Planning a family fun day or an educational homeschooling field trip to the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in downtown Fort Lauderdale? This interactive two-story science museum is hands-down one of the best indoor activities for kids in South Florida.
From exploring living coral reefs and hopping into real flight simulators to standing right inside a massive prehistoric shark mouth, there is so much for toddlers and older kids to explore.
Our Top Highlights for Kids at MODS:
- The Storm Center & IMAX: Experiencing the high-velocity hurricane simulators and massive theater screens.
- Eco-Station & Otters: Watching the playful North American river otters slide through their indoor/outdoor habitats.
- Discovery Center: A dedicated, secure water-play and climbing zone with a lot of interactive areas.
Quick Tips for Families:
- Parking: Use the City of Fort Lauderdale garage right across the street for easy, shaded parking.
- Homeschool Perks: Keep an eye out for their dedicated monthly Homeschool Days, which offer heavily discounted admission rates and specialized STEM lab classes! Florida residents and teachers get a discounted ticket with proof of ID. Right now MODS lists South Florida resident admission at $26.50 adult / $20 child, with the Discovery Pass including museum exhibits, live science demonstrations, one HoloTheater experience and one IMAX documentary.
- Our Take:
I have visited MODS many times over the years, we even have membership, it’s a great option in South Florida for kids of all ages. There’s enough to keep younger kids entertained while older kids can actually learn something along the way. If you’re homeschooling, it’s especially easy to turn a visit into a full STEM learning day.
