(Image courtesy Burst)

Fun news for LEGO fans! Springfield is getting an all-new LEGO Discovery Center at Springfield Town Center.

According to a recent press release, the 32,000 square foot indoor attraction is being co-created by Merlin Entertainments, the world’s second-largest visitor attractions operator, and LEGO Group, the Danish toymaker. The next-generation experience will be accessible on the first level off of the main entrance to the shopping center as soon as 2023.

Excitement about the LEGO Discovery Center

Merlin has introduced at least fourteen other LEGO Discovery Centers around North America, including in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Atlanta, and Chicago. 

These ticketed experiences feature models and attractions inspired by LEGO building toys. Some have smaller scale rides, 4D films, climbing areas, and of course, places to build. 

According to some, the LEGO Discovery Center are smaller versions of the LEGOLAND theme parks located around the world, but “the lines are way more tolerable than LEGOLAND theme park lines!”

If prices are like other LEGO Discovery Centers, tickets will run between $15 and $20 depending on whether you purchase in advance. Children under 2 may be able to enter free. And you should expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours enjoying everything in the LEGO Discovery Center at Springfield.

LEGO has proven its popularity with both children and adults over decades. The toy’s variety, color, and creativity speak to builders of all ages, not to mention they are educational, virtually indestructible, and don’t require batteries! 

The new LEGO Discovery Center will be a themed attraction that provides an opportunity for adults and children to spend fun and quality time together in an awesome LEGO world.

And it will likely be a boon for the Springfield area as well, since LEGO enthusiasts have proven willing to travel for LEGO experiences, and people are looking for experiential retail more and more.

“Experiential tenants have proven to be great catalysts… and we expect that, upon opening, our trade area will expand by a two-hour drive time, driving traffic and sales,” said Joseph F. Coradino, Chairman and CEO of PREIT, a real estate investment trust, in the release.

Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Jeffrey C. McKay said, “We are excited to welcome this next generation LEGO® Discovery Center to Fairfax County! It is an institution for kids of all ages where they can explore their imagination. LEGO Discovery Center will draw families from across the region to family-friendly Springfield and will be an important contribution to the County.”

Springfield’s LEGO Discovery Center is planned to open as early as 2023, joining Springfield Town Center retail and dining offerings like Macy’s, DICK’s Sporting Goods, Target, H&M, Sephora, Abercrombie kids, American Eagle, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Yard House Restaurant, Regal Cinema, Dave & Buster’s, Maggie McFly’s and LA Fitness.