Young Builders Compete at Pasadena’s Kidspace Museum in LEGOLAND® California Resort’s Junior Galaxy Explorers Contest Ahead of LEGO® Galaxy Opening

Imaginations soared into space today in Pasadena: At the final stop of the nationwide Junior Galaxy Explorers search at Kidspace Children’s Museum, young builders aged 6-12 presented their custom-built LEGO spacecraft to a Galactic Council of experts. The family-friendly event combined hands-on LEGO building, creative problem-solving, and STEM-inspired play—all inspired by the upcoming opening of the new LEGO® Galaxy area on March 6, 2026, at LEGOLAND California Resort.

The children showcased original spacecraft built either at home or on-site as part of an interactive challenge. The Galactic Council included LEGOLAND California Resort Master Model Builders PJ Catalano and Jose de Paz, Astrolab Thermal Engineer Wes Kuykendall, and Mark Patricio from Kidspace Children’s Museum. Due to overwhelming interest and pre-registrations, judging began a day earlier than originally planned.

The search aims to select a team of Junior Galaxy Explorers who will be among the very first to ride the all-new Galacticoaster when it opens this spring as part of LEGO Galaxy at both LEGOLAND California and LEGOLAND Florida Resorts. In addition to the in-person events, families across the country could submit digital entries until January 31 via LEGOLAND.com/JuniorExplorers.

Winners receive an exclusive prize package: a chance to be among the first riders on Galacticoaster on opening day March 6, an opening weekend stay at LEGOLAND® Hotel, annual passes for the winner and their family, themed apparel for opening day, and a one-of-a-kind commemorative LEGO build.

Galacticoaster is the headline attraction of LEGO® Galaxy—Merlin Entertainments’ largest single investment in a LEGOLAND Park to date. On this world-first indoor space-themed family coaster, riders customize their own spacecraft using interactive touchscreens and RFID wristbands across four build phases—nose, tail, wings, and a special element—creating up to 625 possible combinations so no two rides are ever the same.

Designed as an immersive, story-driven experience, LEGO Galaxy will take families on a journey through the stars, featuring the Resort’s first new roller coaster in over 20 years, two additional rides and interactive experiences, a Junior Astronaut Training Zone, and galactic-inspired food and beverages. The Pasadena event marked an out-of-this-world conclusion to the California stops of this inspiring tour focused on exploration, creativity, and boundless imagination.