South Florida Summer Fun

If you’re looking for things to do with the family while beating the heat, here are some local options to explore. 

Crack the Case at Frost Science: If the museum’s name alone isn’t enticing enough on a sweltering summer day, add the adventure of the new Sherlock Holmes exhibit and it’s hard to resist. Mini-investigators are transported to an atmosphere of Victorian-style London as they test their powers of observation through indoor, hands-on activities at this new exhibit. Kids are encouraged to discover and interpret clues as they meet some suspicious, and not-so-suspicious characters along the way. Using their own detective work, and some Sherlock Holmes inspiration, children can unravel the investigation and solve the mystery.

The final gallery of the exhibit features a vast collection of all things “Sherlockian” ranging from vintage card games and comics to radio scripts, movie and television show props and costumes. The exhibit is ongoing through Sept. 5th at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science at 1100 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. For more information, call 305-434-9600 or visit www.frostscience.org.

A Prehistoric Adventure at MODS: The dinosaurs didn’t have the luxury of air conditioning, but you do at the Dinosaurs in Motion exhibit at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale. The interactive, STEAM themed traveling exhibit features 14 fully interactive, life-sized metal dinosaur sculptures. Children can have fun while learning by using the lever and pulley systems and remote controls throughout the display. The exhibit is free with paid museum admission and runs through Sept. 6th. MODS is located at 401 SW Second St. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, call 954-467-6637 or visit www.mods.org.

Mindbender Mansion at Cox Science Center: Have a cool time testing your brainpower at the puzzling Mindbender Mansion exhibit. You’ll be greeted by the wacky Mr. E., master brainteaser and puzzler extraordinaire, as he explains the mysteries of the Mindbender Mansion and how to gather hidden clues and secret passwords. The whole family is encouraged to participate in these interactive challenges that require independent thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills. Activities include 11 individual brain teasers and three group activities. Once you’ve completed the mission, you’ll become a member of the Mindbender Society and will have your portrait on the “Wall of Fame.” Mindbender Mansion runs through Sept. 4th at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach. For more information, call 561-832-1988 or
visit www.coxsciencecenter.org.

Summer Savings are Heating Up

It’s back! Four local attractions have teamed up again to offer unlimited summer admission at one low price with the South Florida Adventure Pass. 

For $50 per adult and $40 per child (ages 3-12), pass holders receive admission all summer long to Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens, Museum of Discovery and Science and Sawgrass Recreation Park. Activities range from animal encounters and exhibits to interactive activities and airboat adventure rides.

Families can step into science-inspired fun at MODS where there’s a variety of hands-on exhibits and activities inside and additional entertainment outside at the Science Park. At Butterfly World, guests enjoy the open-air aviaries, a vine maze, butterfly museum and insectarium. Flamingo Gardens, one of the oldest botanical gardens in South Florida, has alligators, bobcats, peacocks, a bear and flamingos throughout the sanctuary. Then there’s Sawgrass Recreation Park, a place to explore the natural beauty of the Everglades and experience an airboat adventure through the sawgrass. 

The South Florida Adventure Pass is available for purchase at all four of the participating locations and provides unlimited admission through September 30, 2022. For more information, visit www.southfloridaadventurepass.com.

The fun doesn’t stop there. The Summer Savings Pass is another offer that provides endless summer fun at an affordable price. Participating attractions include the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, Lion Country Safari and Zoo Miami. For $59.99 per adult and $49.99 per child (ages 3-12), pass holders receive unlimited visits to all three attractions through Aug. 31st. 

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium features more than 100 hands-on indoor and outdoor educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon aquarium, digital planetarium, a discovery center, mini golf, an outdoor science trail and a splash pad. Lion Country Safari, Florida’s largest drive-through safari and adventure park, features over 1,000 animals, a four-mile drive through preserve, and an adventure park with rides, animal habitats, a water-play area and more. Zoo Miami is home to more than 3,000 animals and also includes an indoor Conservation Action Center, and outdoor water play areas.

For more details on the Summer Savings Pass visit www.summersavingspass.com.