Hours:

The Science Center is open year-round except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 

Monday - Friday: 9 am – 5 pm 

Saturday - Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

Explorers Cove will be closed for story time 10am-11am on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

The Cox Science Center is a part of the ASTC Passport program, which allows free general admission to other ASTC members who travel 90 miles outside their local area of residency and participating museum for which they are a member. 
Valid I.D. and membership card from participating museum must be presented upon entrance. For more information, visit: www.astc.org/passport
- Due to the 90-mile exclusionary zone, Cox Science Center members do not receive admission reciprocity to the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science and vice versa. 

For updates regarding our construction, click the link here to watch us grow - know before you go!

Science Center Admission Prices:

Discounts cannot be combined or used in addition to other offers. Click here to see active discounts and if you qualify. All minors under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult to gain entry.

Do you have a group of 15 or more? Email [email protected] to ask about our group rates!

Live Science Show Schedule:
* Subject to change due to weather or special event.
Please inquire with a Guest Services associate for updates.

**STEM Activities will be available at varying times and locations throughout the day. Please check activities and times at the STEAM Cart.**
Observatory programming occurs on select days, weather permitting. Please inquire with Admissions Box Office for tickets and access. 
 

Field Trip Forecast

Please note: Field trips have been modified in size and procedures in accordance with CDC Guidelines.

We are proud to serve thousands of school groups with our exhibits and programs annually, however, we understand some guests prefer a quieter environment when visiting our museum. Here is a weekly "forecast" to help you navigate our groups:

Forecast for the week of August 31^st, 2026:

Forecast for the week of September 7^th, 2026:

Most groups leave by 1:30 pm. The field trip forecast is subject to change without notice.

Prohibited Items 

• Firearms, ammunition, knives, and weapons of any kind 

• Objects or toys that appear to be firearms or weapons 

• Alcoholic beverages, e-cigarettes, and illegal drugs or substances are not permitted anywhere on our campus, including in our parking areas. 

• Please limit cigarette smoking to the designated smoking area on our outside Science Trail. 

• Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, inline skates, shopping carts, or wheel-heeled sneakers 

• Tripods, monopods, drones, and professional photography and videography equipment without prior written authorization from the CSCA Marketing Department. Please contact [email protected] for more information. 

• Helium balloons of any kind 

Dress Code 

Guests are required to wear appropriate attire (as determined by CSCA personnel in their sole discretion) while on Science Center property. For health and safety reasons, shirts and shoes are required at all times unless stated otherwise. 

Examples of unacceptable attire include: 

• Clothing that displays profanity, offensive messaging, or obscene language 

• Clothing that displays nudity, gory imagery, or adult themes 

• Clothing that exposes inappropriate portions of the body or undergarments, is excessively tight, or excessively contours portions of the body 

Swim attire may only be worn while actively in or around our Splash Pad area. Swim diapers are required for infants and toddlers, as regular diapers are not allowed in water play areas. Adults wearing swim attire should take care not to wear any clothing that exposes inappropriate portions of the body. All guests, including children, should make use of the changing stations. For safety reasons, guests with wet attire are not permitted inside the Science Center as this may create a slip hazard. Please click here for a full list of Splash Pad rules.

Photo and Video Recording Notice 

By entering the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, you consent to photography, audio, and video recording by authorized staff and their affiliates. These materials may be used for advertising, news, promotions, or other media, including websites and broadcasts. You waive any rights to claims related to the use, publication, or distribution of these recordings, regardless of format or purpose. 

CSCA Manners 

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, all individuals must comply with the following policies: 

• Children under the age of 13 must be always accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. 

• Smoking, including e-cigarettes, vaping, and smokeless tobacco, is strictly prohibited outside of the designated area on our outdoor Science Trail. 

• Refraining from the use of foul, inappropriate, or discriminatory language 

• Refraining from disruptive or disorderly behavior, including running, yelling, using inappropriate language, threatening others, or fighting 

• Recording of other guests, especially children, without explicit consent is strictly prohibited and will result in removal from the Science Center.  

• Soliciting, posting, or distributing any sign, notice, ad, or print material (other than authorized materials) is prohibited. 

• Sleeping or lying down in public areas of the Science Center is prohibited. 

On-site Food Options 

• Join us for our weekly Food Trucks on the Trail, Friday-Sunday. Please be sure to check the link to see what food trucks will be on-site! 

• All food MUST be consumed within designated areas, mainly our Science Trail picnic area and patio. Food and drinks are strictly prohibited in all indoor spaces. 

• While outside food is allowed to be brought into the Science Center, this is limited to individual meals, snacks, and food for toddlers and small children. Group-sized orders, platters, or food for large parties are strictly prohibited without prior authorization from CSCA staff. 

• Picnic tables or the outside patio area may not be reserved without paying a rental fee. All tables are first-come, first-served. Tables may not be held or reserved for large groups or parties unless booked through the CSCA staff. 

• Food deliveries (i.e., DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, etc.) must be received at the Admissions Box Office immediately upon arrival. Deliveries will not be accepted or held at the Admissions Box Office and will be turned away. 

Animal Policy* 

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.  The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. 

• The tasks may include, but are not limited to: guiding, alerting, pulling, assisting, retrieving, or performing other special tasks for someone with a disability.  

• A service animal is not a pet.  

Service animals are welcome throughout the Science Center so long as: 

• The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the person’s disability prevents use of these devices. 

• The handler maintains control over the service animal so as not to excessively or repeatedly disrupt normal operations. 

• Any messes/accidents are cleaned up by the owner 

*Service animals without a leash MUST be kept in either a carrier, bag, or stroller at all times. Non-service animals are not permitted at the Science Center. 

For questions regarding service animals as covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice, please click here for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to explore the Cox Science Center and Aquarium? 

A: Times will vary depending on the size of your party, but the average time to interact with all of our exhibits is around 2 hours. We continue to add new and exciting exhibits for everyone to enjoy, including our Flight Deck and newly opened outdoor Ice Age Exhibit. 

Q: What are your hours of operation? 

A: We are open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. from Monday – Friday, and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  We are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. 

Q: How long is my admission valid for? 

A: Tickets purchased in person are valid for the entire day during operating hours. Guests may leave and return so long as they have the appropriate admission verification wristband or a valid receipt. Tickets purchased online are valid for up to 180 days or until redeemed. 

Q: Is parking free? 

A: Yes! There is no charge for parking anywhere within Dreher Park. 

Q: What type of discounts do you offer? 

A: Please see our Discounts page for a full list of discounts and promotions 

Q: Do you offer sensory-friendly accommodations? 

A: Yes. We offer inclusive experiences for all guests, including Sensory Saturdays on the first Saturday of each month from 9–10 a.m., designed for guests who benefit from a sensory-friendly environment. Please contact [email protected] for more information. 

Q: Do you offer memberships? 

A: Yes! Memberships provide unlimited visits and exclusive benefits. Visit our Membership page to learn more. 

Q: Are we allowed to take photos in the Science Center? 

A: Absolutely! We encourage guests to snap photos of their favorite exhibits and experiences. Just be sure to use #CoxScience on social media, and feel free to tag @CoxScienceCenter too! 

NOTE: Flash photography within our Aquariums is strictly prohibited, as this may disrupt our aquatic animals. Images or footage may not be used for commercial purposes. Commercial photographers must obtain prior permission. Please contact [email protected] for more information. 

Q: Are wheelchairs available for guests? 

A: Currently, we do have 2 wheelchairs that may be used by request and are subject to availability. Please speak with a Guest Services Representative for access to the wheelchair. Wheelchairs are complimentary, and we simply ask that you return the chair at the end of your visit. 

Q: Are unaccompanied minors able to explore the Cox Science Center and Aquarium? 

A: Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older at all times. 

Q: Do you have a Lost and Found? What should I do if I lose an item at the Science Center? 

A: Our Lost and Found area can be found at our main entrance. Any item found will be brought to this area. During your visit, please speak with a Guest Services Representative for assistance. If you lost an item during a previous visit, please call our main line at 561-832-1988 or reach out to [email protected]. 

Q: Is there a place to store bags or luggage during my visit? 

A: Due to some of the construction impacts, we no longer have a designated area for holding luggage. All individuals are responsible for any unattended bags or belongings, so we advise keeping all belongings with you at all times. 

Q: Who do I contact if I have further questions? 

A: For a full list of emails and contacts, visit our Contact Us page. For everything else, please reach out to [email protected].  

GBAC

As of January 1st, 2025, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium is proud to have achieved the GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation. Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, we have implemented the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention throughout our facilities.

Location & Directions

From The Florida Turnpike

Take the Southern Blvd. exit east, past I-95 to Dreher Park. Turn right on Dreher Trail North into Dreher Park and continue on Dreher Trail to the Science Center.

From I-95 Heading South

Exit at  Exit 68 - Southern Blvd. and head east to Dreher Park (first right). Turn right on Dreher Trail North into Dreher Park and continue on Dreher Trail to the Science Center.

From I-95 Heading North

Exit at  Exit 68 - Southern Blvd. and head east to Dreher Park (first right). Turn right on Dreher Trail North into Dreher Park and continue on Dreher Trail to the Science Center.