Feel at home for the holidays when you spend it with the Cox Science Center & Aquarium. Wrap yourself in the warmth and incandescence of the center’s weekly Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites, its ’Tis the Season for Science series, Noon Year’s Eve and more.
“The science center doesn’t miss a beat during the holiday season,” President & CEO Kate Arrizza said. “It’s our way of giving the gift of fun and quality time for families who are gathering or loved ones looking to make special holiday memories.”
Starting off the holiday buzz, spend Black Friday looking at the dark sky. On Friday, Nov. 24, the science center will present its Dark Sky Party for fellow stargazers to step into the mysterious world of the universe. From 6 to 9 p.m., guests can view the night sky and captivating astronomical objects through the new eVscopes. Attendees will also have stellar activities, including making galaxy goo, a constellation star chart and astronomy trivia. The Astronomical Society of the Palm Beaches will be onsite to answer all your questions.
Between Nov. 24 and Jan. 7, the science center will have a full schedule of holiday happenings as part of ’Tis the Season for Science, including Let It Snow Planetarium Shows, Laser Light Holiday Shows, Frigid Science Demonstrations and Winter Wonder STEM activities. The series occurs daily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.coxsciencecenter.org/tis-season.
On Friday, Dec. 1, between 6 and 9 p.m. guests are invited into an enchanting and starry night of Winter Wonderland Laser Lights & Bites. In partnership with FPL SolarNow, visitors of all ages can sing and dance to their holiday favorites during a spectacular outdoor laser concert. Recurring every Friday in December, families and individuals can enjoy DIY smores stations, face painting, mini-golf winter-themed crafts and holiday photos with Santa. Food trucks from Bustle and Brew, Tacos Vera Cruz, Gimme Grillin’ and Tina’s Treats will also be onsite. For more information, visit www.coxsciencecenter.org/winter-wonderland.
Looking for a New Year’s countdown for the kids? On Sunday, Dec. 31, children of all ages are also invited to countdown to 2024 with Noon Year’s Eve at the science center. Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., guests can enjoy live science demonstrations, music and dancing, DIY confetti poppers, dry apple cider and more.
Also, cure cabin fever for little ones with seasonal camps. During seasonal breaks, students between the ages of five to 10 can join science and tech camps. To register and check pricing, visit www.coxsciencecenter.org/camps.
The Cox Science Center & Aquarium’s current indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, a digital planetarium, the pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an 18-hole conservation-themed mini-golf course and a quarter-mile-long outdoor science trail. One of its celebrated displays includes “Journey Through the Human Brain,” a permanent exhibit that features the most advanced neuroscience research in the world. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows, seasonal laser shows and special event programming.
The center took on a new name at the end of 2021 when leadership announced a $20 million gift from Palm Beachers Howard and Wendy Cox to launch a transformative capital expansion campaign. Shovels will be going into the ground with a target completion date of 2026. To learn more, visit www.coxsciencecenter.org/support-us.
’Tis the season to come to the Science Center. Admission is $24 for adults, $20 for children and $22 for seniors. For more event information, visit www.coxsciencecenter.org.
