Legoland Rises in Southland

Denmark’s Lego Group, maker of the ubiquitous toy building blocks, will bring Legoland to the Southland March 20, when it opens the $130-million, 128-acre Legoland California in Carlsbad, about 30 miles north of San Diego.

The theme park, aimed at children ages 2 to 12, is patterned after the original Legoland, opened 30 years ago in Billund, Denmark, and the 3-year-old Legoland Windsor in Britain. Lego is on a building spree, hoping to colonize the world with one Legoland every three years, said spokeswoman Jonna Rae Bartges.

The heart of the California park is “Miniland,” which sports kid-sized versions of the “California Coast,” New York City, New Orleans, New England and Washington, D.C., all built from Lego bricks--20 million.

The 40 rides and attractions also include the “Kid Power Tower,” with a 30-foot free fall; a labyrinth; a fairy-tale-themed boat trip; life-size lions and giraffes built from Lego bricks; and electric vehicles for children to drive. The park will open at 10 a.m. each day; closing times vary by season. Admission is $32 adults, $25 seniors and children 3 to 16, free under 3. Parking costs $6 per car. Information: telephone (760) 918-5346.