South Florida Science Museum
The Cox Science Center and Aquarium, formerly known as the South Florida Science Museum (and briefly as South Florida Science Center and Aquarium), is a renowned science and learning center located in West Palm Beach, Florida. Established in 1961, this interactive and educational facility offers a wide variety of exhibits that engage visitors in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The center is a beloved destination for families, students, and science enthusiasts, with features including a full-dome planetarium, interactive science exhibits, a large aquarium, and an outdoor science trail.
As part of its commitment to science education, the Cox Science Center regularly hosts traveling exhibits, science demonstrations, and hands-on activities that appeal to visitors of all ages. It aims to inspire a love for learning and discovery, encouraging curiosity about the natural world and the wonders of science.
History and Mission
The South Florida Science Museum was founded in 1961 with the goal of providing educational opportunities for children and the general public in the areas of natural science, astronomy, and biology. Over the years, the museum expanded both in size and scope, introducing new exhibits and attractions that made it a hub for science education in the region. In 2013, after a major renovation, it was renamed the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium to reflect its growing focus on both marine and terrestrial sciences.
In 2021, the center was renamed Cox Science Center and Aquarium in honor of a generous donation from the Cox Foundation. The center’s mission is to “open every mind to science” by offering a broad range of STEM-based experiences, from interactive exhibits to immersive planetarium shows. The Cox Science Center serves as an important educational resource for the South Florida community, offering school programs, camps, and outreach initiatives designed to foster a passion for science.
Exhibits and Attractions
1. Aquarium of the Atlantic: The Aquarium of the Atlantic is one of the center’s most popular attractions. This 10,000-gallon aquarium features a wide variety of marine species native to the waters of South Florida and beyond. Visitors can observe colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, seahorses, jellyfish, and even nurse sharks. The aquarium also highlights the importance of marine conservation, with educational displays on the local ecosystems and the threats they face from pollution and climate change.
- Interactive Tanks: The aquarium includes touch tanks where visitors, especially children, can get hands-on with marine creatures such as starfish, horseshoe crabs, and small rays.
2. Full-Dome Planetarium: The Dewey and Ruby Planetarium at the Cox Science Center is a state-of-the-art, full-dome digital planetarium that offers an immersive experience for visitors interested in astronomy and space exploration. With shows that range from guided tours of the night sky to exciting films about black holes, space travel, and the solar system, the planetarium provides a captivating way to learn about the universe.
- Night-Sky Shows: The planetarium regularly features programs that explain the constellations, planets, and other celestial objects visible in the Florida night sky. These shows are popular with both amateur astronomers and families.
3. Science on a Sphere Science on a Sphere is a dynamic and interactive exhibit that uses a six-foot-diameter globe to display animated planetary data. Created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this exhibit allows visitors to explore Earth and other planets in stunning visual detail. Topics such as climate change, ocean currents, weather patterns, and space exploration are brought to life through high-resolution imagery.
4. Conservation Course Mini-Golf: One of the more unique attractions at the Cox Science Center is the Conservation Course, an 18-hole mini-golf experience designed to blend fun with environmental education. Each hole features information about Florida’s native ecosystems, including the Everglades, mangrove swamps, and coral reefs. The course is set in a beautifully landscaped outdoor area, providing visitors with both entertainment and a lesson in conservation.
5. Outdoor Science Trail: The Outdoor Science Trail is a beautifully designed space that allows visitors to explore science in a natural, open-air environment. The trail features exhibits on wind, water, and solar power, as well as an array of hands-on displays that encourage guests to interact with science in a fun and engaging way.
- Interactive Exhibits: Along the trail, visitors can find exhibits that showcase concepts like energy transfer, simple machines, and renewable energy sources, making it an ideal place for families to learn and play together.
6. Discovery Center: Designed especially for young children, the Discovery Center is an interactive space filled with hands-on science activities. Kids can experiment with water tables, build with blocks, explore a miniature town, and engage in activities that teach basic concepts of physics, biology, and engineering. This area is perfect for early learners, encouraging them to explore their world in a playful and educational way.
7. Florida Conservation Station: The Florida Conservation Station focuses on the local wildlife and ecosystems of Florida, educating visitors on topics like biodiversity, conservation efforts, and the impact of human activity on native species. Exhibits include reptiles, birds, and other animals that are native to the region.
- Invasive Species Exhibit: One of the more informative sections of the Conservation Station highlights the issue of invasive species in Florida, such as the Burmese python, and explains the ecological challenges these species pose.
Special Exhibits and Traveling Exhibitions
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Cox Science Center frequently hosts traveling exhibits that bring new and exciting scientific topics to the forefront. These exhibits cover a wide range of subjects, from space exploration and robotics to ancient civilizations and dinosaurs. Past traveling exhibits have included interactive displays on topics like Artificial Intelligence, Mummies of the World, and Physics of Sports.
These exhibits rotate throughout the year, ensuring that visitors always have something new and exciting to explore.
Educational Programs and Camps
1. School Programs: The Cox Science Center offers a variety of educational programs tailored to schools, from field trips to hands-on workshops. These programs are aligned with state and national science education standards and are designed to supplement classroom learning with real-world scientific experiences. Topics range from marine biology and environmental science to physics and astronomy.
- STEM Outreach: The center’s outreach programs bring science education directly into schools through mobile labs, demonstrations, and teacher resources.
2. Science Camps: The center runs popular summer camps and holiday break camps focused on STEM education for children from preschool through middle school. These camps offer interactive activities, animal encounters, science experiments, and planetarium shows, providing an immersive educational experience for young learners.
3. Afterschool and Weekend Programs: Families can participate in afterschool programs, weekend workshops, and themed science days that allow kids to explore topics such as robotics, coding, and environmental science in a fun and hands-on environment.
Conservation and Community Involvement
As part of its commitment to conservation and environmental awareness, the Cox Science Center works with local organizations on conservation projects and public education initiatives. These efforts include beach cleanups, habitat restoration projects, and programs focused on marine life conservation. The center also plays a role in promoting sustainability through its exhibits on renewable energy and environmental preservation.
The center’s community outreach efforts include free admission days, special events, and partnerships with schools and local businesses to promote science education and awareness across South Florida.
Events and Programs
1. Nights at the Museum: One of the center’s signature events is Nights at the Museum, where the center opens its doors after hours for a fun-filled evening of science exploration. These events include themed activities, interactive science demonstrations, planetarium shows, and the opportunity to explore the exhibits after dark.
2. Science on Tap Science on Tap is an adults-only series that combines education with entertainment. Local scientists and experts lead discussions on fascinating topics like space exploration, climate change, and medical breakthroughs in a casual, social setting. These events often take place at local bars or restaurants, adding a fun twist to science learning.
3. Annual Events: The Cox Science Center also hosts a number of annual events, including STEM Day, which brings together local schools, students, and professionals for a day of interactive activities, and the Engineering Expo, where families can learn about engineering through hands-on demonstrations and experiments.
Vicinity of The Cox Science Center and Aquarium
About the Area
The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is in West Palm Beach, one of South Florida’s most vibrant cultural and entertainment hubs. The center is situated in Dreher Park, a large urban green space that also houses the Palm Beach Zoo. West Palm Beach is known for its beautiful waterfront, bustling arts scene, and family-friendly attractions, making the Cox Science Center a key part of the region’s cultural landscape.
As a community resource, the center plays an important role in fostering interest in science, technology, and the natural world, offering a variety of accessible educational programs and public events.
Nearby Attractions
- Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
Discover a variety of animals and lush tropical habitats just steps away from the museum. - Lion Country Safari
Embark on a drive-through safari to see exotic animals and enjoy interactive attractions. - Rapids Water Park
Cool off with thrilling water slides, wave pools, and family-friendly play areas. - Okeeheelee Park
Experience outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking at this expansive park.
Additional Details
- Location: Cox Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405.
- Hours of Operation: Open Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Hours may vary during holidays or special events.
- Admission: General admission covers access to most exhibits, with additional fees for planetarium shows and certain special exhibits. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and members of the military.
- Parking: Free on-site parking is available for visitors.
- Accessibility: The center is fully accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are available upon request.
- Dining and Shopping: The Science Center Café offers snacks, drinks, and light meals. The Gift Shop features science-themed toys, educational books, and souvenirs.
For more information visit: https://www.coxsciencecenter.org
