Cox Science Center and Aquarium
About
Cox Science Center and Aquarium offers an exciting blend of interactive science exhibits, live marine animals, and captivating planetarium shows that spark curiosity in children of all ages. With hands-on STEM activities throughout the facility, kids can touch stingrays, explore physics concepts through play, and journey through the cosmos,all under one roof in West Palm Beach.
Highlights
- ✓Stingray touch tank where kids can interact with gentle rays
- ✓Planetarium shows that transport families through space
- ✓Hands-on physics and engineering exhibits including building challenges
- ✓Living aquarium displays featuring Florida marine life
- ✓Outdoor mini-golf course with science-themed holes
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening (9 AM weekdays, 10 AM weekends) to enjoy exhibits before school groups arrive mid-morning.
- 2.Check the planetarium show schedule when you arrive and plan your visit around show times,they're included with admission and fill up quickly.
- 3.Don't miss the mini-golf course outside, which is perfect for burning energy between indoor exhibits.
- 4.Bring hand sanitizer and plan extra time at the stingray touch tank,it's consistently the biggest hit with kids and they'll want to return multiple times.
- 5.Pack snacks and refillable water bottles, as food options inside are limited to vending machines.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings from September through May offer the most relaxed experience, though expect school field trips Tuesday-Thursday between 10 AM-1 PM. Weekend mornings are busier but offer extended Saturday and Sunday hours (until 6 PM) for families who prefer a leisurely pace.
What to Know
Admission tickets are reasonably priced with family packages available, and free parking is provided on-site. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, but outside food is not permitted in exhibit areas (though a picnic area is available outdoors).
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Summer months (June-August) see increased local family traffic, while spring break weeks can be particularly busy. Special holiday programming and themed planetarium shows are offered during winter holidays.
Nearby Eats
City Diner on Okeechobee Boulevard (about 5 minutes away) offers classic American comfort food with a kids menu, or head to Grease Burger Bar for creative burgers and shakes that appeal to all ages.
More Activities Near West Palm Beach
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens offers families a peaceful escape into Japanese culture with 16 acres of stunning gardens, koi ponds, and authentic exhibits. Kids can explore winding paths, spot turtles and fish, participate in hands-on cultural activities, and experience traditional tea ceremonies in a setting that feels worlds away from South Florida.
Norton Museum of Art
The Norton Museum of Art transforms a traditional museum experience into an engaging adventure for young minds with its thoughtfully designed family programs and interactive exhibits. This world-class institution features diverse collections that captivate children's imaginations while introducing them to artistic expression through hands-on activities and kid-friendly gallery experiences.
Lake Worth Beach
Lake Worth Beach offers the perfect combination of soft sand, gentle waves, and family-friendly amenities that make beach days with kids stress-free and fun. The calm waters are ideal for young swimmers, while the iconic fishing pier, multiple playgrounds, and lively boardwalk provide entertainment options beyond the sand and surf.
Okeeheelee Park
Okeeheelee Park is a sprawling 900-acre outdoor paradise in West Palm Beach that offers something for every age and energy level. With its combination of water play areas, extensive playgrounds, nature trails, fishing spots, and wide-open spaces, it's the perfect destination for families looking to spend a full day of outdoor fun without breaking the bank.