My eight-year-old son and all his brick building friends are counting down the days until The Lego Movie hits theaters this Friday. (Yes, we already bought our advance tickets for right after school that day!) But while watching the flick will be a one-time experience (unless he drags me back to the theater over and over, which is a distinct possibility), kids can get creative with Legos anywhere anytime.

But Lego mania has reached such a fever pitch in our home that just dumping out all of our pieces and holding a master building session isn't going to cut it. My son and his pals are getting pumped for the flick by enjoying all of the Lego-themed fun New York City has to offer beyond our living room. From megastores with interactive Lego displays to play spaces with massive Lego tables to the hands-on Legoland Discovery Center in nearby Westchester, here are eight fun ways for families to get their Lego fix in NYC.

1. Get creative at NYC's two Lego Stores Both the flagship Lego Store in Rockefeller Center and the smaller outpost in the Queens Center mall host monthly Lego Club sessions, exclusive early morning building events. Preregistration is always required and space is limited. Just want to gawk at amazing Lego structures? The Manhattan store has a permanent display of jaw-dropping replicas of NYC landmarks made entirely from Legos. Warning: You probably won't be able to leave without buying a set or 12.

2. Build cool Lego robots at RoboFun At this totally awesome Upper West Side enrichment center, kids can learn how to make their own Lego robots and try other high-tech fun like Scratch video game design and stop-motion animation. In addition to long-term after-school programs, RoboFun offers school break camps and even weekend programs.

3. Play with a wide variety of Legos at Scandinavia House My son was actually introduced to Legos at Scandinavia House's Heimbold Family Children’s Playing & Learning Center back when he was just a toddler. Although the play space has been completely revamped since we were regulars, it still has one of the best Lego play areas in town. The center is only open to the public on Saturdays between noon and 5pm and costs $15 per child (but if your kid loves it, it may be worth buying a membership so you can drop in on weekdays, too).

4. Take a day trip to the Legoland Discovery Center in Westchester Even though we live in midtown Manhattan, my son and I have visited this fabulous Lego attraction in nearby Yonkers many times since it opened in 2013. There's so much to do, see and experience, a Lego-obsessed child can easily spend the entire day here enjoying the rides, the giant play structure and a slew of brick building activities.

5. Gawk at amazing Lego sculptures at Discovery Times Square If you missed the incredible Art of the Brick exhibit last year, I have great news: Due to popular demand, the display reopens at Discovery Times Square on Friday, February 14. Marvel at more than 100 of Nathan Sawaya's incredible Lego sculptures, including recreations of famous pieces of art, iconic buildings, cool creatures and everyday objects. Check out our slide show and you'll understand why it's a must-see for Lego fans.

6. Check out Christoph Niemann's tongue-in-cheek picture book I Lego NYC Although there are lots of Lego books, this is the only one focused on Big Apple-themed creations. They're all whimsical, minimalist and easy to do yourself.

7. Make your own Lego movie with the FREE Lego Movie Maker app Create cute stop-motion Lego shorts and then share the flicks with your friends. I just downloaded it and my son has yet to try it, but it looks pretty cool and is a perfect activity if you're housebound.

8. Sick of buying new Legos every week? Join Pley Become a member of this Lego rental service and you can borrow new-to-you sets whenever you want. Shipping is free, there is no charge for lost pieces, and every set is cleaned and sanitized before it goes back out. Imagine, a world where your closets aren't overflowing with dusty Lego boxes!

And, of course, go see the The Lego Movie in theaters this Friday, which is actually getting pretty good advance reviews.

Find out about other fun things to do indoors in our Inside Activity Guide.