The Museum of Discovery & Science, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

My grand kids were visiting from New Jersey and we had a morning of rain here in Florida so we all packed into the car and went to the Museum of Discovery and Science. It is in Fort Lauderdale, Fl. When you get there you can park for $3.00 for the day in a parking lot on the right side of the Museum. Its a self park so bring singles. You als should feed the children first, there is no food or drink allowed in the museum and what they sell in the Cafe is expensive.

The grand girls are 11, 6 and 4 respectively and they all enjoyed the museum even though there is quite a difference in age. There was more than enough for each of them to be kept very interested. There are 200 fascinating interactive exhibits at the Museum of Discovery and Science. These exhibits cover flora and fauna, reptiles and mammals, and birds. Most of the creatures are behind low glass displays so the children do not have to be lifted up to see things. There are print outs at each display so you can give the kids a little information about each display. There is nothing that is particularly frightening downstairs. Upstairs there are moving exhibits with a large (very large) snake , Dinosaur and Alligator These might be a bit much for some children.

You can see sharks and a large living Atlantic coral reef , you can see some rather big Bats, Tarantulas, hissing cockroaches , snakes, alligators, turtles and iguanas. There are some unusual looking fish and weird centipedes that are enormous. As a parent you wont be bor5ed.

You can have the kids learn about Florida's Everglades in the Living in the Everglades exhibit. Upstairs there is the Aerospace area called Runways to Rockets. This is fairly new.They can take a simulated trip to the Moon or Mars. Make There will be a Grand Canyon Experience coming soon. Upstairs there are also all kinds of science experiments the children can participate in. They can try on the "wings" and stand in the wind tunnel. They can play a keyboard and create motion in sand reacting to the music. There are magnets on tables to work with. There is a stand of climbing ropes and a room with a Wii like screen.

If you decide to go to the Imax be sure to print out the free coupon on the site. You can see a simulated trip to the Moon or Mars film adventure on the five-story-high screen at the IMAX Theater. The museum has a Robobug Invasion of Giant Insects show. This is for children 5 -12. If you do the Coral Reef adventure the children are introduced to all the creatures that live on a coral reef. You can choose the Sea Monsters theme and do a Sea Monster craft and an Imax Sea Monsters in 3D. The day we were there there was a 3D Dinosaur show.

You can take the kids to the Explore Store and pick out educational games, toys and books. There are posters clothing, DVDs, stuffed animals and science kits as well as more. The store is open Thursday through Sat at 10:30 and Sunday at noon. Bring lots of money.

This is a real hot spot for school group trips. It's a wonderful place to have a Birthday party. The Museum offers a bug bash with live bugs and make creepy bug crafts.

There is a nice nature walk outside but it was raining so we skipped this.

There is a play area for smaller kids where they can pick plastic oranges and crate them or climb an elaborate tree house. There is also a room for toddlers to play in across from this area.

Prices:
Adult $10.00, Senirs $9.00, Children 2 -12 $8.00
If you get a membership entry is free.
Imax: Adult $9.00
Senior $8.00
Children 2-12 $7.00

Every few months threre are new special exhibits. For instnace in May there will be FIshy Fossils, Bone Yard, Amazing Reptiles and more.

This is a perfect place not too big, not too small. You can make the visit as long as you want by adding the Imax theater shows which run about 45 minutes or eliminating them and keep your visit shorter. The Museum has something for all ages. This is a great place if you need something to do with children on a rainy day.