LEGOLAND Florida is made for children. What parents need to know.

I wish I had taken my kids to LEGOLAND Florida sooner.

On a recent visit they were still within the park’s target age range of 9 and 12, but I think they would have enjoyed it even more when they were younger, and as a family we have more great years ahead had. The entire resort, one of three LEGOLAND resorts nationwide, is designed with younger children in mind.

Here’s what I learned on our first trip and what other families can expect at LEGOLAND Florida.

1. The park is aimed at younger children

Kids of all ages can enjoy LEGOLAND Florida, but the best ages are 2 to 12.

“If your child is looking for thrill rides, our park may not be right for them,” the resort says on its website.

My 12 year old thrill seeker prefers thrill rides, but we still had fun. Her favorite ride was Mia’s Riding Adventure, a disc roller coaster with a minimum height of 48 inches.

Some attractions at the neighboring LEGOLAND Florida Water Park have even higher height requirements for safety reasons.

What should I prepare for a family outing? The Bucket List Family knows better than most.

2. Adults can have fun too

Many attractions are intended for the whole family, although children can ride many of them unaccompanied. In the Driving School and Jr. attractions Driving School is actually only allowed to children. Adults should watch from the sidelines.

Our family enjoyed walking through MINILAND USA, where several iconic American cityscapes and monuments have been recreated with LEGO bricks. We easily spent more than 30 minutes admiring the detailed structures, several of which included interactive elements, such as a Conga line on the Little Havana side of the Miami section.

We also enjoyed Brickbeard’s Water Sport Stunt Show, which puts a LEGO twist on the water ski shows. Cypress Gardens was famous years ago when it occupied the land that LEGOLAND Florida now occupies.

3. Guests of all levels are welcome

LEGOLAND theme parks pride themselves on their accessibility. LEGOLAND Florida, California and New York are all certified autism centers. Guests will notice that each attraction has a sensory guide showing how stimuli affect each sense. Special zones for low sensory perception are available where guests can reset.

A variety of accommodations are available for different access needs, including HERO passes for guests who have difficulty waiting in traditional lines.

4. The Fastrack pass is really a fast track

You can purchase a Fastrack Unlimited pass to skip the line on any ride. It starts at ____, on top of the park entrance.

A cheaper, limited-edition Fastrack 3-pack is also available for one-time access to three of the park’s roller coasters: Coastersaurus, The Dragon and The Great LEGO Race. That starts with ____.

5. There’s more to do than just rides

The park’s newest attraction, LEGO Ferrari Build and Race, is not a ride but a themed area where you can build and test your own LEGO race car. Then upload the design to a racing simulator to see how it compares to other guests’ creations.

Guests can also sign up for interactive LEGO building classes throughout the park, watch 4D films and meet life-size LEGO characters.

My in-laws and I enjoyed walking through the botanical gardens that were once part of Cypress Gardens. Guests can also view some of the gardens on the popular Pirate River Quest ride.

6. The resort is bigger than you might think

The resort covers 150 hectares. That includes the neighboring LEGOLAND Florida Water Park, Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida and three on-site themed resort hotels.

Be sure to bring a paper park map or consult the free MobileApp so you don’t miss entire sections of the park like we did. And wear comfortable shoes.

7. It’s not close to Orlando

LEGOLAND Florida is located in Winter Haven, about an hour’s drive from Orlando International Airport and about an hour and a half from Tampa.

Many families choose to spend several days at the resort, on site and at the other theme parks.

If you plan to visit other Central Florida theme parks during your trip, know that LEGOLAND Florida is not next door and you will need a car to get there.

LEGOLAND Parks are becoming increasingly autism-friendly. Here you can read how and what guests can expect.

8. Ice water is free and outside food is allowed

Wherever drinks are sold, guests can get free cups of ice water. Ice-cold water is also available from Coca-Cola Freestyle vending machines throughout the park. Bring a refillable water bottle so you stay hydrated. Plastic cups are also available as a backup.

To save money, guests can also bring their own food and snacks. If you prefer to buy food, know that it is not cheap. A burger and fries combo at LEGO City Burger Kitchen cost $15.95 during my visit. A children’s meal, including a drink, cost $13.19.

9. The park is cashless

Like a growing number of destinations, including some national parks, LEGOLAND Florida is now cashless. Payments can be made with a debit card, credit card or Apple Pay.

The reporter for this story accessed the park from LEGOLAND Florida. USA TODAY retains editorial control over reviews.