LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s Junior Galaxy Explorers search stopped at the Museum of Discovery & Science in Fort Lauderdale, bringing a hands-on LEGO® spacecraft build challenge to children ages 6–12.

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. 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 addition to the LEGO® build challenge, families also engaged with Blue Origin’s ‘Postcards from Space’ activation, which invited kids to imagine and share messages inspired by space exploration and the future of STEM.

Entries are now being reviewed as part of the nationwide Junior Galaxy Explorers contest by LEGOLAND Florida Resort Master Model Builders alongside ambassadors from Blue Origin’s Club for the Future. Winners will be selected by Feb. 5, 2026, and announced by LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

The Junior Galaxy Explorers contest invites children across the country to design their own LEGO® spacecraft and submit a short video entry online or participate through in-person events at children’s museums across Florida and California.

Selected winners will receive an exclusive prize package, including:

  • A chance to be among the first-ever guests to ride the all-new Galacticoaster at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, opening Feb. 27, 2026
  • An opening weekend stay at LEGOLAND® Hotel
  • Annual passes for their family
  • Themed on-camera apparel
  • A one-of-a-kind commemorative LEGO® build

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. 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 marks the second in-person contest location in the Junior Galaxy Explorers search, ahead of its final Florida appearance on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island.

For more information about Junior Galaxy Explorers at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and to submit a digital entry visit: LEGOLAND.com/JuniorExplorers.

About LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is the ultimate vacation destination for families with kids, combining the creativity of LEGO® with Florida sunshine. Located 45 minutes from Orlando and Tampa, the Resort spans 150 acres and features more than 50 rides, live shows, and themed attractions inspired by beloved LEGO® brands and characters. As part of the Resort’s biggest investment to date, LEGO Galaxy, guests will soon experience Galacticoaster — an all-new indoor, family space-themed coaster opening on February 27, 2026. The Resort also includes the year-round LEGOLAND® Water Park, with more than a dozen family water slides, a lazy river, and interactive play areas, plus three on-site themed accommodations: the LEGOLAND® Hotel, LEGOLAND® Pirate Island Hotel, and LEGOLAND® Beach Retreat, each offering kid-friendly rooms, nightly entertainment, and resort-style amenities. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is a Certified Autism Center (CAC), ensuring trained staff, sensory guides, and inclusive features to support guests of all abilities. See www.LEGOLAND.com/Florida for more information and follow @LEGOLANDFlorida on social media.

About Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-center gateway attractions and LEGOLAND® Resorts which span across the UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its diverse global estate in over 20 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO® Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, DreamWorks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides and uplifting learning experiences.

See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

About the Museum of Discovery and Science

Opened in 1977 as The Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.

The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit mods.org or call 954.467.MODS (6637).

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