Check out some of the exciting and interactive attractions at this Johor theme park

The charming pint-sized festive greetings found throughout the local mosques in Miniland Amazing Malaysia offer a delightful touch, enhancing the Aidilfitri atmosphere. – Photos: DARYL GOH/The Star

In the heart of Legoland, amid a Lego “ketupat” hunt, the tunes of the season echo (with an irreverent dose of Alamak Raya Lagi, mind you), ensuring this Hari Raya Aidilfitri season is a memorable one for those visiting the theme park.

It’s almost like visiting an open house celebration, but with the added dopamine rush of exploring a sprawling theme park.

As you step through Legoland’s gates in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, the “Nostalgia Raya” festivities greet you, extending until May 12.

So you still have time to make a dash to the brick paradise for this Raya swing, which has friendly staff ready to guide visitors through a series of Raya pop-ups, featuring activities like Lego “ketupat-weaving”, batik-painting and Lego lantern-making.

Watch out for the life-sized Lego figures when you finish taking photos with the beca (trishaw) to avoid knocking them over. The festive welcome from the staff was just the start, setting the stage for the high-energy adventures that awaited within the theme park.

For both newcomers and seasoned annual pass holders alike, Legoland remains a theme park full of surprises.

A young boy taking part in a Lego ketupat-making activity, which is part of the 'Nostalgia Raya' festive season programme at Legoland.

Staying at the Legoland Hotel nearby is an excellent way to ensure that families and kids get into full bricking mode, with brick pits in the hotel lobby, oversized foam blocks in the swimming pool, and themed rooms featuring favourites like Ninjago and Friends.

Since its launch in September 2012, Legoland has expanded significantly, adding numerous park attractions over the years. The park has introduced new franchise attractions and integrated local content, offering visitors something refreshing every time they visit.

Like any trip to a theme park, the secret is to pace yourself and create the perfect experience through careful planning. Or, if you prefer, you could simply embrace spontaneity and let the kids decide on whatever sparks their fancy (it’s their day out, after all).

A must-see among the new attractions is Miniland Amazing Malaysia (introduced last year), celebrating the nation’s iconic landmarks and cultural sites while showcasing its remarkable architecture.

Numerous attractions, locally developed at the Legoland Model Shop in Johor Baru, showcase the theme park’s evolution through a diverse array of homegrown highlights.

The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly, the largest Lego model in Miniland Amazing Malaysia, is a breathtaking build.

The Lego version of Masjid Jamek, among Kuala Lumpur’s oldest mosques, is a miniature marvel, accentuated by the delightful touch of a Hari Raya banner adorning it for the season.

Red bricks, you say? Well, behold Melaka’s Dutch-era buildings, including The Stadthuys, featured bright and bold in Miniland. And don’t miss the meticulously mapped downtown Johor Baru, offering a glimpse into the local area.

For a “yabba-dabba-doo” treat, try to spot the cute Lego tribute to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King of Malaysia’s Fred Flintstone mobile, while the trophy-laden JDT team bus parade is Lego gold for football fans in Johor.

While the real Sarawak State Legislative Assembly offers amazing night-time lights for your holiday photo album, the Legoland version, the largest model in Miniland Amazing Malaysia, is also a sight to behold.

A team of eight builders used an astounding 200,000 bricks to construct it.

Miniland, an attraction for all ages, now also features added canopies and shade structures, encouraging visitors to admire other highlights in Asia, like the intricate Angkor Wat and majestic Taj Mahal, at leisure.

Relax and enjoy the journey; brick travel has a way of transporting you to exotic destinations.

The cinematic adventure at Legoland also extends beyond mere viewing – it’s an immersive experience with 4D technology. Don’t miss the newest attraction: the Lego Friends 4D movie.

Settle into the cinema hall among excited children, and brace yourself for a “splash” of a 15-minute film that bursts from the screen, providing you with a full sensory experience.

With more than 40 interactive attractions, it’s wise to plan your Legoland adventure carefully.

What’s a theme park without a trek?

There is no denying the heat and weather conditions in Malaysia can significantly impact your visit to Legoland, especially if you’re accompanied by toddlers and young children (and grandparents too!).

However, the park is strategically designed with numerous shady areas and rest stops, and there are plenty of options to seamlessly switch between indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

As you gear up for your walkabout, make sure to strap on your fitness watch to keep tabs on your steps, track your distance, and watch those calories melt away (even if you indulge in a burger, a large tub of fries, or two ice creams, no worries) as you wander through the themed areas (all eight of them).

At Legoland, with over 40 interactive attractions – rides and shows – for thrill-seekers, curious learners, and families seeking adventure-packed day trips or quick getaways, every moment counts.

If you encounter queues, remember to have an ample supply of water to stay hydrated before embarking on outdoor activities with the family.

At Lego City Driving School, budding drivers can navigate their way through realistic streets and traffic signals, honing their skills behind the wheel (while overly anxious parents call out to their kids from the curb to “stay in your lane!”). The Lego Mindstorms Workshop provides an interactive experience where enthusiasts can explore (basic) robotics and engineering through hands-on activities.

Adventure awaits at Lego Ninjago, where visitors can test their agility on the rock-climbing wall or embark on an exhilarating 4D ride and unleash their Spinjitzu skills to defeat The Great Devourer (even bewildered grandparents, dragged along by their grandkids, will be getting into this one).

When you’re wilting from the heat and overloaded from the rides, take a break in areas like “Build and Test” in Imagination, or Rebuild The World in Planet Legoland. The latter sparks creativity with building challenges, encouraging children to unleash their imagination by constructing everything from innovative modes of transportation to enchanting deep-sea creatures and musical instruments, showcasing the limitless possibilities of the Lego universe.

Like all great adventures, the fun must eventually come to an end, even if you’ve been enjoying yourself since the doors opened at 10am until they close at 6pm.

If you find yourself wanting more Legoland at the end of the day, swing by the main merchandise store (appropriately named The Big Store, complete with child-sized shopping trolleys) and snag a Legoland replica, or an in-store exclusive or three, to keep the adventure alive at home.

More info: legoland.com.my.