(WEST PALM BEACH, FLA) – Feel at home for the holidays when you spend it with Cox Science Center & Aquarium! Wrap yourself in the warmth and incandescence of the center’s weekly Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites, its ‘Tis the Season for Science series, Noon Year’s Eve, and more!
“The Science Center doesn’t miss a beat during the holiday season,” said Cox Science Center and Aquarium President and CEO, Kate Arrizza. “It’s our way of giving the gift of fun and quality time for families who are gathering or loved ones looking to make special holiday memories.”
Starting off the holiday buzz, spend Black Friday looking at the dark sky versus the sales. On Friday, November 24, the Science Center will present its Dark Sky Party for fellow stargazers to step into the mysterious world of the universe. From 6 to 9 p.m., guests can view the night sky and captivating astronomical objects through the new eVscopes. Attendees will also have stellar activities, including making galaxy goo, a constellation star chart, and astronomy trivia! The Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches will be on-site to answer all your questions and intrigue.
Also sounding the holidays is the start of ‘Tis the Season for Science. Between November 24 and January 7, the Science Center will have a full schedule of holiday happenings, including Let It Snow Planetarium Shows, Laser Light Holiday Shows, Frigid Science Demonstrations and Winter Wonder STEM activities. The series will occur daily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/tis-season.
Then on Friday, December 1, between 6 and 9 p.m. guests are invited to step an enchanting and starry night of Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites! In partnership with FPL SolarNow, visitors of all ages can sing and dance to their holiday favorites during the spectacular outdoor laser concert. Recurring every Friday in December, families and individuals can enjoy DIY s’mores stations, face paintings, mini-golf winter-themed crafts, and holiday photos with the one and only Santa! Food trucks from Bustle and Brew, Tacos Vera Cruz Food Trucks, Gimme Grillin and Tina’s Treats Food Trucks will also be onsite. For more information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/Winter-Wonderland.
Looking for a New Year’s countdown for the kids? On Sunday, December 31, children of all ages are also invited to countdown to 2024 with Noon Year’s Eve at the Center! Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., guests can enjoy live science demonstrations, music and dancing, DIY confetti poppers, dry apple cider and more.
Also, cure cabin fever for little ones with seasonal camps! During seasonal breaks, students between the ages of five to 10 can join science and tech camps. To register and check pricing, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/camps.
- December 26th – 29th – Super Powered Science (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6, 7-9, and 10-11): Learn about the natural superpowers’ animals must have to survive in the wild and the special adaptations some animals have that help them survive the harsh wilderness.
- January 2nd – 5th – Deep Blue Ocean (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6, 7-9, and 10-11): Have you ever wondered how deep the ocean really is? As a Jr. Oceanographer and Marine Biologist, you will explore the inner makings of the ocean and what potentially lives in each layer of the ocean.
- January 8th – Walking on Sunshine (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6 and 7-11): Soar into our solar system and learn about the importance of the sun and other stars within our galaxy.
- January 15th – Eco Heroes (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6 and 7-11): How does a wildlife biologist protect animals and the environment? Come to this 1-day camp and learn what tools and scientific methods a Wildlife Biologist uses to learn the best practices for protecting wildlife and our own planet.
- February 19th – Jr. Master Gardener (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-6 and 7-11): As a Jr. Master Gardener, students will learn about the secret lives of plants, but also the underground world that aids in the health of our primary producers.
The Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s current indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, digital planetarium, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” 18-hole conservation-themed Mini-Golf Course and quarter-mile-long outdoor science trail. One of its celebrated displays includes “Journey Through the Human Brain,” a permanent exhibit that features the most advanced neuroscience research in the world. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows, seasonal laser shows, and special event programming. The Center took on a new name at the end of 2021 when leadership announced a $20 million gift from Palm Beachers, Howard and Wendy Cox, to launch a transformative capital expansion campaign. Shovels will be going in the ground late summer 2023 with a target completion date of 2026. To learn more, visit coxsciencecenter.org/support-us.
As of 2022, Cox Science Center and Aquarium earned the highest Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency rating on GuideStar in tandem with its perfect Charity Navigator score. The Platinum Seal of Transparency indicates that the Center shares clear and important information with the public about its goals, strategies, capabilities, achievements and progress indicators that highlight how it’s advancing its mission.
Tis the season to come to the Science Center! Admission is $24 for adults, $20 for children and $22 for seniors. For more event information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org.