treats,” from candy and chips to black-and-orange Lego bricks. There are concerts, roving entertainers and – each year – the chance to construct from Lego a giant Hallowe’en themed object.

Our final meal was at the Twenty/20 Grill & Wine Bar, the Sheraton’s onsite restaurant. We were joined by friends who brought their toddler and our server didn’t raise an eye at our table of four excited kids and an equal number of exhausted adults. Instead we spent close to two hours savoring delicious, local foods and wine. Call it Southern California therapy.

We toasted each other over our meal and offered ourselves a congratulatory “we did it.” We’d made it to Legoland, fulfilling our kids’ plea and my own eco-aspirations for a (relatively) eco-minded family vacation.

For more theme park and family travels, check out:

• Zombie Halloween at Universal Studios and Beyond
• The Best Rollercoasters of the 2012 Season
• Theme Park Travel archives

Text and photos by Leslie Garrett for PeterGreenberg.com. Leslie Garrett is an award-winning journalist and author of The Virtuous Consumer: Your Essential Shopping Guide for a Better, Kinder, Healthier World. Visit her at www.virtuousconsumer.com.