DadsDoingDishes is on vacation in Miami. And yesterday, we attended The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami, also known as Frost Science. This is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of science and the natural world. Located in the heart of downtown Miami, this state-of-the-art museum (opened in 2017) offers a blend of interactive exhibits, immersive experiences, and educational programs that cater to visitors of all ages. From the moment you step into the museum, you are greeted with an atmosphere that is both engaging and inspiring, making it a perfect outing for families. My kids had a blast and my wife and I enjoyed every part of Frost Science museum.
Getting There and Getting In
All-in-one tickets are available on site or at the museum, based on availability. You can buy your tickets well in advance of your visit, using the Buy Advance Tickets page. I bought tickets online prior to getting the day before our visit and received the tickets by email.
Adult tickets start at $29.95
Youth (ages 4-11) tickets start at $22.95
Children (3 and under) are free
Museum members are free
The museum is open every day of the year, from 10 AM – 7 PM.
Parking available on site for $18 dollars. You can try to find street parking or other nearby parking sites operated by third parties. We chose museum parking – and I don’t regret it. If you are familiar with the City or want an adventure, you have plenty of options for using public transportation, including the Omni loop train to Museum Park, that will drop you off steps away from the museum entrance.
Aquarium
One of the standout features of Frost Science is its impressive aquarium. Spanning three floors, the aquarium showcases the diverse marine life of South Florida, including vibrant coral reefs, mangroves, and the Gulf Stream. For me, the most remarkable feature of the museum is the 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream Aquarium, which provides a mesmerizing view of the ocean’s depths through a stunning oculus lens. I enjoyed the variety of sea creatures, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks.
Planetarium
Another highlight of the museum is the Frost Planetarium, which offers an out-of-this-world experience with its cutting-edge technology and captivating shows. The 250-seat planetarium features a 67-foot dome and 16-million-color 8K projection system, delivers breathtaking visuals that will transport you to the farthest reaches of our universe.
You can reserve a spot to watch the planetarium show, when you first arrive at the museum. There is a QR code sign, located about 15 feet from the museum entrance, right next to the planetarium entrance door. When you first arrive, scan the QR code with your phone, and reserve your place(s) at a show that starts every 25 minutes. We entered the museum at 10:25 and I immediately scanned the QR code. We made the 10:30 AM show.
Other Exhibits
In addition to its permanent exhibits, Frost Science hosts a variety of rotating special exhibitions and hands-on science demonstrations that keep the experience fresh and exciting. Upon entry to the museum, you will receive a map of the museum. We visited all the exhibits, on every floor, starting on the first floor and made our way up level by level. Then we made our way over to the aquarium side of the museum. Starting on the fifth floor, we made our way down, floor by floor, visiting the different parts of the aquarium. It took us just under 3 hours to get through the museum.
The museum also places a strong emphasis on STEM education, offering numerous programs and workshops designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. My kids were able to get one on one live mini shows about dinosaurs and the human body. With its engaging exhibits, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to education, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science stands out as a premier science museum that enriches the Miami community and beyond.
Experience
As I mentioned above, we entered the museum around 10:30 AM. It was nice, because there was hardly anyone there. It felt like we had the exhibits to ourselves for a few hours. Every once in a while, a group of kids from summer camp would come by and fill an exhibit. But once they left, we were alone again. By the time we left, the museum had much more foot traffic. But it never felt overcrowded. It may be a good idea to get to the museum early.
I love the way the museum is set up. Between exhibits you can walk to the edge of each floor and observe the Miami skyline as well as the Maurice A. Ferre Park. Check out the observation decks on the fifth and sixth floor. If you are in Miami, plan on visiting the Frost Science museum. It was worth the time and money.