Cool Things to Do
MODS’ themed weekends are curated to be fun family experiences that are FREE with Museum admission. Check back frequently for the latest themes!
Weekend & Themed Experiences
Explore MODS’ Monthly and Weekend Themed Experiences.
Build a Better World Weekends in April
How Do You Build a Better World?
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Gear up for an eco-extravaganza! Dive into Florida’s unique coastal ecosystems, meet its fascinating wildlife and design solutions to protect endangered species.
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: Design a solution to protect endangered species and upload your creation to the LEGO® Build the Change website to share your ideas with the world! Use LEGO® Bricks to design Build a Better Bus Stop that is socially equitable and environmentally-friendly or craft an Eco house using LEGO® SPIKE™ kits.
- Animal Encounters: Meet our resident animals and learn how we can help improve their lives as fellow inhabitants of planet Earth.
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Secrets of the Seas, Jane Goodall: Reasons For Hope, Cities of the Future and more.
- Career Connections: Learn about careers in engineering and architecture.
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Use LEGO® bricks to create habitats and learn how ecosystems around Florida are similar and different. Discover how habitats protect animals and how they are similar to our own home.
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
Food Forest Tours and Tastings
Science That Tastes Good!
April 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
Saturdays: 11 a.m. • 1 p.m. – 30-minute tour; 15-minute Q&A after tour
Sundays: 1 p.m. • 3 p.m. – 30-minute tour, 15-minute Q&A after tour
Brace yourself for a botanical adventure like no other! Join us on a tour of the MODS Food Forest and explore the fascinating world of sustainable gardening and permaculture. Uncover the art of cultivating your very own food forest by identifying plants that thrive in our tropical climate and taking cuttings home with you! Get ready to leave no stone unturned in the quest for garden greatness – it’s a green dream come true!
COST: Included with Museum admission.
Ladybug Release
Learn About the Role Ladybugs and Insects Play in the Environment!
April 27-28, 2024
Saturday: 12 p.m. • 2 p.m.
Sunday: 12:30 p.m. • 2 p.m.
During this special outdoor event, learners will delight in the flight of these iconic spotted insects. What do ladybugs eat? How do they make their shelters? Fly over to MODS to learn all about these colorful, crawling creatures as we release them into our Food Forest to become part of the natural ecosystem around the Museum.
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
Sponsored by
Wild Weather Weekends in May
Explore, Prepare and Understand the Forces of Nature!
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Hold onto your hats, because we’re about to embark on a whirlwind adventure through the wild weather systems of Earth’s atmosphere! Get ready to uncover the secrets of the Everglades’ wildfires, learn about the profound impact of drought and understand why Florida’s aquifers rely on rain.
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: For the budding city planners, head to the Makerspace and let your imagination run wild constructing structures capable of withstanding storm flooding; it’s a real-world challenge that’s both fun and educational!
- Animal Encounters: See our resident animals and learn what they do when challenging weather comes to Florida.
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Arctic: Our Frozen Planet, Great Bear Rainforest and more!
- Career Connection: Learn about meteorologists and how they predict weather.
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Young meteorologists can discover how windstorms are born by observing hurricanes in a bowl, tornadoes in a bottle and even build structures that can brave the fiercest of storm winds.
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
May the 4th Be With You!
Join the Galactic Celebration!
Saturday, May 4 • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Come celebrate the galactic forces of the world at MODS. Meet iconic Star Wars characters like Stormtroopers and Jedi Knights from the 501st Legion Everglades Squad and the Dagobah Temple – Saber Guild.
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: Build your own bot to help restore order to the galaxy! Become a Padawan and experience the steps it takes to be a Jedi in our interactive workshop. Collaborate to engineer a Starship out of cardboard boxes and use the force to complete challenges that are out of this galaxy!
- Animal Encounters: Meet creatures from the Star Wars universe and from planet Earth!
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Extend your visit by watching a showing of Asteroid Hunters.
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Young Jedi initiates can create a Galactic Star, launch a starship with the force and explore magnetic powers. It’s an epic day of interstellar adventure!
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
Baby's First May the 4th
Creating Cherished Memories!
Saturday, May 4: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Babies are born scientists, constantly discovering the world around them. Immerse your little one in a playful world of exploration with themed stories, engaging experiments and hands-on STEM activities. Step into the Sprouting STEM Early Childhood Learning Lab to capture your baby’s first holiday memories at our exclusive photobooth and get the latest child safety information from our partner. These joyful celebrations promise to create cherished moments in a sensory-rich atmosphere promising unforgettable adventures for your child.
Included with Museum admission.
Sponsored by
Asian-Pacific American Heritage Celebration
Enjoy a Day of Cultural Festivities!
Saturday, May 18
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dive into the diverse arts specific to Asian-Pacific American cultures at our special event, including the Butterfly Release, presented by Truly Nolen. Be dazzled by captivating performances by Kehlani from Polynesian Proud Productions, exhilarating drumming with Ronin Taiko, and demonstrations by Joe Keit Martial Arts and others.
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: Explore a variety of art forms that represent the vibrant cultures across Asia and the Pacific Islands, such as crafting your very own butterfly through origami! Then, flutter over to MODS’ Food Forest for the enchanting Butterfly Release to celebrate the beauty of these creatures and the Asian-Pacific traditions that honor them.
- Animal Encounters: Meet our resident animals and learn about their origins in the Pacific.
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Extend your experience with a showing of the film Pandas.
- Career Connections: Meet our community partners to learn about their organizations and their roles in educating the community about Asian-Pacific cultures.
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Engage your little ones in celebrating Asian-Pacific American Heritage with activities tailored for them, including dancing, movement and storytime. Create a Damaru and a Tibetan Flag to commemorate these rich cultures!
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
Eye of the Storm
Hurricane Science, Mitigation and Preparedness!
Saturday, June 1
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Activities Include:
Presentation and Demonstrations by Hurricane Experts
- IHPA Air Cannon Missile Demonstrations
- FIU Wind Engineering
- NOAA Hurrican Hunters
- Live Weather Theater Shows
- Local TV Meteorologists
Kids Zone
MODS Weather Science Demos and All-Day Museum Exploration
Emergency Vehicle “Touch a Truck” and Meet & Greet with South Florida First Responders
Cost: Free Admission Day
Sponsored by
In Partnership with
Creatures: Big & Small, Fast & Slow Weekends in June
Explore the Diversity of the Animal Kingdom!
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Go on an awesome wildlife adventure that’ll prove to be “ribbit-ing!” Discover the truth about turtles and their shells, the jaw-dropping abilities of snakes and whether sloths are really slowpokes or just victims of a “slow” reputation.
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: Learn how these creatures impact our ecosystems, and “paws” for a moment to create habitats for native animals with LEGO® bricks.
- Animal Encounters: Meet our resident animals and some new visitors to discover amazing facts about evolution!
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Wings Over Water, Pandas, Dino Dana and more!
- Career Connections: Explore careers in zoology, biology and animal handling.
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Littlest wildlife enthusiasts can explore the world of animals, create habitats that offer them protection, study their footprints and even craft a sloth puppet!
Baby's First Pride
Creating Cherished Memories!
Saturday, June 29: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Babies are born scientists, constantly discovering the world around them. Immerse your little one in a playful world of exploration with themed stories, engaging experiments and hands-on STEM activities. Step into the Sprouting STEM Early Childhood Learning Lab to capture your baby’s first holiday memories at our exclusive photobooth and get the latest child safety information from our partner. These joyful celebrations promise to create cherished moments in a sensory-rich atmosphere promising unforgettable adventures for your child.
Included with Museum admission.
Sponsored by
Sixth Annual Family Pride Day
A Day of Family Fun!
Saturday, June 29
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate Pride with MODS! Our all-day event is a fantastic blend of fun and education for everyone. Get into the spirit with a lively Pride Parade that winds through our captivating exhibits.
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: Head to our Makerspace to dive into rainbow and pride-themed science activities, or catch a dazzling Pride KaBoom! show and join in a heartwarming Pride storytime. Plus, channel your creativity as you make instantly drying rainbow tie-dyed T-shirts (bring your own or purchase a white shirt for $5).
- Animal Encounters: Meet our colorful resident animal ambassadors!
- Career Connections: See partners and friends of the LGBTQ+ community in action.
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Littlest revelers can shimmy and shake at our Dance Party, create “Free to Be Me” Masks and design their very own rainbow print.
Cost: Free Admission Day
Sponsored by
To Fly Aviation Weekends in July
Soar Beyond Imagination!
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Prepare for take-off! From gliders and airships to drones and spacecraft, humans have developed many ways to experience the power of flight. Where can we go from here? Come to MODS to discover flight technology and test your engineering skills!
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: Take apart and put together engines. Tinker with avionics and test your piloting skills using drones to accomplish various missions.
- Animal Encounters: Learn about animals that take flight, such as insects and birds, and discover how these creatures adapt to different environments.
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Asteroid Hunters, Wings Over Water, Flight of the Butterflies and more!
- Career Connections: Explore careers in aviation such as aerospace engineering, navigation, mechanics and more to see who helps planes take flight.
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Young navigators can experience the magic of flight by creating a biplane, a rocket and a parachute. Learn how different objects glide through the air and participate in aviation challenges.
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
Sponsored by
In partnership with
Sloth Meet-and-Greet
Embrace the Gentle Pace!
Saturday, July 27
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Attention all sloth lovers! Prepare for an
exhilarating adventure with these unique and
special creatures, the “two-toe tree-dwellers.” Join us for an exclusive VIP experience before the Museum
opens. Savor a breakfast fare and delve into the secrets of sloth
behaviors (yes, they’re the slowest animals on Earth!) Have all your questions answered by our life sciences team and gain insight into the vital importance of rainforest conservation. And don’t forget to “slow down” for a perfect selfie to remember this unforgettable encounter!*
- Cost:
- $65 per person (early bird rate until March 31)
- $75 per person (starting April 1)
Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Price includes Museum admission, meet-and-greet and an IMAX documentary film.
Messy Science Weekends in August
Embrace the Messy Side of Science!
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Sometimes science needs to be precise- but what’s wrong with a little mess along the way? Join us for a messy month filled with slime, mud and an ooey-gooey good time!
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: Slide into MODS’ Makerspace Science Lab to create your own mud mix and put it under a microscope to discover its contents. Play with all types of slime and find out what makes them stretch, stick and splatter!
- Animal Encounters: Meet our resident animals and learn what we do when they make a mess!
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Dino Dana, Animal Kingdom and more!
- Career Connections: Channel your inner chemist to create sticky concoctions and see how animal handlers deal with animal droppings.
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Young scientists can discover a property that is both a liquid and solid depending on the force that is used, get hands-on with real peat from the Everglades and feel the difference between various types of slime.
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
First Steps in Science Weekends in September
Where Every Journey Begins With That First Step!
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Every journey begins with a single, first step! Discover the basic steps of STEM concepts and how they lead to big inventions. Learn about STEM professionals and how their great ideas were first born!
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: Build and test simple machines, learn about coding with LEGO® bricks and DUPLO® blocks and experience virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
- Animal Encounters: Meet our resident animals and discover what happens when they take their first steps!
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Great Bear Rainforest, Serengeti, Legend of the Enchanted Reef and more!
- Career Connections: Step into the careers of professionals in STEM, such as computer science and engineering.
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Young explorers can learn the ABCs of coding with basic algorithms and sequencing, unleash your creativity as you build flying objects and experiment with various materials to see how they glide through the air.
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
Community Health Day
Free Admission Day!
Saturday, September 28
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Experience a day of well-being, health and wellness! Explore healthy food choices and nutritious snacks, dive into stressbusting workshops and uncover secrets for a healthier, happier life. Connect with local resources for health screenings and explore wellness booths to boost your overall well-being, including mental health. Enjoy active play and learn smart safety tips — all part of the fun educational opportunities that can benefit your long-term health and wellness. This is your chance to celebrate health, spark positive changes and unlock the door to your wellness journey.
Cost: Free admission day
Sponsored by
Mystery Weekends in October
Unleash Your Inner Detective!
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Who (or what) has done it!?! Become a MODS detective and solve mysteries! Meet our resident animals with mysterious adaptations, learn how professionals use chemistry to find clues and discover how all our senses can help uncover hidden mysteries in the world around us.
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: Become a detective and use your senses to uncover clues. Solve the mystery by using the scientific method to complete the STEAM mystery scavenger hunts.
- Animal Encounters: Meet our resident animals and detect some of their most interesting adaptations!
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Ancient Caves, Pandas, Secrets of the Sea and more!
- Career Connections: Channel your inner biologist by studying how and why animals evolve over time and space.
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Experience the mystery of chemical reactions. Blow up a balloon without using air, discover how plants breathe and use investigation skills to rescue animals in the Discovery Spot!
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
Spooktacular Science: Tricks and Treats
A Wicked Good Time!
Thursday, October 31
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Calling all ghouls and goblins! Grab your cauldrons for a spooky and fun-filled night of tricks and treats. Join us for a costume contest, misty bubbles and pictures with Spooky Spot. Dance to the Monster Mash Music Party and experience the MODS spooky science lab haunted house. See our resident creepy crawlers and make your own monster finger puppets, creepy, crawly spiders, electric circuit creatures and liquid cauldron treats.
Price:
Museum members: $10 per child
Non-members: $30 per child (includes Museum admission)
Accompanying adults pay regular Museum admission.
Space is limited. Registration required. Onsite registration will not be available.
Baby's First Halloween
Creating Cherished Memories!
Thursday, October 31: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Babies are born scientists, constantly discovering the world around them. Immerse your little one in a playful world of exploration with themed stories, engaging experiments and hands-on STEM activities. Step into the Sprouting STEM Early Childhood Learning Lab to capture your baby’s first holiday memories at our exclusive photobooth and get the latest child safety information from our partner. These joyful celebrations promise to create cherished moments in a sensory-rich atmosphere promising unforgettable adventures for your child.
Included with Museum admission.
Sponsored by
Healthy You Weekends in November
Where Science Meets Wellness!
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Why do we need to eat our fruits and vegetables? Why is it important to exercise? Dive into the mysteries of what keeps our bodies healthy and strong.
- Activities in the MODS Makerspace: Discover why eating your fruits and vegetables is essential and why staying active is a must for a happy and healthy life. Test the speed of your reflexes with unique exercises and challenge your mental prowess with brain teasers that’ll leave you scratching your head.
- Animal Encounters: Meet our resident animals and learn what it takes to keep them healthy and strong!
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Into America’s Wild, Reasons for Hope, Back from the Brink and more!
- Career Connections: Explore the careers of healthcare workers and see how athletes keep their bodies in peak condition.
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Young health enthusiasts can create a healthy plate, sort yummy food, get those little bodies moving with obstacle courses and learn the importance of good hand hygiene.
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
Baby's First Thanksgiving
Creating Cherished Memories!
Saturday, November 16: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Babies are born scientists, constantly discovering the world around them. In this special event, we’ll immerse early learners and their caregivers in playful learning and exploration. Get ready for themed stories, experiments and hands-on STEM activities that will create cherished memories.
Programming includes:
- Creating leaf prints
- Exploring sensory bags
- Constructing pumpkin suncatchers
- Parenting safety tips
Join us in the Sprouting STEM Early Childhood Learning Lab for an exclusive “baby’s first” holiday-themed photobooth.
Come celebrate, create and give thanks in a joyful, sensory-rich atmosphere, promising adventure your child will absolutely adore.
Included with Museum admission.
Sponsored by
Winter Wonderlab Science Weekends in December
Snow, Sleet and Ice!
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Get ready for a wonderful winter adventure! Discover the science behind wild winter storms, explore water’s magical transformations and learn why Florida’s climate is so unique.
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: Find out how Earth’s axis creates seasons, make your own snowflake and witness an “un-brr-lievable” winter Nitro show. Experience a sensory winter wonderland with a sock skating rink and enchanting winter lights.
- Animal Encounters: Meet our resident animals and discover what they do during a Florida “winter.”
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Arctic: Our Frozen Planet, Into America’s Wild, Blue Whales and more!
- Career Connections: Explore careers in technology, environmental science and more!
Just for early learners (ages 0-6): Young explorers will observe how snowstorms can appear in a jar, experience misty bubbles and create winter magic watercolors.
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
Baby’s First Winter
Creating Cherished Memories!
Saturday, December 14: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Babies are born scientists, constantly discovering the world around them. In this special event, we’ll immerse early learners and their caregivers in playful learning and exploration. Get ready for themed stories, experiments and hands-on STEM activities that will create cherished memories.
Programming includes:
- Snowball painting
- Snow sensory play
- Snowstorm in a jar
- Parenting safety tips
Join us in the Sprouting STEM Early Childhood Learning Lab for an exclusive “baby’s first” holiday-themed photobooth.
Come celebrate, create and give thanks in a joyful, sensory-rich atmosphere, promising adventure your child will absolutely adore.
Included with Museum admission.
Sponsored by
North Pole Pajama Party 2024
Join South Florida’s Favorite Family Tradition!
December 14 • December 21
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. • Film starts at 10 a.m.
All aboard the Polar Express for South Florida’s favorite family winter tradition! Wear your comfiest pajamas and embark on a festive adventure. Explore Museum exhibits with a frosty twist, from floating dry ice bubbles to snowy liquid nitrogen shows. Admission includes an invitation to see The Polar Express in the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater. The film will start at 10 a.m.
- Exhibits, Shows and Demos: Experience the magic of Florida snow and savor marshmallows frozen in liquid nitrogen swimming in hot chocolate. Don’t miss the chance to snap a picture with The Polar Express Conductor! Dive into a sensory winter wonderland with a sock skating rink and enchanting winter lights. Then, cozy up for a heartwarming holiday storytime.
- Animal Encounters: Meet the MODS’ animals that don’t have to hibernate like many others do to survive the cold winter temperatures.
- Watch an IMAX on the GIANT Screen: Enjoy a special screening of The Polar Express.
- Career Connections: Explore how chemists can use liquid nitrogen for fun.
Just for Early Learners (ages 0-6): Hunker down for holiday storytime!
Space is limited. Registration required. Onsite registration will not be available.
Members: $30 per person (adult or child)
Non-members: $40 per person (adult or child)
Price includes all activities, Museum exploration, movie and commemorative bell.
Noon Year's Eve
Ring in 2025!
December 31, 2024
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Ball Drop at 12 p.m.
Let’s ring in 2025 in style with our annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration! Get ready for a midday bash packed with immersive activities, lively tunes, dance-offs and mind-blowing science experiments. We’ll craft fun party gear to get the party started and prepare for the epic ball drop at noon, where we’ll dance our way into the new year on a bubble wrap dance floor. Don’t forget to swing by our gallery wall and add your very own New Year’s resolution for a fresh start. It’s an electrifying celebration that’s fun for all ages and the perfect way to kick off the new year with a bang!
Cost: Included with Museum admission.
Baby’s First New Year’s
Creating Cherished Memories!
Tuesday, December 31: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Babies are born scientists, constantly discovering the world around them. In this special event, we’ll immerse early learners and their caregivers in playful learning and exploration. Get ready for themed stories, experiments and hands-on STEM activities that will create cherished memories.
Programming includes:
- Fireworks in a jar
- Star wands
- Firework painting
- Parenting safety tips
Join us in the Sprouting STEM Early Childhood Learning Lab for an exclusive “baby’s first” holiday-themed photobooth.
Come celebrate, create and give thanks in a joyful, sensory-rich atmosphere, promising adventure your child will absolutely adore.
Included with Museum admission.
Sponsored by