Lego Ninjago Signage. Photo by Janine Annett

Ninjago City Adventure, which opened April 4, is a 2,300-square-foot attraction in the center of the Legoland. It features all new games and play areas, with Asian-style decor and architecture throughout. It occupies the space that previously offered a soft play area. The main attraction is a two-story high playground where kids can run, climb, slide, and explore within the interactive play area. The "Lego dojo" section lets kids literally climb the walls, but also play Ninjago-themed video games.

Surrounding the main play structure are various Ninjago-themed displays and characters, and areas to play with Legos. It took more than 110,000 Lego bricks (!) to create the three models of Sensei Wu, Jay, and Nya. You'll find it's a little less hectic here than in the indoor climber and maze, so kids who are easily overwhelmed by might be happier with these activities. 

A toddler area offers a smaller climber, a Spin Cup, and even a drum panel to make a little music. 

Fans of ninjas, swords and karate will be particularly delighted with Ninjago City Adventure, but we suspect so will any kid who wants to climb and explore!

Photo by Janine Annett

​Curious about what else is available at this Discovery Center? Plenty. It spans 32,000-square-feet and includes two small rides; impressive model cities (Miniland), including a Star Wars-themed room; multiple building stations, including a section to build (and race) wheeled-Legos; a karaoke station with microphone; and a section just for toddlers with oversize Duplo blocks and a small playground. There's even a 4D movie theater and a Master Builder Academy where kids can learn a few tricks and building tips. It's aimed at kids ages 3 to 10 years old.

In fact, even after checking out Ninjago, my son still wanted to visit his favorite standbys: the race car area, the latest 4D movie, and the Kingdom Quest ride.

This isn't a Legoland theme park, though. It's all enclosed indoors, and thus a little dark and some attractions might feel a bit dated, but the kids likely won't notice. For ardent fans, or those in search of a new day trip for the kids, it's worth the drive. Locals often have a membership and use it as their go-to indoor playground for the kids with the bonus of a side of STEM.

Warning: You exit via the Lego store. Cover the kids eyes or negotiate ahead of time how much you'll be spending. Consider yourself warned!

You'll also find a small cafe onsite, though there are plenty of great restaurants right outside the doors, including Elevation Burger, a Cheesecake Factory, and Havana Central where kids can play the foosball tables while they wait for their tacos and chips. Need more playtime? Check out the Rockin Jump Ridge Hill indoor trampoline park and bounce house located right next door.

Little ones can enjoy the Duplo pit! Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Tip: There's plenty of parking on offer at the mall. Use its North Otis parking garage, which is essentially attached to the Legoland building. Plus, the parking is cheap. Also, buy your tickets online ahead of time, and you can often save a few bucks on each ticket, as well as ensure admission on busy days.

Legoland Discovery Center is located at 39 Fitzgerald Street, Yonkers, New York (GPS users use: 1 Ridge Hill Boulevard, Yonkers, NY 10710.) It's open seven days a week, every day. Check the website for hours and ticket info.

Top photo of Legoland Ninjago Climbing Wall courtesy of Legoland Discovery Center.