How to Make Family Playtime Extra Special with LEGO® Bricks!

Ready to double down on family fun? This easy-to-follow guide helps create harmonious (if sometimes raucous!) play scenes for everyone to enjoy together…

Crimbo Limbo, the time between Christmas and New Year, is a unique time when days blur, pajamas are the uniform and holiday excitement lingers in the air. It’s the perfect stretch to gather up the family, unbox those new LEGO® sets and dive into some shared creativity.

For families looking for screen-free fun or a way to fill a cozy afternoon, here are a few ideas to make family LEGO time extra special – and perhaps even sanity-saving!

1. Team Projects that (Hopefully) Won’t End in Tears

One way to make LEGO building memorable is by working together on a shared project. While this might sound ambitious – especially with multiple opinions in the room – teamwork can be a wonderful skill to practice and the process often brings out the humor in everyone.

Selecting an exciting and collaborative build can help get everyone on board, whether it’s a giant spaceship, a medieval castle or even an imaginary cityscape with towers and bridges. Each family member can claim a section to build and then bring it together to create a unique masterpiece. Keeping snacks close by is often a helpful tactic to keep the peace, too!

2. Divide and Conquer: The Mega Masterpiece Approach

The ‘divide and conquer’ method works well for families looking to avoid potential clashes over LEGO builds. Each family member creates their own build which then combines with others to form their own LEGO world. This method allows each builder to exercise creativity in their own way while contributing to a larger project.

Perhaps the youngest builds a colorful tower, an older sibling constructs a spaceship or rollercoaster, and a parent decides on a cozy coffee shop to complete the scene. These creations form a whimsical LEGO universe when brought together that reflects everyone’s personalities and interests. It becomes a playful and inclusive experience for all – so long as the youngest doesn’t rule with their iron fist too tightly clenched!

3. Bring the Whole Family in: Fun for All Ages!

LEGO bricks bring everyone together, allowing each family member to create and share. Watching different generations collaborate – and sometimes compete – often adds unexpected laughs and memorable moments. Younger children may relish giving their own ‘instructions’ to grown-ups while older family members might surprise everyone with their own creations. Mixing all ages in this activity creates a rich and multi-generational experience that builds connections… one brick at a time.

4. Take LEGO Play Outdoors: Al Fresco Building

Consider moving the LEGO activity outdoors for a refreshing change of scene. If the weather’s mild, try a backyard building session at a picnic table or on a blanket. There’s often more freedom to explore outdoors and experiment with building styles – without the fear of finding tiny bricks underfoot in the living room later on. Ouch!

5. Try the LEGO Builder App’s ‘Build Together’ Feature

The Build Together feature on the LEGO Builder app can be a game-changer for family playtime. Designed to divide a single LEGO set into multiple manageable tasks, it allows different builders to work together on a larger project without the usual competition over who builds what. Each builder gets their own mini assignment within the overall build, fostering collaboration while maintaining distinct roles. This feature helps keep everyone engaged and focused (while minimizing the potential for arguments!).

6. Set Creative Challenges for Some Friendly Competition

Adding fun challenges can inspire everyone’s inner master builder. Setting up lighthearted and timed building challenges – such as creating the tallest structure in ten minutes, designing a silly creature or inventing a miniature ‘holiday leftovers’ sculpture – adds excitement and encourages creative thinking.

Challenge-based play keeps attention spans active, sparks plenty of laughter and helps bring out each builder’s unique approach to LEGO creations. Plus, these mini competitions can become a fun family tradition, with a small reward or title like ‘LEGO Champion’ awarded each round.

The holidays are the perfect time for families to reconnect and build lasting memories. With a bit of structure and creativity, family LEGO time can become a meaningful tradition. Let the fun begin!