Junior Galaxy Explorers is Legoland Florida Resort’s nationwide search, inviting kids ages 6–12 to design LEGO spacecraft for a chance to be among the first riders of the new Galacticoaster opening February 27, 2026.

Junior Galaxy Explorers
Photo Credit: Legoland Florida

The countdown is officially on for the grand opening of Legoland Florida Resort’s newest attraction and largest investment to date, the all-new Galacticoaster. To celebrate the upcoming launch, the resort has kicked off a nationwide search for “Junior Galaxy Explorers,” and the first in-person event just brought a blast of creativity to the Miami Children’s Museum.

The Search is On: Aspiring Astronauts Show Off Custom LEGO Builds On December 13, 2025

Junior Galaxy Explorers

Young builders (ages 6–12) gathered at the Miami Children’s Museum, either armed with their custom LEGO spacecraft or building them on-site, for the very first Junior Galaxy Explorers search event. The mission? To impress a stellar panel of judges, dubbed the Galactic Council, which included Ryan Wood, Legoland Florida Resort Master Model Builder; Devante Robinson, Rocket Engineer from Blue Origin’s Club for the Future; and Deborah Spiegelman, CEO/Executive Director of the Miami Children’s Museum. The children presented their designs, showcasing their ingenuity, problem-solving skills, and passion for space exploration.

Junior Galaxy Explorers: Out-of-This-World Prizes Await the Winners

Junior Galaxy Explorers

The ultimate prize for the selected winners is the chance to be among the very first guests to experience the highly anticipated Galacticoaster when it opens on February 27, 2026. Winners, who will be selected by February 5, 2026, will also receive an incredible prize package that includes: A two-night stay at a Legoland Hotel, Four Annual Passes for the winner and their family, and a one-of-a-kind LEGO commemorative build.

Meet the Galacticoaster: The World’s First Indoor, Customizable Coaster

Galacticoaster Opening Date
Photo Credit: Legoland Florida

Why all the fuss? Galacticoaster is a massive milestone for Merlin Entertainments and Legoland. It’s set to be the world’s first indoor, space-themed family coaster that allows guests to literally design their own ride. Before launching into the galaxy, guests will select their spacecraft’s nose, tail, wings, and a special element, allowing for a 625 possible combinations. This level of customization is sure to make every ride an adventure.

Junior Galaxy Explorers: Don’t Miss the Next Launch Event or Enter Online

Junior Galaxy Explorers

If your young builder missed the Miami event, don’t worry—the fun is just beginning. The nationwide Junior Galaxy Explorers initiative continues, inviting children across the country to participate. The next in-person stop is scheduled for January 10, 2026, at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Ft. Lauderdale. Builders across the country can also enter the competition online by designing their LEGO spacecraft and submitting a short video entry. Ready to launch your child’s creativity? Head over to the official site for more information and to submit your digital entry: LEGOLAND.com/JuniorExplorers.

Legoland Florida Resort

Legoland Florida Resort is the ultimate multi-day destination in Winter Haven, built specifically for families with children ages two to 12. It features a 150-acre interactive theme park with over 50 rides, shows, and attractions centered around the imaginative world of LEGO bricks.

The resort also includes a Water Park, the separately-ticketed Peppa Pig Theme Park, and the SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium. Guests can extend the fun by staying at one of the three unique, themed on-site hotels. It stands on the historic grounds of Cypress Gardens, preserving the beautiful botanical gardens. It’s an interactive, less-crowded alternative to other Central Florida parks.

For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.

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Jon Self

Jon Self is an avid theme park fan. You can follow him at @pastorjonself on X/ Twitter or Jon.Self.37 at Instagram. He has been writing and editing in the theme park media world for over a decade. He also writes for several "foodie" sites as well as in the faith-based world.