Screen-Free Fun: Legoland New York Unveils Pokémon As Surprise Headliner For 2026 Festival Play Zone

GOSHEN, NY — Everybody knows that "You Gotta Catch 'em all," and this summer one of the Hudson Valley's biggest attractions will make that quest extra special.

Legoland New York Resort in Goshen has announced that Lego Pokémon will headline the Play Zone during Lego Festival 2026. The limited-time event is scheduled to run from July 20, to August 16. The resort said the summer festival will include hands-on activities tied to the newly announced Lego Pokémon SMART Play sets. Guests will have a chance for a sneak peak before the products hit shelves in August.

Lego Festival will take over Legoland New York across five interactive zones: "Music, Creative, Chill Out, Thrill and Play."

The Play Zone will feature a Lego Pokémon-inspired world where children and adults can take part in what the resort described as a hands-on training journey with a selection of five Pokémon.

The resort said guests in the "Nurture" area will be able to build a snack for their Pokémon, add a SMART tag at a snack table, and see how the Pokémon reacts. Visitors will also be able to build and display a Lego Poké Ball and take photos with a giant Lego Pikachu model that is coming to Lego Festival this summer.

Families attending the event will also be among the first to see the Lego Pokémon SMART Play system in action, according to the resort. Guests can learn how to nurture, train and battle with their Pokémon in the Lego Pokémon: Trainer Center while interacting with Lego Pokémon through the SMART Play system.

"This summer, Lego Festival is all about play without limits and Lego Pokémon is the perfect Play Zone partner to headline," Legoland NY Park President Stephanie Johnson said. "Pokémon is loved by kids and adults alike, and seeing parents share that fandom with their children creates lifelong memories across generations. That is what Lego Festival is all about - giving families even more reason to come together, build together, and share moments."

The resort said the SMART Play system is designed to make play more dynamic, active, social and interactive, while remaining screen free. Lego Festival will also be happening at several other Legoland resorts worldwide, including locations in California, Florida, Deutschland and Windsor, and festival admission will be included in regular ticket prices.

More information is available here.