CARLSBAD, Calif. — Laughter, play and adventure filled the air as LEGOLAND California Resort, in partnership with Merlin’s Magic Wand, Merlin Entertainments’ official children’s charity, welcomed over 200 guests from Ronald McDonald House® Southern California for an unforgettable experience during the opening weekend of Brick or Treat.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, children impacted by childhood cancer, alongside their siblings and parents, swapped hospital appointments and treatment schedules for pumpkin-filled pathways, LEGO® brick-built awesomeness and a full day of festive fun. The special experience, which took place during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, was made possible through a collaboration with Merlin’s Magic Wand Foundation, a global children’s charity dedicated to unlocking the magic of Merlin attractions such as LEGOLAND® Resorts for children facing adversity.
Ronald McDonald House Southern California provides essential resources to families with critically ill children, helping them stay close to the medical care their child needs and to one another. One of its core programs, Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, creates free, medically supported experiences for children and their siblings impacted by cancer, giving them opportunities to connect with others who understand their experiences, build confidence and create joyful memories beyond treatment.
This year’s Brick or Treat event brings even more tricks, bricks and treats, including the all-new Brick or Treat Street, an immersive walkthrough featuring six life-sized LEGO® Monster homes filled with interactive effects, playful tricks and surprising treats. Families can also experience Halloween makeovers of Galacticoaster and The Dragon, alongside returning favorites like live entertainment, monster meet-and-greets, the Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch, the Great Monster Chase 4D Movie and the iconic 17-foot LEGO® Halloween Tree.
Among the Camp families celebrating, were siblings Daniel and Esme, whose family’s journey with childhood cancer began when Daniel was diagnosed as a toddler. Now 11 and 9 years old, Daniel and Esme have grown up as part of the Camp Ronald McDonald community. With Daniel now cancer-free, the siblings spent the day doing what kids do best: racing between attractions, meeting characters, and experiencing the joy of trick-or-treating.
Daniel and Esme’s stories reflect the experience of so many families supported by Ronald McDonald House Southern California through programs like Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times. Childhood cancer impacts more than the child diagnosed; its effects are felt by siblings and parents, too. Experiences like this Magical Day Out from Merlin’s Magic Wand give Camp families the opportunity to reconnect, create joyful memories and celebrate how far they have come together.
The celebration served as a powerful reminder that play can be transformative. As the opening weekend of Brick or Treat came to life with costumes, candy and Halloween fun, this collaboration helped ensure that families affected by childhood cancer could be part of the festivities, creating memories that will last long after the final treat was collected.
Merlin’s Magic Wand unlocks the magic of Merlin through play for children facing illness, disability or adversity. Next time you visit your local McDonald’s, Round-Up your change to help Ronald McDonald House Southern California provide essential resources to families with critically ill children.
