Lego bricks have captivated children and adults alike for decades. The simple pleasure of connecting these colorful plastic blocks to construct anything you can imagine is timeless. Recently, giant Lego blocks have soared in popularity, taking this creative play experience to a whole new level.
These oversized Lego bricks, some as big as a toddler’s torso, open up endless possibilities for giant-scale building projects. Whether you’re looking for an engaging new activity for kids or want to recapture the magic of Legos from your own childhood, giant Lego blocks deliver big fun.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about giant Lego blocks from where to buy them to creative ways to use them. Let’s start building!
What Are Giant Lego Blocks?
Giant Lego blocks, also referred to as jumbo blocks, oversized bricks, or large-scale building blocks, are essentially the same as classic Lego bricks just supersized. They feature the same studs and tube locking system that make it possible to securely connect bricks in every direction.
Most giant Lego blocks are 10 to 15 times the size of standard Lego bricks. They range in size from about 4 inch squares to oversized 12 inch bricks and come in classic Lego colors like red, blue, green, yellow, and white.
Giant Lego blocks allow kids and kids-at-heart to build much larger creations than possible with regular-sized bricks. Just a handful of giant Lego blocks can be assembled into impressive structures.
While giant Lego blocks are often made of sturdy plastic, some extra large bricks are made of lightweight foam to be easier for smaller hands to handle. The connecting studs may also be supersized on larger foam bricks.
Benefits of Giant Lego Blocks
What makes giant Lego blocks so popular? Here are some of the biggest benefits of these oversized building bricks:
- Develops motor skills – Constructing with the larger pieces promotes hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Children must line up the giant bricks precisely to connect them.
- Encourages imagination – Building on a grander scale ignites creativity and imaginative play. Kids are inspired to build bigger constructions like giant robots, castles and more.
- Enhances spatial skills – Figuring out how to connect large and oddly shaped giant bricks helps improve spatial reasoning abilities.
- Social play – Giant blocks allow for group projects that promote teamwork and social skills. Multiple kids can build together.
- Therapeutic – The bricks provide tactile stimulation. The satisfying clicking sound and feel of connecting bricks create a calming, de-stressing activity.
- Fun for all ages – Giant Lego blocks appeal to grade school kids, but even toddlers and adults love assembling the oversized bricks. It’s an all-ages activity.
No matter the age or skill level of your builder, giant Lego blocks offer an entertaining, educational, and rewarding building experience.
Where to Buy Giant Lego Blocks
You can find giant Lego blocks both in toy stores and online:
Toy stores – Check the construction toy section of local toy stores like Toys R Us for giant Lego blocks. Stores may carry the licensed Lego jumbo bricks or unlicensed giant bricks that work with Lego.
Online – A wide selection of giant Lego-compatible bricks can be found at major online retailers like Amazon and specialty websites:
- Amazon – Carries numerous giant brick sets like Imagiplay XL Building Blocks and KidKraft Giant Inflatable Blocks. Prices range from $25 to over $100.
- Fat Brain Toys – Stocks popular options like Giant Tumber Bricks, Jumbo Krinkles Blocks and Giant Original Building Blocks.
- Lakeshore Learning – Education brand offers classroom-friendly Giant Building Block Classroom Packs.
- OriKid – Sells colorful, lightweight oversized foam bricks compatible with Lego.
When buying giant Lego bricks, look for sets that specifically mention Lego compatibility to ensure the studs and tubes are properly sized to connect to standard Lego bricks. Off-brand giant bricks without the Lego name can work just as well.
Recommended Giant Lego Sets
To help you get started, here are 5 top-rated giant Lego sets for epic building sessions:
1. ImagiPlay XL Building Blocks
- 190 piece set
- Includes bricks 4 to 8 inches long
- Vibrant colors like red, blue, yellow
- Sturdy plastic construction
- $36.95 on Amazon
2. KidKraft Giant Inflatable Building Blocks
- 30 inflatable vinyl bricks
- Range from 7-12 inches long
- Compatible with other KidKraft sets
- Lightweight, easy for small hands
- $27.99 on Amazon
3. Lakeshore Giant Brick Classroom Pack
- 180 colorful giant bricks
- Fun brick shapes like arches
- Made of tough polyethylene foam
- For up to 4 budding builders
- $169.99 on LakeshoreLearning.com
4. Fat Brain Toys Jumbo Krinkles Blocks
- 20 textured, crinkly blocks
- Soft, lightweight foam material
- Vibrant red, blue, yellow and green
- 8 inches square
- $42.95 on FatBrainToys.com
5. OriKid Oversized Building Blocks
- 200 piece mega set
- Bright chunky blocks
- Made of EVA foam
- Compatible with other brands
- $99.95 on OriKid.com
I recommend starting with around 50 giant Lego-compatible blocks which will allow for significant construction possibilities without being overwhelmed with too many pieces. Look for kits that offer an assortment of sizes and shapes for the most versatility.
Creative Ideas and Activities
Once you’ve got your hands on some giant Lego blocks, let the big building commence! Here are some cool ideas and activities to inspire giant creations:
- Build extra large houses, castles, and buildings
- Construct giant creatures like dragons and robots
- Stack bricks into mega towers and pyramids
- Create a city skyline with a mix of small and giant bricks
- Make your own oversized Lego minifigure characters
- Shape giant bricks into letters, numbers, and words
- Build pathways, tunnels, and mazes to crawl through
- Play giant block Jenga or Tic Tac Toe
- Knockover constructions like a brick domino effect
- Sort bricks by color and shape for early math skills
Add props like toy construction vehicles and mini Lego figures to set the scene. Supplement with items from nature like sticks, rocks and leaves. The only limit is your imagination!
Creative Building Challenges
To take the fun to the next level, set some building challenges for an added sense of accomplishment. Here are 5 engaging giant Lego block challenges:
1. Build the tallest tower possible without it toppling over.
2. Create a bridge able to hold a toy car across a span.
3. Assemble a giant Lego person complete with arms, legs, head, and body.
4. Construct a dinosaur, robot or monster then describe its special “powers”.
5. Build a Lego car with moving wheels to race against creations built by others.
Add your own fun creative building challenges. Give a time limit or set a specific number of bricks to use.
Building Tips and Tricks
To construct amazing giant Lego creations, keep these handy building tips in mind:
- Start with a solid base – This gives your structure stability. Build up from there.
- Mix up brick sizes – Use larger bricks for support, and smaller ones for details.
- Overlap bricks – Laying bricks crosswise adds reinforced strength.
- Look for alignment – Make sure studs line up correctly so bricks connect firmly. Wobbly constructions can tumble.
- Think shapes – Simple shapes like pyramids are less likely to tip over than straight vertical towers.
- Play with patterns – Repeating brick colors or designs creates fun effects.
- Have patience – Take time securing each brick for a lasting construction. No rushing stacking!
With some planning and smart brick placement, you can construct mega creations that make a big impact!
Safety Tips for Giant Lego Blocks
While generally safe, there are a few precautions to take when playing with giant Lego blocks:
- Adult supervision is recommended, especially for kids under age 3.
- Inspect for broken pieces with exposed sharp points before use. Discard any defective bricks.
- Remind kids not to throw bricks or use them to hit others.
- Avoid very tall constructions that may topple over and cause injury.
- Watch for top-heavy structures that can collapse and block airways if fallen on.
- Take extra care when deconstructing to avoid pinched fingers. Pull bricks apart slowly.
Proper adult supervision and safe practices will allow for maximum enjoyment. Most of all, remember giant Lego blocks are all about imagination and fun!
Continue Your Giant Brick Adventures
Giant Lego blocks open up a whole new world of exciting building possibilities, creativity, and fun. Start amassing your collection of oversized bricks and let the construction begin!
To continue expanding your jumbo brick collection:
- Look for giant Lego-compatible blocks in colors and shapes you don’t already own.
- Consider buying supplementary brick pieces like giant base plates, windows, doors, and specialty bricks for added variety.
- Check out kits with bricks in specific themes like castles or cities for even more inspiration.
- Look for limited edition and seasonal giant brick sets for something unique.
New giant Lego projects will continue fueling your builder’s imagination and creativity. The bigger the bricks, the bigger the fun!
So grab some oversized Lego bricks and start connecting. Build yourself a towering castle, a fierce robotic dinosaur or even a life-size Lego house. The possibilities are endless with the creative play power of giant Lego blocks!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best giant Lego blocks to buy?
Some of the best options are ImagiPlay XL Building Blocks, KidKraft Giant Inflatable Building Blocks, Lakeshore Giant Brick Classroom Packs, and Fat Brain Toys Jumbo Krinkles Blocks. Look for sets with lots of brick variety in sizes from 4 to 12+ inches. Sturdy plastic or lightweight foam bricks tend to work best.
How many giant Lego blocks do I need?
To start, around 50 oversized bricks in a mix of sizes gives you plenty for sizable structures without too many pieces. Buy more 100+ piece mega sets as you get into bigger, more complex giant constructions.
What can you build with giant Lego blocks?
The options are endless! Build towers, castles, robots, or your own giant Lego minifigures. Construct tunnels, cities, houses, and anything you can dream up. Add roads, rivers, and greenery to set the scene. Engage in creative building challenges or fun brick activities like giant Jenga.
Can I incorporate normal and giant Lego bricks together?
Absolutely! Combining standard and plus-sized bricks opens up even more design possibilities. Use smaller bricks for details on your giant-scale models. Or, build foundations and structures from large bricks, adding traditional Lego pieces as accents. Mixing brick sizes is part of the creative fun!
What tips help create the best giant Lego constructions?
Start with a solid base and mix up brick sizes. Ensure proper alignment between bricks and build sturdy, compact structures. Reinforce with crisscross overlapping bricks. Embrace simple shapes and playful patterns. Most of all, take your time and enjoy the creative process!