This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of GGP at Bridgewater Commons. All opinions are 100% mine.
Hi there, friends! I hope you all had a great weekend filled with fun, family, and a little relaxation. We spent our Saturday exploring the sights at the LEGO® Roadshow, currently parked at Bridgewater Commons, in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
The traveling exhibit boasts impressively sized models of beloved National Landmarks, comprised of thousands and thousands of LEGO® Bricks, built by LEGO® Master Builders. It was nothing short of awe-inspiring for my kids. We all had a blast!
The kids learned some interesting new facts along the way too, from the informational displays that accompany each model.
We entered the mall on the 2nd floor, so our first stop was Independence Hall. After the kids circled the model a few times, studying all of the incredible details of the structure, we grabbed a free map and off we went on a scavenger hunt to find all of the landmarks.
Upon walking to the center of the mall, we got an impressive aerial view of the 25 foot long model of the U.S. Capitol building, located on the first floor. The kids couldn't wait to get a closer look!
The LEGO® Master Builders, didn't miss a single detail! Just amazing!
The Statue of Liberty was a crowd favorite, and it's easy to see why! Just look at all of the detail!
The Liberty Bell was simply stunning. The kids loved circling the model to read the text on the bell. Like I said, the LEGO® Master Builders didn't miss a beat in the construction process! Right down to fine details of text.
All of the kids, including my youngest had a great time playing in the special LEGO® play area, set up on the first floor. Youngsters can create with LEGO® Duplo, while older children are welcomed to build model cars and test their designs' speed out on the race track.
Seeing the exhibit up-close in person was a dream come true for our son. He first read about the LEGO® Americana Roadshow in his LEGO® magazine a few months ago, and was thrilled to have the chance to attend.
Models on display at the LEGO® Americana Roadshow include:
Lincoln Memorial
U.S. Capitol Building
The White House
Independence Hall
Washington Monument
Statue of Liberty
The Liberty Bell
Jefferson Memorial
Old North Church
With over 170 stores and a ton of dining options, it was easy for us to make a day out of it!
Some of the sit-down dining options include:
The Cheesecake Factory
Maggiano’s
Seasons 52
California Pizza Kitchen,
McCormick & Schmick.
Some of the fast casual dining options include:
Shake Shack
Chipotle
Starbucks
Entertainment
AMC Dine-In Theaters with full menu and bar offerings
We stopped at Crepes Du Nord just across from the U.S. Capitol Building model, for a bite with the kids. We were able to sit down at a little table, and enjoy our crepes with a great view of the model. As a bonus, Crepes Du Nord offered gluten-free crepe batter in addition to their regular batter, so our daughter was able to enjoy a crepe as well.
Our youngest couldn't wait to get his hands on his Banana Nutella Crepe!
Overall, this was a great experience for the entire family, and the kids walked away having learned some invaluable lessons that were imparted in a fun relatable way.
Some of those lessons include:
An important lessons in history - Each model is accompanied by an informational display that showcases the history of each landmark. This was a great way for the kids to refresh their memory on facts that they've already learned in school, and learn a few new interesting facts as well.
A lesson on growth and change- The landmarks on display at the LEGO® Americana Roadshow represent so very much to our nation. The change and growth that has occurred within the walls of some of these landmarks and what these landmarks represent, is nothing short of inspiring. After reading some of the background and chatting about all of the changes that our country has experienced, the kids were a-buzz talking about all of the things that they think will happen in the future.
A lesson in possibility - History is a powerful learning tool for children. Learning about all that our country has been through and how these landmarks played an integral part in our history, left our children in awe of how far the nation has come. It also made them ever-aware of the infinite possibility that the future holds.
A lesson in the value of hard work - In addition to the history of these landmarks and the amazing ways that they have shaped our history, our children also got a peek at the value of hard work. The LEGO® Master Builders made the seemingly impossible come to life before their very eyes with these massive landmark replicas. It took 1,700 hours alone, for the Master Builders to construct the 25 ft. replica of the U.S. Capitol Building on display at the LEGO® Americana Roadshow!
A lesson in determination - Did you just read that, above? 1,700 hours! 1,700 hours to construct this ONE {very impressive} model. If that isn't a lesson in determination and seeing things through, I don't know what is! LEGO® Master Builders set out to construct these life-size replicas, and they seen it through to the very end. The lesson? Now that takes some determination, my friends. I honestly can't think of a better lesson to impart to younger generations!
After we had found every model in the mall, we completed our visit with a trip to the LEGO® Store ( located on the 2nd floor). Each of our children picked up a new LEGO® set, and left truly inspired by the endless building possibilities
If you're in the area, this is a definite must-see family friendly exhibit! The best part? The event is FREE and is open to the public and patrons of the mall. In addition to the exhibit, event-goers can look forward to hands on activities in the specially set-up play area located on the first floor of the mall, and a FREE "Make and Take" on April 9 & 10 (**see additional details below).
**FREE "Make and Take" on Saturday & Sunday April 9 & 10: 12-4 PM. Participants will make and take home their own mini version of a LEGO® Independence Hall. This Exclusive design is only available at Bridgewater Commons! No purchase necessary. Offer good while supplies last. Open to participants 4 years old and older.
ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES! There are 2 ways for you to WIN!
While your in the mall at the event, check out the guest the number of bricks contest. Enter your best guess, and one winner will be selected. The prize? A $100 LEGO® gift card!
The digital contest offers three different entry methods (one winner selected from across all entry methods - and each will receive a $100 LEGO® Gift Card!)
1)Instagram. To enter, take a photo of the exhibit at the mall, tag @bridgewatercommons and @LEGO and include the hashtag #LEGOAmericana.
2) Online RSVP/entry form (“RSVP to the event on the Bridgewater Commons website (link below) for a chance to win”.
3) By mail. See official rules on the Bridgewater Commons website (link below) for details.
The LEGO® Americana Roadshow will be at the Bridgewater Commons Mall in New Jersey from April 2, 2016 - April 17, 2016. For more information visit the Bridgewater Commons website
Future stops on the LEGO® Americana Roadshow include:
Beachwood Place, Beachwood, OH: 5/14 – 5/30
Northbrook Court, Northbrook, IL: 6/18 – 7/4
Baybrook Mall, Friendswood, TX: 7/30 – 8/14
North Star Mall, San Antonio, TX: 8/20 – 9/5
Fashion Show, Las Vegas, NV: 9/24 – 10/9
Alderwood Mall, Lynnwood, WA: 10/15 – 10/30