The word “lego” comes from the Danish words “leg godt,” which translate to “play well” and children have spent literally countless hours playing well with LEGO bricks. If you have a LEGO lover in your home, you won’t want to miss Brickworld.
Brickworld
When: June 18-19
Tickets: , free for kids 3 and under
Where: Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg
For more info: brickworld.com
Brickworld is a fan exposition with displays, vendors, play areas and interactive experiences filling the 100,000 square feet of the Schaumburg Convention Center with LEGO creations.
Here are a few things you need to know:
Do leave lots of time to see all the dazzling displays
Brickworld features LEGO models by hobbyists from all around the world. Leave lots of time to just explore. “There’s something for everyone. One child might run to the castle, another might head to see the train and one may be more drawn to a space-themed display,” says Bryan Bonahoom, executive director of Brickworld.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
The talented artists and engineers will share both information and inspiration with LEGO-loving kids. Young builders should know that their questions are welcome and feel comfortable talking with the experts, who are happy to share tips and maybe even a few secrets.
Do delight in the details
While the large displays draw a lot of attention, the smaller ones can be every bit as mesmerizing. The details may not be obvious at first but encourage kids to look closely and they’ll likely be surprised at what they find.
“You can build something that fits in the palm of your hand that is just as impressive as a 26-foot battleship,” Bonahoom says.
Parent tip: Don’t tell them how much they’re learning
LEGO bricks are tons of fun, but they hold enormous educational potential. They help with everything from developing fine motor skills to encouraging kids to dream big.
“When kids are playing with LEGO bricks, they are exercising imagination as well as developing engineering skills and artistic skills. Kids are learning constantly,” Bonahoom explains. “Kids are drawn to LEGO bricks for the fun, but they are worth the investment because they’re so much more than just a toy – just don’t tell the kids that.”
Do come prepared for fun
Bonahoom says the goal of Brickworld is to inspire people to be creative and build their own LEGO creations, but that doesn’t mean it is all serious, all the time. Be sure to check out the play area, which gives little LEGO enthusiasts a chance to create on-site while also serving as a reminder that “play” is an essential part of the LEGO experience.
“It’s going to be a crazy fun time,” promises Bonahoom.