Discovery Spot

Now Open!

Uncover A Fascinating World

Enjoy a fun and engaging exhibit that offers numerous opportunities for adult-child collaboration in zones packed with one-of-a-kind experiences. The Discovery Spot, presented by JM Family Enterprises, features themes representing iconic Florida environments and experiences – from Ocean to Air and the Everglades to the Citrus Grove – where children can splash, climb, tinker and explore. Each area supports a child’s open-ended, role-playing and imaginative play. The exhibit encourages risk-taking that develops confidence and efficacy.

Designed especially for early learners ages up to 6 years old and their families.

FAQs

The Discovery Spot is an early childhood exhibit designed for young scientists (ages 0-6) and their families.

A new permanent exhibit at MODS was designed from the ground up to support family learning. The Discovery Spot allows for “playful exploration of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) experiences that lead to lifelong learning.”

Children can role-play as airplane pilots, scientists on a research vessel, veterinarians in the Field Hospital, citrus processors in the Juicing Factory, animal trackers in the Everglades area and more. Art and science combine as children bring Florida native fish and sharks to life by digitally painting their chosen species and then releasing it into a digital ocean, watching as their fish or shark swims by on the Sketch and Release simulated ocean screen.

Yes, the Discovery Spot is designed to cater to the needs and abilities of toddlers and young children ages 0-6. It offers activities that are safe, age-appropriate and engaging for this age group.

Parents or caregivers should accompany and supervise their children in the Discovery Spot.

Children ages 7+ are welcome in with a family member 6 years old and younger.

The exhibit is included with Museum admission. Museum admission can be purchased online at mods.org/tickets. NOTE: Museum members always receive FREE admission (see member question below). When visiting the Museum, guests receive a timed entry card at the box office on a first-come, first-served basis. Each person in a party will be issued a timed ticket for entry.

The Discovery Spot is open every day the Museum is open. The hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Capacity is limited in the area and time slots will be given.

The available time slots will be allocated to guests on a first-come, first-served basis at the Museum box office upon arrival. The time slots are as follows:

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

The Discovery Spot has many amenities available, including:

Family and ADA-accessible restroom
Quiet/nursing area
Water fountain and bottle refilling station

Preschool and kindergarten age groups (ages 0-6) must make advanced reservations during the field trip booking process for preset hours. Every learner of the school group must be in preschool and/or kindergarten. To make a reservation, please email booking@mods.org.

Starting on Tuesday, August 8, MODS will offer Members-only hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. MODS will open the Discovery Spot one hour early at 9 a.m. for Members. Remember, MODS Members always receive FREE admission. Members can secure admission tickets online at
mods.org/tickets.

The birthday party host for children ages 0-6 will receive 25 timed tickets to access the Discovery Spot. The party host will then distribute the tickets to the party guests.

Saturday Birthday Party Time	Discovery Spot Admission Time Slot
10 a.m.	12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
12:30 p.m.	10 a.m. – 12 p.m. OR 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
3 p.m.	2 p.m. – 4 p.m.