This December, the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) invites families to celebrate the holidays with hands-on science, wintry surprises and festive fun. From snow-filled experiments and ocean-themed talks to rescue-pup adventures and a balloon-filled Noon Year’s Eve celebration, MODS is the place for joyful discoveries all month long.
“At MODS, we believe the season of wonder is the perfect time to spark joy through the power of STEM and learning through play,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “From exploring the science of snow and meeting real-life heroes to diving into PAW Patrol holiday fun and awe-inspiring IMAX® adventures, families can learn, play and make lasting memories together. It’s a month filled with discovery, creativity and experiences that bring science and the spirit of the season to life.”
Winter Wonderlab Science Weekends in December
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sundays: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Kick off winter MODS-style with dazzling lights, hands-on STEM experiments and the fan-favorite Winter Nitro Show. Guests can explore how Florida’s climate shapes our seasons, meet resident animal ambassadors and take part in snowflake engineering and winter-themed sensory play. Every weekend transforms the Museum into a sparkling world of science and seasonal wonder. Included with Museum admission. Visit mods.org/winterwonderlab for more information.
Save Our Seas Distinguished Speaker Series
Dec. 4 and Dec. 18 • 6 p.m.
Dive into two free virtual talks, sponsored by the Save Our Seas Foundation, featuring leading ocean conservation experts. On Dec. 4, Sophie Prendergast of the University of the Azores discusses endangered devil rays, and on Dec. 18, Pelayo Salinas of the Charles Darwin Foundation explores shark ecology in the Galápagos. To register, please visit mods.org/saveourseas.
Beach Cleanup
Dec. 6 • 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. • Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Join MODS for a morning of coastal conservation, sponsored by The Extra Catch. Entrance fees will be waived for volunteers. Suitable for ages 8 and up (volunteers 16 and under require an adult chaperone). Bring water and sunscreen and wear closed-toe shoes. Supplies provided. To register, please visit mods.org/deccleanup.
A PAW Patrol™ Christmas – Holiday Special
Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 • 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. (10 a.m. screening)
Get ready for a paw-liday celebration with the heroic pups of Adventure Bay, sponsored by Truist. Families can wear festive pajamas or holiday sweaters and enjoy early Museum access, winter science fun, a tropical “snowball” challenge, holiday crafts and hot chocolate topped with liquid nitrogen-frozen marshmallows. A fur-tastic screening of the PAW Patrol™ Christmas Holiday Special follows in the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater.
Additionally on Dec. 13 from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., enjoy a special Touch-A-Truck and Pet-A-Pup meet-and-greet with community first responders and their K-9 partners.
Cost: Members $38 per person | Non-members $48 per person (includes early admission, activities and film). To register, please visit mods.org/holidaypaws.
Baby’s First Winter and Baby’s First New Year’s
Dec. 9 and Dec. 31 • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Make your baby’s first holiday season unforgettable with themed stories, hands-on early STEM play and adorable photo moments, sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Enjoy sensory-rich experiences and parenting tips for a memorable day of discovery. Included with Museum admission. To register, please visit mods.org/series/babys-first.
Sensory-Friendly Sunday Mornings
Dec. 28 • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Optional IMAX® film at 12:30 p.m.
Families can enjoy a FREE sensory-friendly morning at MODS, sponsored by ABA Centers of Florida and Fifth Third Bank, with adjusted lighting, lowered sound and sensory-based activities. Guests may also enjoy a gentle-screening of Arctic: Our Frozen Planet in the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater. To register, please visit mods.org/ArcticSensorySunday.
Noon Year’s Eve
Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Ball Drop at Noon)
Families can ring in 2026 with lively tunes, dance-offs, kid-friendly science experiments and party gear creation, sponsored by Joseph and Katie Masucci Charitable Fund with support from Xpress Entertainment. Guests can count down to the Museum’s iconic balloon drop at noon, then capture memories at the New Year’s gallery wall. Included with Museum admission. Free admission is available for first responders and up to four family members with valid ID presented at the Box Office.
Touch-A-Truck and Pet-A-Pup – Celebrate Real-Life Heroes!
Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Families can meet the first responders and service animals who protect our community. Kids can climb aboard emergency vehicles, connect with real-life heroes and enjoy amazing K-9 demonstrations. Included with Museum admission.
Camp STEAMology, Sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Sessions: Dec. 22, 23, 26, 29, 30 and Jan. 2
When school is out, Camp STEAMology is in! Young makers and problem-solvers can take part in Handmade for Holidays and Tinkering Toys, two STEM-filled themes featuring creative challenges, IMAX® inspiration and immersive Museum exploration. For more information and to register, please visit mods.org/camp.
IMAX® Hollywood Films
Experience larger-than-life stories on South Florida’s biggest screen! This December, music and movie fans can catch Rolling Stones – At the Max on Dec. 10 and the highly anticipated Avatar: Fire and Ash on Dec. 18 in stunning IMAX® clarity and sound. For tickets, please visit mods.org/showtimes.
IMAX® Documentary Film
Secrets of the Great Salt Lake
New Documentary Opens Dec. 19
Discover the mysteries of one of North America’s most extraordinary natural wonders in Secrets of the Great Salt Lake, a stunning new documentary opening at the Museum of Discovery and Science. The film takes audiences on an immersive journey through the Lake’s unique ecosystems, wildlife and environmental significance. Included with Museum admission.
PAW Patrol™: Adventure Play!
Open through Jan. 11
Step inside Adventure Bay to meet Marshall, Chase, Skye and the rest of the PAW Patrol crew in this interactive exhibit, sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans and Chewy Vet Care. Families can explore teamwork, problem-solving and the science of community helpers in a playful, hands-on environment. Included with Museum admission. For more information, please visit mods.org/pawpatroladventureplay.
For more information about MODS’ December programs and special events, please visit mods.org.
Holiday spirit shines bright at the Museum of Discovery and Science as families dress in festive pajamas and matching outfits for A PAW Patrol™ Christmas Holiday Special.
Young makers dive into hands-on creativity during Camp STEAMology, where imagination, problem-solving and play come together for a science-powered winter break.
Immersive scenes from Avatar: Fire and Ash will fill the GIANT screen in the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater, giving audiences a breathtaking look at Pandora like never before.
Colorful confetti fills the exhibit floor as families count down to noon during MODS’ annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration, ringing in the new year with music, energy and science-powered fun.
Guests meet friendly service pups during Touch-A-Truck and Pet-A-Pup, learning how real-life K-9 heroes support and protect their communities.
Posted: November 24, 2025
