Florida is a place where everyone will find something that suits their interest, tastes, and wishes. In addition to the endless beaches, national and theme parks, and ancient cities located in the state, there are also quite unique and unusual museums and science centers that will appeal to lovers of popular science. In this article, we've listed the places to visit if you want your vacation to be not only relaxing but also informative.
Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science is an interactive museum that allows you to take a fascinating journey into the world of science, technology, and wildlife. This gorgeous place has been operating in Miami for almost 70 years. Here you can see how the laws of mechanics and optics work, learn more about the structure of the human body, touch the secrets of the Universe, and learn about the technologies of the future. This place will not leave both children and parents. One of the most interesting features of the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science is that you're allowed to touch, twist, disassemble, and even break scientific exhibits here.
Today, the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science occupies 4 buildings: the North and West Wings with interactive exhibits, a planetarium with a state-of-the-art observatory, and a large aquarium with rare fish species. Each of the high-tech buildings is equipped with systems that collect energy from the sun, water, wind, and even the kinetic energy generated by visitors.
Address: 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami.
Operating hours: Monday-Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entrance fee: Monday – Thursday: for adults – $29.95, for children (4-11) – $22.95. Friday – Sunday: for adults (12+) – $32.95, for children (4-11) – $24.95. Children under 3 years old and members can visit the museum for free.
Website
Where to Stay Nearby?
The prices below represent the cost per night for a family of four:
The Gabriel Miami Downtown 4* – from $487
InterContinental Miami 4* – from $441
citizenM Miami Worldcenter 4* – from $318
Kennedy Space Center Museum
The main American gate to the Universe, the Kennedy Space Center, is a huge complex that allows you to get to the captivating, mysterious, exciting, and incomprehensible world of exact sciences and high technologies. This is both an active spaceport at Cape Canaveral, a cosmonaut training base, and a unique museum with a lot of exciting programs for adults and children.
It makes sense to devote a whole day (or even two) to visiting the center because there is quite a lot to see and learn there. You will explore the history of space exploration and promising NASA projects, visit the astronaut hall of fame and take a walk in the rocket park, and feel like an astronaut landing in a descent module thanks to IMAX super technology. Also, you will visit the spacecraft assembly building and stand on the legendary Launch Complex 39, from where the Apollos and Shuttles rushed into the black velvet heights.
Address: Titusville SR, 405, Kennedy Space Center.
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entrance fee: 1-day admission ticket: for adults (12+) – $75, for children (3-11) – $65, for seniors (55+) – $70, for the military – $70. 2-day admission ticket: for adults (12+) – $89, for children (3-11) – $79, for seniors (55+) – $84, for the military – $84.
Where to Stay Nearby?
The prices below represent the cost per night for a family of four:
Hampton Inn Titusville/I-95 3* - from $139
Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center 3* – from $209
Hyatt Place Titusville / Kennedy Space Center 3* - from $229
Orlando Science Center
Among science museums, one of the most famous is the Orlando Science Center. Here you can explore the ecosystem and nature of Florida, learn everything about light, sound, and magnetic waves, and improve your astronomical knowledge. In addition, the museum provides a unique chance to feel like a meteorologist at the Severe Weather Center. When visiting the center, make sure you check out the observatory and see the huge telescope. And don't miss the opportunity to fly the F1-11 and F-16 fighter simulators.
Address: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Day off: Wednesday.
Entrance fee: General admission: for adults (12+) – $24, for students – $22, for children (2-11) – $18, free for members and children under the age of 2. Multiple ticket options: from $30 to $90. Kids' night at the museum: from $60 to $85.
Website
Where to Stay Nearby?
The prices below represent the cost per night for a family of four:
Crowne Plaza Orlando 3* – from $194
Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando Downtown 3* – from $269
Comfort Suites Downtown 2* – from $147
What's More?
Whether you're going to stay in Florida for a couple of days or weeks, you still need to remember that accommodation costs and entrance fees are not the only expenses that your trip incurs. Additionally, you will have to think about the flight, food, city taxes, transportation costs, tipping, shopping, and other activities. Statistics show that the average cost of a vacation in Florida for a family of four is about $5,600. But even if it seems costly, it will fully pay off with bright emotions and unforgettable impressions.