MODS Turns Science into a Full-Day Fort Lauderdale Staycation.

June 26th, 2026

Looking for a way to escape the Florida heat without parking the kids in front of a screen all day? The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in downtown Fort Lauderdale is a solid choice for a staycation. We easily spent four to five hours exploring and still did not manage to see everything. There are so many well-curated corners to interest everyone, from the emerging activist and future engineer to those simply looking for a fun daytime date.

The moment you walk in, you are greeted by one of the most magical art installations I have ever seen, a massive rolling ball sculpture that feels like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Combining creativity and innovation with science and discovery is something this museum does masterfully. This area also has ample benches and tables where families can casually rest, eat lunch, or simply people watch, assuming they are not too entranced by the giant rolling ball installation.

Another immediate highlight is the collection of life-size prehistoric animals, which creates an exciting first impression and gets kids, and nostalgic adults, excited before the exhibits even begin.

My personal favorite, without question, was the traveling Guinness World Records exhibit.

Rather than simply reading about record holders, visitors are encouraged to try breaking records themselves. The Science of Guinness World Records turns curiosity into competition, blending science, movement and hands-on challenges in a way that sneaks learning into the fun. We tested our skills through basketball challenges, boxing strength tests, balance games, posture challenges and other physical activities. Your very own avatar tracks your progress, giving bragging rights to the multi-talented and competitive members of the family. Even if you do not earn a world record, it is incredibly satisfying and keeps everyone moving.

It is one of those rare exhibits where kids burn off energy while learning, and adults find themselves getting immersed in the fun.

Throughout the exhibit, guests get a closer look at the biology, psychology and mechanics behind record-setting feats. There are areas focused on reaction time, focus, endurance, memory, strength and precision, with live leaderboards adding just enough friendly pressure to make everyone think they might suddenly become world-class at something. Spoiler alert: most of us are not. But trying is half the fun.

The holographic dinosaur experience was impressive and felt much more immersive than expected. It felt like truly going back to prehistoric ages, without the DeLorean, and in an intimate theater with no more than 20 to 30 seats. Everyone, big or small, has a great view. Be sure to be on time for your showtime because the shows start promptly.

The museum also lets you experience a Florida hurricane without any actual danger, and you can stand in front of a real jet engine to feel the incredible force of the wind, without the fumes or airport chaos. No baggage check required on your S.T.E.A.M. journey. This brought back memories of childhood times talking into the fan to speak funny, a simpler time without screens, but still with a “wow” factor.

Outside, the STEM play area gives children another chance to climb, build, experiment and play with engineering challenges, flying balls, giant building pieces and interactive activities.

Bring sunscreen if you plan to spend time outside, and plenty of water, as the kids will be running around while adults can catch their breath in some shade.

We also spotted baby alligators and baby snakes, which became an unexpected favorite for us. I just could not stop watching the cuties. It is worth going back simply to watch these fascinating creatures grow.

LEGO and Building the Future

One of the museum’s newer initiatives centers around LEGO building and engineering. Kids can spend an incredible amount of time designing, creating and solving challenges while learning STEM concepts through play.

MODS proudly boasts that:

“Play is a child’s superpower — it fuels curiosity, builds critical skills and is one of the brain’s favorite ways to learn. This network is making sure more children experience the magic of learning through play.”

They really lived up to this.

There is also a dedicated Magna-Tiles building room where younger children can happily construct cities, castles and anything else they imagine.

For grown-ups, the museum has a nostalgic feel. You can grab some LEGOs yourself and relive your Lincoln Log days for hours. Even your teenager might get on board and smile with the outing. They will dive in too, and you can watch them enjoy alongside grandma. You leave appreciating how STEM education has evolved while watching today’s kids become tomorrow’s engineers and scientists.

MODS is also continuing to build out its newest permanent exhibit, Build a Better World: The Future Begins with You, which focuses on South Florida’s ecosystems, environmental science and the choices that shape a more resilient future. One of its signature pieces is the AI-powered Everglades Theater, where guests are guided by Lilly, an AI-powered North American river otter, through interactive challenges connected to the Everglades.

Guests can identify invasive species, plant mangroves, reduce light pollution, manage water flow and build connected wetland habitats. It is a distinctly South Florida experience, using technology and hands-on play to help children better understand the ecosystems around them. After seeing how well MODS blends learning with movement and imagination throughout the museum, this kind of exhibit feels right at home here.

The adults learned new, inspiring facts too. We watched the IMAX documentary following the incredible migration of salmon as they journey upstream to reproduce. It was informative, beautifully filmed and did an excellent job illustrating the delicate balance of ecosystems and how essential salmon are to countless species. The little ones are sure to enjoy this documentary, and the IMAX has a bathroom inside for those whose attention wanders during “long” films.

It is the type of documentary that quietly inspires conservation and may even turn a few young visitors into future environmental advocates. I am looking forward to going back for the IMAX with otters.

Current IMAX documentary titles and daily showtimes change regularly, so it is worth checking before your visit. MODS also offers movies shown in theaters on the giant IMAX screen.

MODS clearly caters to families with children of every age.

Things I appreciated:

Infant room for families with babies

Plenty of benches and seating throughout the museum

Casual atmosphere

Helpful information desk staff

Outdoor and indoor activities

Rest areas for anyone needing a break

This is also a manageable museum. Unlike some massive science museums that require an entire weekend, this one is compact enough that grandparents could comfortably bring grandchildren for the day without massive crowds.

Though there is a café, I recommend packing snacks or bringing lunch if you are planning to stay several hours.

Comfortable shoes are necessary, as you will be on your feet most of the day.

The museum sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale, within walking distance of Riverwalk and several restaurants, making it easy to turn your visit into a full day downtown.

Parking is available in the nearby city garage, surrounding metered street parking and private lots. Rates typically vary by location and event, so arriving early on weekends is a good idea.

Before visiting, check the museum’s current schedule:

IMAX Showtimes

Upcoming Events and Traveling Exhibits

The museum regularly rotates traveling exhibits, so there is usually something new to see even if you have visited before.

If you are local, or simply looking for a cool place to escape South Florida’s summer heat, the Starfish Family Membership is worth considering.

For $140 per year, it includes unlimited museum admission for two people, either two adults or one adult and one child in the same household, unlimited IMAX documentary films, one per visit, one HoloTheater experience per visit, member-only Discovery Spot hours, exhibit previews, discounts on camps, birthday parties, the café and gift shop, plus reciprocal admission to more than 350 science museums worldwide.

If you think you will visit even a few times throughout the year, especially when new exhibits arrive, the membership begins to make financial sense.

The flight simulator happened to be temporarily closed during our visit, but the museum is constantly expanding, adding exhibits and improving the experience. Between rotating traveling exhibits, the Guinness World Records challenge, LEGO engineering spaces, live animals, STEM activities, IMAX documentaries, outdoor science play and the growing Build a Better World exhibit, every visit has the potential to be a little different.

If you are visiting Fort Lauderdale, planning a staycation, or simply searching for a fun way to beat the Florida heat, MODS offers an enjoyable day for toddlers, school-age kids, teens, parents, grandparents and even adults who still have a little Bill Nye curiosity left in them.