We're Legoland Resort pass holders, so I can't complain about the cost. If we didn't have a membership, however, I would consider this attraction expensive. Entry fee plus $12 for parking adds up quickly. If you're local and plan to visit the parks more than two or three times, the membership cost is well worth it.

We've visited the Aquarium several times and while it's not as impressive as the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, it's convenient for us and a nice way to spend an hour or two.

Our last visit (day after Thanksgiving) was just what we needed. The Aquarium wasn't busy at all, which made it easy to navigate the narrow hallways and get up close and personal with all of the displays.

I have been here when it's busy, too, on a class field trip and frankly, it's a bit of a nightmare. It's dark and when the path is crowded, can be very difficult to keep an eye on smaller children. I no longer have kids in a stroller, but I can imagine that during busy periods, stroller navigation would be frustrating.

For this visit, I took all three boys, ages 14, 9 and 6, and they all had a good time. I'm lucky my teenager is agreeable ;) The displays are colorful and lively, with sea life from around the world to enjoy. Several aquariums have plastic viewing bubbles that kids can stick their heads in and get really up close and personal with the animals.

Children will also enjoy the hands-on activities, like the Tide Pool. My boys loved touching the various starfish, anemones, and sea cucumbers that inhabit the pools.

We finished up our visit at the Ocean Cafe, where the boys' big sister works. Like most amusement park restaurants, it's spendy. Again, here's where the membership comes in handy as we got 20% off our order.

The chocolate chip muffin was delicious and prepared on-site. We also tried the hamburger sliders, which were very tasty. We shared a $5 fruit cup that included cantaloupe, honeydew, and red seedless grapes. The cafe offers several options, whether you just need a light snack or require more sustenance. There's a comfortable outdoor patio and indoor seating, along with a small Lego activity area for kids to play in.

Tip: The bathroom is at the end of the attraction, near the Ocean Cafe. So hit up the family restrooms right in front of the Sea Life Aquarium before heading in.