On the first Tuesday of every month, the Lego store in Tysons Corner Mall hosts a FREE mini model build. The LEGO stores in Potomac Mills Mall, Westfield Annapolis Mall and Arundel Mills Mall also host this monthly activity. The activity is open only to children ages 6 to 14 years old and participation is on a first come, first served basis. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. and lasts until approximately 7:30 p.m. or until the limited quantities run out.
On a balmy July evening, we arrived at the store at 4:30 p.m. only to find that approximately 30 other people were lined up in front of us. By 4:45 p.m., the line contained over 75 eager Lego builders. A roped off area in front of several stores serves as the official entry line.
Store personnel began letting in participants promptly at 5:00 p.m. However, since there are only two tables accommodating six children at each table, only a dozen kids at a time can enter. We waited about 20 minutes for our turn.
Children stand around the tables while building. After each child completes the project, their spot is quickly replenished with another enthusiastic participant. A different mini model is featured every month; the July model was a lighthouse. All of the pieces are pre-grouped and ready to build. A simple direction sheet illustrating numbered pieces which correspond to the project’s Legos is given to every child for use as a reference guide. An employee sits at each table to assist and answer questions. Our experienced, eight year old Lego builder took four minutes to complete his lighthouse from beginning to end. He was delighted with the outcome and proudly displayed the finished product.
This is a fun, albeit short activity for Lego fans who want to visit the store, increase their collection and check out all the new Lego projects on display. Our experience showed that it is advisable to get there early, perhaps 40 to 45 minutes prior to the 5:00 opening to snag one of the first coveted spots.
