How to Plan Frost Science Miami With Kids
Choose the aquarium, dinosaurs, body science or space first, then reserve the included planetarium show onsite before seats fill.
Frost Science is easiest with kids when you build the visit around one strong interest rather than trying to complete every floor. The museum suggests allowing three to four hours. One important booking detail: an Explorer ticket includes the exhibitions, aquarium and one planetarium show, but the show must be reserved onsite on the day of the visit, subject to availability. You cannot secure its time while buying general admission online (Frost Science visitor tips, Frost Science ticket information).
Pick the family’s priority before arrival
| If your child likes… | Start with… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sharks, rays and ocean life | The Aquarium | Its three-level route moves from open-air South Florida habitats to underwater views beneath the Gulf Stream tank. |
| Space and immersive screens | Planetarium booking, then galleries | Secure a show time first and plan the rest of the museum around it. |
| Dinosaurs, birds and flight | Feathers to the Stars | It connects feathered dinosaurs and animal flight with aircraft and space exploration. |
| The human body and active interactives | MeLaβ | The gallery explores how the body and mind work through interactive zones. |
| A little of everything | Aquarium, one gallery and planetarium | This protects the major experiences before attention fades. |
The Aquarium is the clearest all-ages anchor. Its route begins at the outdoor Vista level with Gulf Stream, mangrove and Everglades habitats, continues through coral-reef displays, and finishes below the tank at a 31-foot oculus. Vista also has a stingray touch experience (Frost Science Aquarium).
Exhibitions can change, so check the museum’s listings shortly before going instead of promising a child a particular temporary display. Miami’s official destination guide describes established galleries including Feathers to the Stars, MeLaβ and Power of Science (Miami & Miami Beach).
Reserve the planetarium when you enter
Explorer admission includes one Frost Planetarium show, but same-day reservations are first come, first served. Use the onsite kiosk or your phone after arrival; admission does not guarantee a particular show or time (Frost Science ticket information).
Arrive at the planetarium 15 minutes before the scheduled show. Doors close at showtime, with no late admission. Food, drinks and strollers are not allowed inside (Frost Planetarium). Families with a stroller should leave extra time to park it.
A workable order is:
- Arrive near opening and reserve the planetarium.
- Explore the Aquarium from Vista down to Deep.
- Stop for a snack or lunch.
- Choose one science gallery based on the children’s interests.
- Reach the planetarium 15 minutes early.
If the preferred show is unavailable, make the aquarium and galleries the core visit rather than waiting for a poorly timed alternative.
Tickets, hours and weather
As checked September 22, 2026, advance Explorer tickets start at $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for children ages 4–11. Children 3 and younger enter free. Prices vary by date, tickets are valid only on the selected date, and the museum recommends buying ahead (Frost Science plan-your-day page).
Published hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Recheck the official page before departure because hours and prices can change.
Part of the Aquarium is outdoors. Bring sun protection even when using Frost Science as a rainy-day anchor, and be prepared for exposed areas to close temporarily during severe weather (Frost Science visitor tips).
Getting there without a car
Frost Science is at 1101 Biscayne Boulevard in Maurice A. Ferré Park in Downtown Miami. From Downtown or Brickell, take Metromover to Museum Park station, beside the museum. The museum directs riders to use a Full Loop train for Museum Park (Frost Science transportation guide). For network and transfer planning, see our car-free Miami guide.
For drivers, limited onsite parking costs $18 flat as checked September 22, 2026. Payment is by credit card, and spaces can fill. The museum also lists nearby public lots and the independently operated Omni Garage; check their current rates rather than assuming they will be cheaper (Frost Science transportation guide).
Strollers, accessibility and family logistics
Families may bring a stroller, but the museum does not rent or lend them. Some exhibitions may require stroller parking. Manual wheelchairs are available on request at the Ticket Center or Main Atrium entrance in exchange for photo ID (Frost Science visitor tips).
Accessible spaces in the museum garage are limited and first come, first served. Vehicles taller than the stated 8-foot-2-inch clearance require advance coordination with Guest Experience (Frost Science plan-your-day page).
Medical and infant bags are permitted. Other bags and purses must be smaller than 14 by 12 inches; backpacks, duffels and suitcases must be stored at entry. The museum has an onsite café, but check its hours before depending on it for a meal.
For younger children primarily interested in open-ended role play and hands-on play, compare the Miami Children’s Museum. Frost Science is the more natural fit when the family’s priority is an aquarium, space or science galleries.