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Most of our clients visiting with kids have LEGOLAND® California Resort on their itineraries. As a travel advisor specializing in San Diego family vacations and a mom who’s a paying annual passholder, my advice to you is never pay full price at the gate. Discounted LEGOLAND California tickets are easily purchased online.
The best deal depends on your travel dates, the length of your stay, and whether you’re visiting other attractions, such as SeaWorld San Diego. I help families run the numbers and choose what actually saves them money.
We verify every option below so you can skip the coupon sites that don’t work and go straight to the deals that do.
Before You Buy: Gate Prices, Parking, Ticket Types, and Upgrades
Jump to the LEGOLAND California ticket discounts if you already know all of this.
How Much Time Do You Need?
Most families spend one full day at LEGOLAND California. A half-day works if you’re pressed for time. If you’re visiting with a serious LEGO enthusiast or the Water Park is open, consider a two-day ticket.
Check the calendar before you buy. The Water Park is seasonal, and the theme park closes some Wednesdays from September through February (except holiday weeks).
Gate Prices
Don’t pay these. But for reference:
- 1-Day LEGOLAND Theme Park: from $129/person (ages 2+)
- Kids under 2: free
Parking
General parking is $40 per car. You can buy parking in advance, and I recommend it. There are no attendants at the entrance, just self-pay kiosks, so having a prepaid ticket ready keeps you from holding up the line.
Understanding LEGOLAND Ticket Types
This is where it gets complicated. LEGOLAND sells three main ticket types:
| Ticket Type | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Theme Park Only | LEGOLAND California |
| SEA LIFE Hopper | LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE Aquarium |
| Resort Hopper | LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE + LEGOLAND Water Park (seasonal) |
See also: My full guides to SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Water Park
Prices for all three vary by date (dynamic pricing), and some promotions only apply to certain ticket types. The deals in Sections 1 and 2 below are your best starting points, but you’ll want to compare prices for your specific travel dates.
Optional Upgrades
Reserve’ N’ Ride: Shortens wait times on select rides. Purchase through the app once you arrive (three levels available).
VIP Experience: Personal host, priority ride access, and exclusive experiences. Book a VIP experience if budget permits.
1. Online Deals Through LEGOLAND California — $39 Kids (Ages 2–12)!
I always recommend you start by checking LEGOLAND’s website to understand the prices on the day of your visit. Their $39 kids ticket deal can be a great option for larger families.
Here’s how it works: LEGOLAND sells kids tickets (ages 2-12) starting at $39 when you buy a full-price adult SEA LIFE Hopper in the same transaction. You can add up to 4 kids tickets per adult Hopper purchased.
What you get: 1-day admission to LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE Aquarium for everyone.
The fine print:
- The $39 tier is limited. Once it sells out for your date, kids tickets jump to $49, then $59.
- Blackout dates apply.
- This applies to SEA LIFE Hoppers only. Resort Hopper kids tickets (adding Water Park) start at $64.
- The adult ticket must be full price. You can’t stack this with other discounts.
Tip: If you have two adults, buy through LEGOLAND to unlock the $39 kids pricing, then buy the second adult ticket through our site (Section 2) to save.
You can buy other tickets at a discount off the gate price in addition to Reserve N Ride and other upgrades.
2. Authorized Seller: Discount LEGOLAND California Tickets from $58 (All Ages 2+)
I have a dedicated ticket site for readers, powered by aRes Travel, an authorized LEGOLAND California ticket seller. Prices here are consistently lower than LEGOLAND’s website, and your tickets are sent directly to your phone so you can go straight to the gate.
Choose the 1-Day ticket if you just want the theme park. You can always upgrade to add SEA LIFE or Water Park at the gate.
Choose the SEA LIFE Hopper if you want the aquarium included, plus you get a free second day at LEGOLAND within 5 days of your first visit.
You may also call my dedicated customer service line at (888) 795-3715 to place your order by phone.
Tip: Save money with our LEGOLAND California tickets and then buy a Reserve’ N’ Ride (when available) through LEGOLAND.
LEGOLAND California 1-Day Tickets
Includes one-day admission to LEGOLAND California. Price: from $63/ages 2+ (Use promo code WINTER for an extra $5 off)
LEGOLAND + Sea Life Hopper – 2nd Day Free
Includes 2-Day admission to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE® Aquarium. Reservation is required for your first visit. The 2nd day must be used within 5 days of the 1st visit. Price: from $72/ages 2+ (Use promo code WINTER for an extra $5 off)
You can also have the details sent to you immediately for later, along with our other exclusive promo codes for San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Click to request all San Diego discounts by email.
3. Go City San Diego (Most Popular Sightseeing Pass)
A Go City San Diego pass can save up to 50% off admission if you want to bundle LEGOLAND with other attractions. It’s a digital pass on your phone that you show at the gate for entry. No reservations are needed.
To include LEGOLAND, you must choose one of these two Go City passes:
- Essentials Pass: Visit 3 attractions. Choose LEGOLAND as your 1 premium park, plus 2 other standard attractions.
- All-Inclusive Pass Plus: A day-based pass that covers LEGOLAND, other major theme parks like SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, plus 45+ additional attractions and tours.
Crucial Note: The standard All-Inclusive Pass (without “Plus”) does not include LEGOLAND.
Go City San Diego – Exclusive Promo Code
Get an extra 5% ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes when you buy through Go City! This discount stacks on top of sale rates! Use promo code GOSDO5LJM.
(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)
Adding the Water Park and SEA LIFE to Sightseeing Passes
See also: 15 San Diego Discounts: Experience the City for Less
4. San Diego CityPASS for Specific Attractions
Another, more limited sightseeing pass choice is the San Diego CityPASS. This pass makes sense only if you visit LEGOLAND California and either San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park, along with at least one of the other three participating attractions, within nine days.
Otherwise, it is more advantageous to buy discounted LEGOLAND California tickets individually or use Go City San Diego (which has many participating attractions).
The pass types include:
- LEGOLAND California + 3 Attractions
- SeaWorld San Diego + 3 Attractions
- SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California + 3 Attractions
The three attractions can be your choice of:
- San Diego Zoo OR San Diego Zoo Safari Park (not both)
- USS Midway Museum
- City Cruises
- Old Town Trolley Tours
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
You will still need to use the My CityPASS app to make a LEGOLAND California reservation before your visit. Learn more about San Diego CityPASS.
San Diego CityPASS – Big Savings + Promo Code!
Unlock your savings with San Diego CityPASS! You can check CityPASS direct but using our promo code SAVEMORE on our ticket site is cheaper right now!
(Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.)
5. Vacation Packages
Sometimes, booking a vacation package with hotels, tickets, and other extras can be more cost-effective. Staying at a LEGOLAND resort-themed hotel is a blast for families with children because. This ultimate LEGO experience features interactive LEGO elements, themed rooms, and play areas.
LEGOLAND Hotel Tips
Vacation Packages Through LEGOLAND
Bundle LEGOLAND California tickets and the LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel in a vacation package.
The Ultimate LEGOLAND Family Fun Vacation
Bundle LEGOLAND California tickets and a nearby hotel to save on a LEGOLAND California Resort vacation. This is best for hotels outside of LEGOLAND California Resort.
The Best of San Diego Adventure Package
Customize your own San Diego vacation package! The package includes your choice of tickets to four popular San Diego theme parks: SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and LEGOLAND California, as well as hotel accommodations.
See also: Best Hotels Near LEGOLAND California Resort
6. Go City Los Angeles Pass
The Go City Los Angeles pass works exactly like the Go City San Diego pass mentioned above. This pass, however, includes some famous theme parks in Los Angeles, like Universal Studios Hollywood. I use Go City passes when I travel to major cities.
LEGOLAND California is included in the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass. Families with children buy this pass if they’re on a Southern California road trip. Please note that with Go City passes, a separate reservation is required to enter LEGOLAND (instructions are included with the pass). Plus, you can take advantage of my exclusive discount.
Exclusive Go City Los Angeles Promo Code
Explore more and spend less with the Go City Los Angeles Pass while saving up to 50% on admission. For an extra 5% off all sale rates, use promo code GOLA5LJM,
(Pass has limited value for families in San Diego during Kids Free October — we recommend individual tickets instead during this timeframe. See promotional terms and conditions.)
7. Annual Passes for Frequent Visitors
Annual Pass Deals (Save Up to $80)
Sale applies to both new passes and renewals! This deal is still running.
- Gold Pass: $214 (save $25)
- Platinum Pass: $229(save $60)
- Elite Pass: $269 (save $80)
I recommend annual passes for San Diego residents and those who visit the park multiple times per year. Four levels of annual memberships are available, each offering different benefits and price points.
You can pay upfront, or LEGOLAND allows you to put down a small deposit and pay the rest monthly.
Tip: You Can Upgrade Your Legoland California Ticket to an Annual Pass
If you love the park so much during your visit that you want to upgrade to an annual pass, go to Guest Services in The Beginning. You can upgrade on the day of your visit or within 30 days of your visit. But you must do it in person because it can’t be done online or over the phone.
Gold Pass ($214)
- Includes: LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and LEGOLAND Water Park. Discounts on dining (15%), Reserve and Ride (25%), retail (10%), and LEGOLAND hotel stays (15%).
- Considerations: Does not include parking (currently $35+ per visit ). Has a lot of blockout dates on summer weekends and holidays.
- Who Should Buy: This is a popular choice for access to all three parks, especially if you mostly visit on weekdays and parking costs aren’t an issue.
Platinum Pass ($229) — I Have This Pass
- Includes: Same park access as Gold (LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE, Water Park) plus FREE standard parking. Fewer blackout dates than Gold (Brick-or-Treat event dates are blackouts). Same discounts as Gold except for a better dining discount (20%).
- Considerations: Higher upfront cost than Gold.
- Who Should Buy: I highly recommend it if you plan to visit frequently, especially during peak times. The included parking often makes it more cost-effective after just a few visits than the Gold Pass.
Insider Tip: A well-known hack local families do is buy Platinum for one adult (to cover parking and get the steeper dining discounts) and Gold for others if peak visits aren’t a priority. I did this once—it only works if Gold blockout dates work for you. Putting everyone on Platinum is so much easier.
Elite Pass ($269
- Includes: All parks with no blackout dates, free standard parking, free admission to Brick-or-Treat Party Nights, the same discounts as Gold except a better discount on dining (up to 25%), plus admission to over 30 other Merlin attractions worldwide.
- Considerations: Highest price point.
- Who Should Buy: Best for families who want maximum flexibility with no blackout dates, plan to attend Brick-or-Treat, and will take full advantage of the highest discount levels. You should consider it if traveling to cities where you may visit other Merlin attractions.
Remember that regardless of which pass you choose, you must make a passholder reservation. You’ll get access to their passholder hub, and I find the reservations process really easy there! I wrote a more in-depth article breaking down the four LEGOLAND annual passes.
8. Free LEGOLAND California Tickets for Kids in October
During the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion in October, children can score free LEGOLAND California tickets and free admission to other major San Diego theme parks, museums, and attractions. Yes, this is why October is one of the best times to visit San Diego with kids.
These Legoland California tickets typically go live in September. The deal is usually a free 1-Day Child Hopper Ticket for ages 2–12 with a full-price 1-Day Adult Hopper Ticket to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium. This year, Brick-or-Treat was included.
9. Other Free LEGOLAND California Tickets for Kids
Sometimes, there is a promo code to receive a free child ticket when purchasing an adult ticket (the promo code automatically applies at that link). This is an excellent deal, but it applies only to combo tickets: the 1-Day SEA Life Hopper and the 1-Day Water Park Hopper.
It doesn’t appear to have an expiration, so you can take advantage of it now, but we’ll continue to monitor it. There are numerous free kids’ ticket deals available from places like McDonald’s or ValuePak, but this Kids Go Free offer has been around for a long time, so it’s the one we continue to list here. It’s not always the best deal, though, in my opinion.
10. AAA Discount
I’m a member of the Automobile Club of Southern California, exclusively so that I can check and redeem the discounts. The AAA LEGOLAND California tickets deal you get depends on your region.
Currently, if I check my AAA app, I can see a good price on one-day LEGOLAND California tickets that include one general parking space per transaction. Due to dynamic pricing, you can buy one ticket to receive free parking. Then, the rest of your tickets are likely to be cheaper through an authorized seller.
LEGOLAND is also publicly offering a 10% discount on hotels to AAA members. You can also check with your local branch for available offers. We log in to AAA every time we update this post, so we can notify you when the deals change. However, if you can get free parking, that is a significant savings!
11. Military Discounts
LEGOLAND California offers several substantial, special military discounts that change annually. The military can buy cheaper LEGOLAND California tickets online that currently include:
- 1-Day LEGOLAND: $72.54
- SEA LIFE Hopper + 2nd Day FREE: $79.59
Plus, there is also a 25% military discount on the amazing LEGOLAND hotels.
12. First Responders, Nurses, Government Workers
ID.me advertises 35% off for each of these service groups and the military. Use your login to check it out.
13. Costco Discount Legoland California Tickets
BEST DEAL FOR: Those who will spend three days in the park.
Costco occasionally offers discounted LEGOLAND California tickets, but availability is limited and can change quickly.
They’re currently offering a three-day Sea Life Resort Hopper Pass for $109.99, which includes admission to LEGOLAND California and SEA LIFE Aquarium. That deal isn’t always on the shelves—sometimes it’s available, and sometimes it’s not.
Costco LEGOLAND tickets tend to appear and disappear without notice so act quickly if you want to take advantage.
14. Lego Club Magazine Discounts
Subscribers to the LEGO Club Magazine often receive various discounts throughout the park and cheap LEGOLAND California tickets. It’s free, geared toward children ages 5–9, and sent out five times a year until kids turn 10. If there’s a free ticket, it’s usually the same as the Honest Kids ticket offer above, where you buy a full-priced adult Resort Hopper and get a free kids’ ticket.
However, I definitely recommend a subscription to anyone interested in LEGOs. The free downloads and activities are neat.
15. Group Discounts for 15 or More
If you have 15 or more people, you can walk up to a front gate ticket booth on the day of your visit to purchase group tickets at $10 off per ticket. I would not do this because it will likely be cheaper for everyone in your group to buy discounted LEGOLAND California tickets online in advance.
16. Travel Agent Discounts
I keep an eye on travel agent discounts, and the one LEGOLAND offers is pretty good. Travel Agents can buy two Hopper admission tickets at 50% off or up to six Hopper admission tickets at 20% off. You’ll need to present a valid IATA or business card, along with a photo ID, at a LEGOLAND California ticket booth.
Awesome Things to Do at LEGOLAND California Resort
The resort caters to children ages 2–12 and features a theme park, aquarium, seasonal water park, and two super-fun hotels. Here’s a short list of popular things to do:
- Minifigure trading with staff members.
- Halloween’s Brick-or-Treat Monster Party Nights, trick-or-treating, contests, and other special events during this festive season.
- Miniland USA cities and famous buildings built with LEGOs.
- The Kids’ NYE LEGO ball drop and other events during the winter holidays
- Scavenger hunt at King’s Market in Castle Hill (where The Dragon roller coaster is located).
- Grannie’s Apple Fries with cinnamon dust, caramel, and whipped cream topping.
- LEGO Driving School, where kids drive their own cars and earn a “driver’s license.” It’s open in a new location and really cool!
- The seasonal water park.
- The Model Shop is where you can watch Master Builders create awesome things.
- Dino Valley-themed area with rides and hands-on experiences (I really love the colorful LEGO dinosaurs – it’s impressive).
- LEGO Movie World, where you can meet LEGO Movie characters and enjoy several rides based on the hit movies, like Emmet’s Flying Adventure ride and Unikitty’s Disco Drop. Parents, be prepared for a spin through The Awesome Shop.
Fun fact: I was part of the LEGO Movie press junket, and I got to interview Morgan Freeman and Chris Pratt at the park!
FAQs About LEGOLAND California Tickets & Logistics
Since I live here, I help families plan vacations in San Diego. These are the questions that I receive the most. Grab a coffee because this San Diego theme park is so popular that my inbox overflows.
Is LEGOLAND fun for adults?
The park is designed for children aged 2 to 12. While most of the rides are for little ones, adults will enjoy the elaborate LEGO scenes and structures. Check out mini versions of the Las Vegas Strip, New Orleans, and New York, made entirely from the mini blocks.
My clients (and I agree based on my own visits) say that visiting LEGOLAND tends to be more tiring than other theme parks because everything is kid-centric (aside from having an adult beverage at some restaurants).
Can you get skip-the-line access at the park?
Yes, you can purchase special passes to make ride reservations through the Reserve’ N’ Ride application. Three levels of passes are available online: Express, Deluxe, and Ultimate. These upgrades cost between $35 and $100 per person and can reduce your wait time between 25% and 95%, depending on the level you purchase.
Can you purchase LEGOs at the park?
Yes! The park features several places to stock up on your kids’ favorite toys. Check out the LEGO® Ideas Shop, The Big Shop, the Minifigure Market, and The Dive Shop.
Can I go shopping at LEGOLAND California for free?
Yes! You must buy a 1-Day Legoland California ticket and pay for parking to enter the park. If you spend $25 or more and are inside for less than one hour, guest services will refund the cost of your ticket and parking.
Do I need separate tickets to visit SEA LIFE Aquarium?
You need a ticket to enter the SEA LIFE Aquarium. You can buy a ticket, or it’s included on certain park hopper tickets and annual passes.
SEA LIFE Aquarium is a massive indoor aquarium featuring 5,000 real sea animals, from sharks to rays. Learn about the sea creatures, and don’t miss feeding time. LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE are located right next to each other.
Does my LEGOLAND California ticket include entrance to the water park?
Only certain annual pass holders or guests with a Resort Hopper or Water Park Hopper ticket can access the water park without purchasing an additional ticket.
You can only access the water park through LEGOLAND, so you can upgrade your LEGOLAND-only ticket to include access to the water park when it is open for the season.
The water park has all sorts of fun for children, including a wave pool, water slides, and water play structures. Make a splash in Wipeout Lagoon and float down the lazy river. If you don’t mind getting soaked, take a ride on the Pirate Reef or wait for the water cannons to blast you at the Joker Soaker.
When is the LEGOLAND Water Park open?
The water park is open seasonally, and its hours vary depending on the day of the week and the time of year. It’s usually open between mid-March and August, with some dates in September and October.
Hours of operation vary between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Check the park’s calendar for specific dates when planning your trip.
LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel: What are the benefits?
You can book into either the LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel for the ultimate LEGOLAND California holiday. Guests receive early access to certain rides 30 minutes before the park opens to the public, from 9:30 to 10 a.m.
However, you get a free hot breakfast when you stay at either hotel (this does not apply to check-in day). See also: What It’s Like to Stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel
Is there a $35 LEGOLAND ticket?
That’s a common question, likely confused with the $35 parking fee. A $35 park admission ticket isn’t currently available.
How does the LEGOLAND $39 Kids’ Ticket deal work?
The $39 Kids’ Ticket was a 1-Day Hopper pass, valid for one child (ages 2-12) to either LEGOLAND California or SEA LIFE Aquarium, or all three parks, depending on the ticket chosen.
Final Thoughts
The cheapest LEGOLAND California kids’ tickets start at $39 when purchased directly through LEGOLAND, but only when bundled with a full-price adult Hopper ticket.
For the best deal on adult tickets without that requirement, I recommend our authorized ticket site with promo code WINTER for an additional $5 off.
Either way, never pay the gate price. Online tickets save you more!
How do you buy discounted LEGOLAND California tickets? See our purchasing guides for:
- San Diego Zoo tickets
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets
- SeaWorld San Diego tickets
- Sesame Place San Diego tickets
- Disneyland tickets
- Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
- Knott’s Berry Farm tickets
- Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets
- Universal Orlando tickets
- SeaWorld Orlando tickets
- LEGOLAND Florida tickets
- LEGOLAND New York tickets
Katie Dillon
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