December Wonderlab At The Museum Of Discovery And Science - Celebrate The Season With Science-Powered Wonder, Dazzling Discoveries And Festive Family Adventures At MODS

“At MODS, we believe the season of wonder is the perfect time to spark joy through the power of STEM and learning through play,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “From exploring the science of snow and meeting real-life heroes to diving into PAW Patrol holiday fun and awe-inspiring IMAX adventures, families can learn, play and make lasting memories together. It’s a month filled with discovery, creativity and experiences that bring science and the spirit of the season to life.”

Winter Wonderlab Science Weekends in December

Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Sundays: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Kick off winter MODS-style with dazzling lights, hands-on STEM experiments and the fan-favorite Winter Nitro Show. Guests can explore how Florida’s climate shapes our seasons, meet resident animal ambassadors and take part in snowflake engineering and winter-themed sensory play. Every weekend transforms the Museum into a sparkling world of science and seasonal wonder. Included with Museum admission. For more information, visit: https://mods.org/winterwonderlab.

A PAW Patrol Christmas – Holiday Special

Saturday, December 13th • 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. (10 a.m. screening)

Get ready for a paw-liday celebration with the heroic pups of Adventure Bay, sponsored by Truist. Families can wear festive pajamas or holiday sweaters and enjoy early Museum access, winter science fun, a tropical “snowball” challenge, holiday crafts and hot chocolate topped with liquid nitrogen-frozen marshmallows. A fur-tastic screening of the PAW Patrol Christmas Holiday Special follows in the AutoNation IMAX Theater.

Additionally on Saturday, December 13th from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., enjoy a special Touch-A-Truck and Pet-A-Pup meet-and-greet with community first responders and their K-9 partners.

Cost: Members $38 per person | Non-members $48 per person (includes early admission, activities and film). To register, please visit: https://mods.org/holidaypaws.

Save Our Seas Distinguished Speaker Series

Thursday, December 18th • 6:00 p.m.

Dive into two free virtual talks, sponsored by the Save Our Seas Foundation, featuring leading ocean conservation experts. On Thursday, December 4th, Sophie Prendergast of the University of the Azores discusses endangered devil rays, and on Thursday, December 18th, Pelayo Salinas of the Charles Darwin Foundation explores shark ecology in the Galápagos. To register, please visit: https://mods.org/saveourseas.

Baby’s First Winter and Baby’s First New Year’s

Wednesday, December 31st • 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Make your baby’s first holiday season unforgettable with themed stories, hands-on early STEM play and adorable photo moments, sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Enjoy sensory-rich experiences and parenting tips for a memorable day of discovery. Included with Museum admission. To register, please visit: https://mods.org/series/babys-first.

Sensory-Friendly Sunday Mornings

Sunday, December 28th • 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Optional IMAX film at 12:30 p.m.

Families can enjoy a FREE sensory-friendly morning at MODS, sponsored by ABA Centers of Florida and Fifth Third Bank, with adjusted lighting, lowered sound and sensory-based activities. Guests may also enjoy a gentle-screening of Arctic: Our Frozen Planet in the AutoNation IMAX Theater. To register, please visit: https://mods.org/ArcticSensorySunday.

Noon Year’s Eve

Wednesday, December 31st • 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Ball Drop at Noon)

Families can ring in 2026 with lively tunes, dance-offs, kid-friendly science experiments and party gear creation, sponsored by Joseph and Katie Masucci Charitable Fund with support from Xpress Entertainment. Guests can count down to the Museum’s iconic balloon drop at noon, then capture memories at the New Year’s gallery wall. Included with Museum admission. Free admission is available for first responders and up to four family members with Valid ID presented at the Box Office.

Touch-A-Truck and Pet-A-Pup – Celebrate Real-Life Heroes!

Wednesday, December 31st • 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Families can meet the first responders and service animals who protect our community. Kids can climb aboard emergency vehicles, connect with real-life heroes and enjoy amazing K-9 demonstrations. Included with Museum admission.

Camp STEAMology, Sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Sessions: Monday, December 22nd, Tuesday, December 23rd, Friday, December 26th, Monday, December 29th, Tuesday, December 30th and Friday, January 2nd, 2026

When school is out, Camp STEAMology is in! Young makers and problem-solvers can take part in Handmade for Holidays and Tinkering Toys, two STEM-filled themes featuring creative challenges, IMAX inspiration and immersive Museum exploration. For more information and to register, please visit: https://mods.org/camp.

IMAX Hollywood Films

Experience larger-than-life stories on South Florida’s biggest screen! This December, music and movie fans can catch Rolling Stones – At the Max on Wednesday, December 10th and the highly anticipated Avatar: Fire and Ash on Thursday, December 18th in stunning IMAX clarity and sound. For tickets, please visit: https://mods.org/showtimes.

IMAX Documentary Film

Secrets of the Great Salt Lake

New Documentary Opens Friday, December 19th

Discover the mysteries of one of North America’s most extraordinary natural wonders in Secrets of the Great Salt Lake, a stunning new documentary opening at the Museum of Discovery and Science. The film takes audiences on an immersive journey through the Lake’s unique ecosystems, wildlife and environmental significance. Included with Museum admission.

PAW Patrol: Adventure Play!

Open through Sunday, January 11th, 2026

Step inside Adventure Bay to meet Marshall, Chase, Skye and the rest of the PAW Patrol crew in this interactive exhibit, sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans and Chewy Vet Care. Families can explore teamwork, problem-solving and the science of community helpers in a playful, hands-on environment. Included with Museum admission. For more information, please visit: https://mods.org/pawpatroladventureplay.

For more information about MODS’ December programs and special events, please visit: https://mods.org.

About the Museum of Discovery and Science

Opened in 1977 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 Square Foot facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.

The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: https://mods.org - Or call: (954) 467-MODS. Call: (954) 467-6637.

Like us or follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/modsftl

X (formerly Twitter): www.x.com/modsftl

Instagram: www.instagram.com/modsftl