The Lego Monthly Mini Build gives children, ages 6 to 14, a chance to visit a Lego Store, build a unique model, and take it home for free!
First, you must join the Lego VIP program. It’s also free and offers bonuses on purchases and access to events like these.
Then, you can go to this link and register for the next month’s build starting the 15th of each month.
The process has gotten very easy as you can choose your appointment time within a two-day window, avoiding mad rushes and long lines.
The builds have seasonal themes and often include special elements that are hard to find.
Our first mini build in 2014. Modifications come quickly.
Not only have I found value in the new, free pieces, but this gives you an opportunity to take your children to a store full of wonderful things to buy…AND NOT BUY ANYTHING. Now, I can stop by the Lego Store with my sons and they don’t have an expectation that we’ll be making a purchase. I’ve found that this habit has been of benefit in many stores as I have set and followed through on expectations.
Delaware rests interminably on the division between snow storms and rain storms, flooding hurricanes and quiet spectating. We also have a tenuous relationship with fall. We could have weeks of a changing palette against the sky or 48 hours before a storm whips through and makes it look more like winter.
Fortunately, we are blessed with museums in and around our state that provide many ways to enjoy the season.
At Delaware Art Museum there are the final Thursday evening Summer Happy Hours leading up to the Peace Week Delaware and Fall Equinox Labyrinth Walk on Saturday, September 22nd, at 6:00 pm. Celebrating the change of seasons with a meditative stroll into and out of the Labyrinth will help you refresh for the fall. Level of meditation available will depend on how many children you have in tow.
Fall Family FUNdays at The Delaware Contemporary on select Sundays, 1:00 to 3:00, are open to all ages and offer a variety of engaging activities and art-making opportunities. Attend all four and receive a FREE family portrait taken by a professional portrait photographer during the December 16th Free Family FUNday.
Keep checking back here to read more about local events to enjoy with your family this fall.
Each month, The Lego Store releases a calendar of in-store and online promotions. A PDF of September’s calendar can be downloaded here. The online promotions offer extra VIP points and bonus items for specific purchases and early access to more in-demand sets.
It’s a good idea to join the Lego VIP Loyalty Program as much of what is discussed in this article will require this free membership.
August 6 – September 30th describes the in-store building promotion. This is a fun bin of Lego elements designed to excite you about the theme of the moment. Nothing to take home, but a chance to see some of the elements you might find in your next set.
September 11 – 12 are the dates for the VIP Monthly Mini Model Build. You must have a VIP account and the builder(s) must be between 6 and 14 years of age. Registration opens online here on the 15th of the previous month. Slots begin at 3:00 pm and continue on to closing. These models can be taken home and the program is free. If you make a monthly habit of this one you can grow an eclectic little collection in no time.
The third or fourth Monday features my favorite Lego program: Minifigure Swap Monday! This is also for ages 6-14, but a guardian can participate as long as he or she is polite with the staff and lets the children do the real choosing. This is a free program in which children can refresh their minifig collection by trading with the store’s (and sometimes an employee’s) grab bag of minifigs. A “minifigure” consists of five elements: head, torso, legs, headpiece (hat/hair/helmet/etc.), and accessory (anything carried in its hand or on its back). You do not have to stick to a theme for your offering, but this is a generous program and please consider that other children may be excited to find what you have left. Don’t bring in dirty, scratched, or broken elements.
We were rather fortunate on our last trade and walked away with a couple brand new Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts minifigs as well as Superman’s dad!
September 19 features an exciting build-and-take magic wand. You do not need to be a VIP member, but you do have to stop in the store or call (Christiana Mall Lego Store: 302-453-1897) to register beginning September 1. On weekdays, build times are usually 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. On weekends, the events often run 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Registration for these build-and-take events always opens on the 1st of the same month. Ages 6-14.
The Lego Life Meetings offer a chance to build the September Mini Model Build, make it your own creation, and enter it in a contest to win one of two $50 Lego Store gift cards. These events cost $10 per child ages 6-14. Registration opens on the 1st of the previous month (August 1st in this case).
August 13 – October 7 describes another in-store building promotion. This one is a little different and a bit more fun as you can display your creation right in the store.
Almost all of these programs are free. Yes, they’re designed to get you in the store and buy something; however, if you regularly visit the store and don’t buy your children something, they will learn that a lot of enjoyment can be had without opening mom or dad’s wallet.
