Free ways to entertain your LEGO-obsessed kids

In our home there are toys and then there are LEGOS: the Mother of All Toys. When our kids learned about The LEGO Movie, we had to watch the trailer 90 gagillion times. If that sounds familiar, read on. Because as much as I can’t wait to see The LEGO Movie (confession: I may love playing with LEGOs even more than my LEGO-addicted kids), I can already recite the trailer word for word. Sure, it’s a cool party trick, but I need new ways to entertain my family until The LEGO Movie hits theaters on February 7, 2014.

Watch Lego School, a stop motion video by Michael Hickox

Watch Michael Hickox videos on YouTube
Next to the creators of The LEGO Movie, Michael Hickox may just be the best LEGO movie maker of all time. And the best part of Hickox’ short LEGO films? His creative plots keep kids avidly interested while his more mature jokes, enjoyed by adults, sail over younger heads. Another bonus? In this behind-the-scenes video, Hickox shows how he creates his clever flicks. Beware: your little LEGO devotees probably won’t be satisfied until they’ve created their very own Hickox-like cinematic gem. Although, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it?

Our family favorites are LEGO School, LEGO Carnival, LEGO Camping, and LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins.

Watch Bat Dad on Vine - his voice is similar to Will Arnett, who plays Batman in The LEGO Movie

Introduce your kids to Bat Dad
Vine superstar Bat Dad (follow “Bat Dad” on your Vine app or view on the web) makes 6-second videos a scream (literally!) as he shouts at, surprises, and guides his four kids and unsuspecting wife, Jen, through the ups and downs of life with a superhero. Bat Dad’s voice sounds strikingly similar to that of Will Arnett, who voices the character of Batman in The LEGO Movie. Could Arnett and Bat Dad be one in the same??? Probably not. But it’s still compelling family-friendly video, doled out six seconds at a time.

Sean Kenney's Cool Creations in 35 Pieces

Head to your local library to pick up a copy of Sean Kenney’s book, Cool Creations in 35 Pieces *
Without spending any more money on LEGOs, Kenney’s step-by-step guidebook will have you (I mean, your KIDS) piecing together 75 different robots, pieces of furniture, animals, vehicles, and more, all from bricks you already own. Fresh, new LEGO fun without spending more money? It’s a project parents’ bank accounts will love and one that will keep the kids busy until at least February.

* Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Sean Kenney’s Cool Creations in 35 Pieces to Review. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are mine.