Museum of Arts & Sciences

The Museum of Arts & Sciences in Daytona Beach is a family-friendly treasure trove where kids can come face-to-face with ancient Egyptian mummies, explore interactive science exhibits, and journey through the cosmos in a state-of-the-art planetarium. The hands-on discovery rooms keep little hands busy while the natural history collections,including fossils and wildlife displays,spark curiosity in budding scientists and explorers.

• ✓Egyptian mummies and ancient artifacts that captivate curious minds
• ✓Interactive discovery rooms with hands-on STEM activities
• ✓Planetarium shows exploring space and astronomy
• ✓Giant ground sloth skeleton and Florida natural history exhibits
• ✓Cuban Museum collection showcasing colorful art and culture

1. 1.Check the planetarium show schedule when you arrive and plan your visit around a showing,these are often the highlight for kids and can fill up quickly.
2. 2.Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and a more relaxed experience, especially in the hands-on areas where kids need space to explore.
3. 3.The museum is larger than it appears,bring water bottles and plan for plenty of walking between galleries.
4. 4.Don't miss the Gilded Age Coca-Cola collection and vintage train car, which fascinate kids who love history and transportation.
5. 5.Pack snacks as food options inside are limited, though there's a small café and picnic areas on the grounds for nice weather days.

Weekday mornings (10:00-11:00 AM opening) offer the quietest experience. Sundays open an hour later, making them less crowded early on. Avoid school field trip season (spring) if you prefer fewer crowds, or embrace the energy if your kids enjoy group atmospheres.

Admission typically runs around $13 for adults and $7 for children (ages 6-17), with kids under 6 free. Free parking is available on-site, and the museum is stroller-accessible with elevators throughout.

Open year-round with consistent hours. The museum hosts special holiday events and themed planetarium shows during winter holidays. Summer is popular with tourists, so expect larger crowds June through August. Air-conditioned comfort makes it an ideal rainy day or hot summer activity.

Head to Aunt Catfish's on the River (about 5 minutes away) for Southern comfort food with a kids' menu and waterfront views, or grab casual pizza and pasta at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in the nearby Volusia Mall area.