January Brings Big Builds, Space Adventures and Hands-on Family Fun

Kick off the new year with science-powered discovery, creative building and interactive experiences for all ages at MODS

This January, the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) invites families to start the year with hands-on science, creative construction and exciting space-themed adventures. From LEGO®-inspired building challenges and galactic competition to sensory-friendly programming and the debut of two high-energy traveling exhibits, MODS offers a month packed with discovery, curiosity, creativity and learning through play for guests of all ages.

“At MODS, we believe play is a powerful way to learn,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “From building bold ideas and exploring space to interactive exhibits and inclusive programs, January offers families meaningful opportunities to move, think and discover together through hands-on science, creative construction and immersive experiences.”

Master Builder Weekends in January
Weekends in January • Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Sundays 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Families can explore engineering, creativity and problem-solving during Master Builder Weekends at MODS. Guests can take on LEGO® brick-building challenges, join a LEGO® Coding Dance Party, and participate in Build the Change activities that encourage imaginative problem-solving. MODS will also celebrate International LEGO® Day on January 28. Included with Museum admission. For more information, please visit mods.org/masterbuilderweekends.

Food Forest Tours
Jan. 3 – 4 • Saturdays 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. | Sundays 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Explore MODS’ thriving Food Forest during guided tours that highlight how fruits, herbs and tropical plants grow together in a sustainable ecosystem. Tours include a question-and-answer session focused on eco-friendly gardening practices. Included with Museum admission. For more information, please visit mods.org/foodforesttours

Junior Galaxy Explorer Competition
Jan. 10 • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Young builders ages 6–12 are invited to bring a custom-built LEGO® spacecraft from home or build one on-site at MODS to take part in the Junior Galaxy Explorer search. The winning builder will represent MODS at the grand opening of LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s newest attraction and receive exclusive prizes, including a family hotel stay. Included with Museum admission. For more information, please visit mods.org/juniorgalaxycompetition

Sensory-Friendly Sunday Morning: Wild Rescue
Jan. 25 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Enjoy early access to MODS during a sensory-friendly morning with adjusted lighting, softer sound and hands-on activities, followed by a modified IMAX® documentary in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. Wild Rescue takes guests behind the scenes with the teams helping injured and orphaned animals heal and return to the wild, celebrating incredible comebacks and second chances. Free admission. To register, please visit mods.org/sensorysunday

Night in the Everglades Scout Overnight
Jan. 10–11 • 6:30 p.m. – 8 a.m.

Scouting America and Girl Scouts troops can spend the night at MODS while exploring the science and wildlife of the Everglades through interactive activities and badge-aligned learning experiences. Cost is $60 per participant with a minimum of 50 participants. For more information and to register, please visit mods.org/scout-programs.

Save Our Seas Distinguished Speaker Series
January 15 • 6 p.m.

Join MODS for a free virtual discussion on sea turtle conservation and habitat protection led by the Turtle Action Group of Seychelles. Sponsored by the Save Our Seas Foundation, this program features Jeanne A. Mortimer, a biology and conservation researcher sharing insights from decades of fieldwork and community-based, science-driven efforts. To register, please visit mods.org/saveourseas.

Eco Defenders Scouting America Workshop
Jan. 17 • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Scouts in Lions, Tigers and Wolves levels explore environmental science and conservation through hands-on activities that support official Scouting America badge requirements. Pricing is $30 per Member scout and $45 per Non-Member scout. Accompanying adults are free for Members and $5 for Non-Members. For more information and to register, please visit mods.org/scout-programs.

Traveling Exhibits Opening January
Opens Jan. 23 and Jan. 30

MODS debuts two must-see traveling exhibits that bring movement, play and discovery to the forefront. Game On: Adventure in Every Move opens Jan. 23, transforming the Museum into an action-packed play zone where guests tackle creative challenges, test strategies and explore the power of teamwork. Opening Jan. 30, HOCKEY: Faster Than Ever delivers a fast-paced, hands-on experience that puts guests in the game to test reaction time, measure slap shot power and uncover the science, engineering and technology behind one of the world’s fastest sports. Both exhibits are presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, with additional support from Finally, Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans, the Florida Panthers and the Shannon and Johnathan Robertson Charitable Fund. Included with Museum admission. For more information, mods.org/gameon and mods.org/hockey.

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Families take on hands-on LEGO® brick-building challenges during Master Builder Weekends at the Museum of Discovery and Science, where creativity, engineering, and problem-solving come together through play. Photo courtesy of MODS.

On Jan. 10, young builders ages 6–12 participate in the Junior Galaxy Explorer challenge, showcasing custom LEGO® spacecraft as they compete for a chance to represent MODS at the grand opening of the LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.

Scouts in Lions, Tigers and Wolves levels participate in hands-on environmental science activities that support official Scouting America badge requirements. Photo courtesy of MODS.

Guests jump into action at Game On: Adventure in Every Move, a traveling exhibit that transforms the Museum into an interactive play zone focused on movement, strategy and teamwork. Photo courtesy of Minnesota Children’s Museum.

Guests test reaction time, slap shot power and agility inside HOCKEY: Faster Than Ever, a fast-paced traveling exhibit exploring the science and technology behind the sport. Photo courtesy of Flying Fish.

Posted: December 23, 2025

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