There’s a rumor that Everything Is Awesome when you’re playing with LEGO, and Portland kids couldn’t agree more. If the sight of those colorful bricks has your little architects scrambling to build another masterpiece, we’ve got the perfect list for you. Check out these six great spots where your LEGO fans can go to get building.
Photo by woodleywonderworks via Flickr
Bricks & Minifigs
This spot for LEGO lovers on NE Sandy Blvd has all of your needs covered. Kids can buy new sets, sell used sets or make their own mix of bulk pieces from the massive bins of spare parts. If you’re searching for the perfect minifig, head to the minifig table where you can mix and match your own! (3 minifigs for $10). You’ll definitely be inspired by the incredible LEGO creations lining the shelves and countertops. The store has a few cozy armchairs for relaxing and two bathrooms complete with a changing table, so parents can rest easy while kids happily satisfy their LEGO cravings all afternoon. Additional locations can be found in Beaverton and Canby. For the Ultimate LEGO Fan, book one of the Bricks and Minifigs birthday party packages and make it a celebration they’ll never forget.
3040 NE Sandy Blvd.
503-908-3639
Online: bricksandminifigs.com/store/portland-oregon/
Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun., noon- 5 p.m.
Photo by Alessandro Valli via Flickr
The Lego Store
If your little builder can’t wait to get their hands on the latest Minecraft, Ninjago or LEGO Elves set, head to The Lego Store, where brick fans can find all of the latest and greatest sets. Just need a few individual pieces to complete your creation at home? Buy a bag of LEGO bricks from the bulk bins for happy building. Join the store’s LEGO VIP program to earn points towards purchases and invitations to members-only LEGO events. Don’t forget to follow the store’s monthly calendar for the inside scoop on in-store LEGO building events and special sales.
9410 SW Washington Sq Rd. # K11
Tigard, Or
503-670-9109
Online: stores.lego.com/en-us/stores/us/washington-square
Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sun., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Bricks 4 Kidz
Can anything beat a night of LEGO building? Only if that night of LEGO building also includes LEGO Wii, motorized creations, snacks, drinks and new friends. At Bricks 4 Kidz’s Friday night “Kidz Night Out” events, LEGO enthusiasts ages 4-10 get a night of their own to celebrate the beloved bricks with an evening of fun. Cost is $20 per child, and pre-registration is required.
Bricks 4 Kidz also hosts a variety of camps, classes and after-school events. Check their website for new offerings in LEGO adventures!
21135 NW West Union Rd.
Hillsboro, Or
503-397-9179
Online: bricks4kidz.com/oregon-portland-hillsboro/
Photo by Anna Doogan
LEGO at the Library
It’s LEGO Club at the library! Show off your building skills at these drop-in groups happening at Multnomah County Libraries. All LEGO bricks are provided. Donations of new bricks are always welcome, so go ahead and bring in that bucket of extra pieces! After each session, creations are set up on display. LEGO Club is always free, but is first come first served, so arrive about 30 minutes early to reserve a spot. Afterwards, browse the shelves so that your LEGO lover can snag a copy of The LEGO Idea Book or The LEGO Movie on DVD before heading home.
All dates in 2016:
May 20 at Kenton Library 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
May 23 at Sellwood-Moreland Library 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Jun. 3 at Kenton Library 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Jun. 6 at Midland Library 4:15 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Jun. 6 at Hollywood Library 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Jun. 8 at Northwest Library 3 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Jun. 15 at Woodstock Library 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Jun. 17 at Kenton Library 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Jun. 22 at Northwest Library 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Jun. 27 at Sellwood-Moreland Library 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kenton Library
8226 N. Denver Ave.
503-988-5370
Online: multcolib.org/library-location/kenton
Sellwood-Moreland Library
7860 SE 13th Ave.
503-988-5398
Online: multcolib.org/library-location/sellwood-moreland
Midland Library
805 SE 122nd Ave.
503-988-5392
Online: multcolib.org/library-location/midland
Hollywood Library
4040 NE Tillamook St.
503-988-5391
Online: multcolib.org/library-location/hollywood
Northwest Library
2300 NW Thurman St.
503-988-5560
Online: multcolib.org/library-location/northwest
Woodstock Library
6009 SE 49th Ave.
503-988-5399
Online: multcolib.org/library-location/woodstock
OMSI
OMSI is combining two things that kids love—summer break and LEGO— for days of summer fun that young LEGO fans won’t be able to stop talking about. Kids entering 4th or 5th grade can design simple or more complicated contraptions in LEGO Machines camp, or build and command robots in LEGO Robotics. To make it easier on Moms and Dads, OMSI offers before-care starting at 7:30 a.m., and after care until 6 p.m. Parents can go about their day knowing that the kids are hard at play making LEGO masterpieces. Camps fill quickly, so register early to guarantee a spot. Camp prices range from $230-$290/week for OMSI members and $287.50-$362.50/week for non-members.
Lego Machines: Jun. 20-24, 2016 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lego Robotics: Jun. 20-24, Jul. 5-8, Jul. 25-29, 2016 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1945 SE Water Ave.
503-797-4000
Online: omsi.edu/camps-and-classes
Photo by Anna Doogan
Little Engineers
From preschoolers to teens and every age in-between, there’s a class or workshop at Little Engineers. Using STEM curriculum combined with LEGO education kits, kids have fun while learning technical skills and problem solving. Little Engineers offers various camps and classes throughout the year, as well as after school programs and birthday parties. Check out the Saturday Drop and Shop LEGO/Minecraft Camp. It allows parents to dash out for a few hours of shopping or errands while little brick lovers make new friends and build to their hearts’ content.
Little Engineers is moving locations to Washington Square Mall in early June, so keep an eye on their website for the latest information and schedules.
10110 SW Nimbus Ave., Ste. B7 & B8
Tigard, Or
503-372-9817
Online: little-engineers.com
What’s your favorite LEGO spot in the Portland area? Let us know in the comments below!
—Anna Doogan
