When the rest of the country is gripped with polar vortexes and frozen winter wonderlands, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is the place to be this winter to enjoy the beautiful weather and a docket full of socially-distant, outdoor family-friendly activities. Visitors are lucky to be able to explore the Fisher Family Science Trail, Conservation Course, Discovery Playground, programming at the Cox Amphitheater and many more of the Science Center’s outdoor offerings during these beautiful days in Palm Beach County.
“We are following strict COVID-19 protocols as guests’ safety is our first priority,” said Kate Arrizza, president and CEO of the Science Center. “We have been diligent in our precautions since re-opening in early summer and have prided ourselves on being a place of learning and safe fun. Our unique outdoor offerings set us apart, and we encourage parents to make sure their child never stops learning. We are a valuable resource for education and fun.”
The Science Center is also one of the first to obtain a Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, the Center now implements the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention throughout the facility.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful weather by playing a round of mini golf on the Conservation Course, named one of the Travel Channel’s top 13 mini golf courses in the country. Nearby, the Fisher Family Science Trail boasts a five-acre, quarter-mile trail connecting 15 exhibits including a PNC Physics Forest, FPL SolarScape, the Cox Amphitheater, shark tooth dig pit, gem panning station, Under the Sea Splash Pad and dinosaur walk.
On the second Friday of each month, guests can sing and dance along to a dazzling laser light show with plenty of room to social distance on the science trail during Laser Lights & Bites. Offering something for all ages, guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets to set up on the Cox Amphitheater lawn and purchase food from the food truck scheduled to be on-site. The next event is February 12th from 6-9pm and will feature music from The Beatles. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children, $10 for adult members, $8 for children members and free for children under 3. Twilight Mini Golf on the Conservation Course will be available as well.
Stroller Daze, happening February 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., is a fun-filled day for little ones, ages 5-years and under, and their guardians. Age-appropriate science crafts, outdoor live science shows, free planetarium shows, Discovery Center and playground exploration, giveaways and more are all on the schedule with 50% off general admission for adults and free for members and children under age 5.
Indoor exhibit halls are also open, including the Science Center’s current blockbuster exhibit, Real Bodies: The Exhibition, which showcases real preserved human bodies. Presented by the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, the exhibit is appropriate for all ages and goes beyond skin deep to reveal the mysteries of human anatomy and explores the body through history, culture and emotion. Visitors dig deeper into what it means to be alive. Real Bodies: The Exhibition runs through April 11, 2021.
Admission to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is $17.95 for adults $15.95 for seniors, $13.95 for kids ages 3-12 and free for members and kids under 3. Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing.
The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and in addition to its fresh and saltwater aquarium and new backyard Science Trail, the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a digital planetarium, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations. The newest addition includes a $2.5 million permanent exhibit, “Journey Through the Human Brain” and features the most advanced neuroscience research and technology in the world. The Center was awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the 7th consecutive year, which comes from the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities and is awarded for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.
For more information, please call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.
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STROLLER DAZE
WHEN: February 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHAT: Age-appropriate science crafts, planetarium shows, Discovery Center and playground exploration, giveaways and more are all on the schedule with 50% off general admission for adults and free for members and children under five. Other activities include a free planetarium show and live science demonstrations.
HOW MUCH: 50% off general admission for adults, free for members and children under five
LASER LIGHTS & BITES
WHEN: Second Friday of each month – next event is February 12 from 6-9 p.m. and features music from The Beatles.
WHAT: Sing and dance along to favorite songs with plenty of room to socially distance during the outdoor Laser Concert Spectacular. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets to set up on the Cox Amphitheater lawn and can purchase food from the food truck scheduled to be on-site.
HOW MUCH: Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children, $10 for adult members, $8 for children members and free for children under 3.
REAL BODIES: THE EXHIBITION
WHEN: On display until April 11, 2021
WHAT: This exhibit showcases 20 real, preserved human bodies, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Presented by the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, the exhibit is appropriate for all ages and goes beyond skin deep to reveal the mysteries of human anatomy and explores the body through physiology, culture and emotion.
HOW MUCH: Included with general admission
