Museum of Discovery and Science

The Museum of Discovery and Science is Fort Lauderdale's premier interactive science destination where kids can get hands-on with everything from flight simulators to live animal encounters. With two floors of engaging exhibits, an impressive IMAX theater, and resident otters and bats, this museum turns learning into an adventure that keeps children entertained for hours.

• ✓AutoNation® IMAX Theater featuring educational films on a massive 60-foot screen
• ✓Live animal encounters including river otters, snakes, bats, and alligators
• ✓Gizmo City - a multi-level climbing and building zone where kids engineer their own contraptions
• ✓Flight simulator experience where kids can pilot a virtual airplane
• ✓Storm Center with real-time weather tracking and hurricane simulation

1. 1.Arrive right at opening (10 AM weekdays, noon Sundays) to experience popular exhibits like the flight simulator before crowds build up around lunchtime
2. 2.Purchase combo tickets online for museum admission plus IMAX to save money and skip the ticket counter lines
3. 3.Don't miss the otter feeding times (usually mid-morning and mid-afternoon) - check the daily schedule at the front desk when you arrive
4. 4.Pack a change of clothes for younger kids as the water-based exhibits in the Discovery Center can get them surprisingly wet
5. 5.The museum cafe has limited options, so consider eating lunch before arriving or bring snacks to enjoy in the outdoor terrace area

Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday work best) when school groups typically arrive later or have already left. Weekends and school holidays get crowded, especially between 12-3 PM. Summer mornings are ideal as it provides air-conditioned fun during Florida's hottest months.

General admission is around $20-25 per person with IMAX tickets extra; parking is available in nearby garages for $10-15. The museum has a small cafe with kid-friendly basics like pizza and sandwiches, plus a gift shop with educational toys and souvenirs.

The museum operates year-round with consistent hours and is an excellent rainy day or hot summer activity. Special holiday programming includes science-themed camps during school breaks, Halloween Science events in October, and festive IMAX films during December. Check their website for rotating special exhibits that change seasonally.

Riverwalk Plaza and Las Olas Boulevard (a 5-minute walk) offer numerous family-friendly options including American Social Bar & Kitchen with a kids menu and waterfront views, or Batch Gastropub which welcomes families and has burgers kids love.