Cox Science Center & Aquarium, WPB

Cox Science Center & Aquarium in West Palm Beach is a museum with three main indoor areas and some activities outside as well. The first area is for temporary exhibits and these are usually excellent, with plenty of hands-on activities for kids. Bring a sweater because it's cold.

The second area has many toys kids can manipulate. Against the wall is a lights area where kids can push cylinders into holes and the cylinders light up. They can arrange them to make patterns. There is a water station where kids can rearrange barriers to make the water flow in different directions. These two activities are very fun.  Kids can go inside a hurricane simulator for free, which is a blast. There are also brain teasers and iron shavings in liquid with magnets that kids can fool around with. The electricity ball is always fun. Unfortunately, the building is dark without windows and worst of all, it is extremely dank. There must be some bacteria in the AC because it smells very bad inside the building and after a while I felt like I was getting asthma and couldn't breathe. I had to get outside.
The third area has a rotating globe with images projected onto it, and the aquariums. I felt sorry for two large sharks in the small tank. Who would want to be in a space only several times bigger than oneself for the rest of one's life? There are some pretty tanks with coral and unusual fish, such as the panther grouper.
Outside, you can get some fresh air and there are also snack machines. The plants are lush and tropical. There is a bubble station where kids can make large bubbles. A mini-golf area is a bit sad-looking. There is an echo tube that you can sing into, and whisper discs where you can talk to your friend on the other side. Turtle stepping stones are fun for the little kids.
Next door to the South Florida Science Center is the Palm Beach Zoo, a gorgeous tropical paradise.
For another science center nearby, check out the free science center at Sugar Sands Park in Boca Raton- the theme and exhibits change and it is great.

Directions

The museum is located in Dreher Park at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach FL 33405, call (561) 832-1988.
Hours are M-F 9-5, Sat and Sun 10-6. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Price is $20 for adults and teens, $16 for kids aged 3-12, and $18 for seniors aged 60+. Planetarium shows are $5. You can also get an annual membership.

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