The Junior Galaxy Explorers search landed in Fort Lauderdale! Learn how your child can enter this LEGO building contest before the Feb 5, 2026 deadline.
The space race activities and Lego brick-building is heating up in South Florida. Legoland Florida Resort’s nationwide Junior Galaxy Explorers search recently made a high-energy stop at the Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale. The event brought together young innovators for a day of STEM-focused fun and Lego brick-building creativity.
A Day of Innovation and STEM
Children ages 6–12 participated in a hands-on spacecraft-building challenge, designing original Lego vessels either on-site or in advance. The event wasn’t just about building; it was an imagination-driven exercise designed to reinforce curiosity and innovation.
“During a day filled with creativity and hands-on play, participants designed and built their own original LEGO® spacecraft – either in advance or on-site and presented their creations as part of an imagination-driven STEM exercise,” the press release noted. “Beyond the build challenge, families explored interactive exhibits throughout the Museum of Discovery & Science, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on curiosity, innovation, and hands-on discovery.” In a special collaboration, families also participated in Blue Origin’s ‘Postcards from Space’ activation, where kids shared their visions for the future of space exploration.
The Search for the Next Junior Galaxy Explorers
The Fort Lauderdale event is part of a larger nationwide contest. Entries are currently being reviewed by Legoland Florida Resort Master Model Builders and ambassadors from Blue Origin’s Club for the Future.
If you missed the Fort Lauderdale stop, there is still time! The contest invites children nationwide to design a Lego spacecraft and submit a short video entry online. For those in Florida, the final in-person event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island.
Winners will be selected by Feb. 5, 2026, and will receive an out-of-this-world prize package:
- A chance to be among the first-ever guests to ride the all-new Galacticoaster.
- An opening weekend stay at Legoland Hotel.
- Annual passes for their family.
- Themed on-camera apparel.
- A one-of-a-kind commemorative Lego build.
Launching the Galacticoaster
The Junior Galaxy Explorers search celebrates the upcoming debut of Galacticoaster, opening Feb. 27, 2026. This attraction is part of Merlin Entertainments’ most significant investment to date—Lego Galaxy.
“Galacticoaster is part of Merlin Entertainments’ largest investment to date – LEGO® Galaxy – and introduces a first-of-its-kind indoor, space-themed family coaster to LEGOLAND Florida and California Resorts,” according to the press release. “On Galacticoaster, riders customize their own spacecraft using interactive touchscreens and RFID wristbands across four build phases – nose, tail, wings, and a special element – before launching into a journey through space. With up to 625 possible ride combinations, no two missions are ever the same!”
The Fort Lauderdale stop was the second of three Florida locations. For more information or to submit a digital entry, visit Legoland.com/JuniorExplorers.
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
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