Cox Science Center and Aquarium

Cox Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach is one of those places that works for a surprisingly wide age range. You've got toddler-friendly water tables, a legit aquarium with sharks and rays, and science exhibits complex enough to keep a 13-year-old engaged. That's hard to pull off.

The aquarium section is more than just an afterthought. There's a solid shark tank, touch pools, and displays of local marine life from the South Florida coast. Kids who are into ocean stuff will spend a good chunk of time here. The touch pool is always popular — expect to wait a couple minutes on busy days.

Upstairs, the science exhibits are genuinely interactive. We're talking build-a-rocket stations, weather simulators, and physics demos that let kids experiment rather than just read plaques. The newer exhibits rotate, so repeat visits don't feel stale.

The planetarium is a highlight. It's a full-dome digital theater that runs several different shows throughout the day — some geared toward little kids, others more advanced for tweens and teens. Shows run on a fixed schedule, so check the website before you go and plan around the one you want.

Outside, there's an open-air science trail with interactive stations spread across a nice green space. It's a great way to burn off energy between indoor exhibits. There's also a mini golf course (separate fee, around $5) that's science-themed and good for a 20-minute break.

Admission is about $19 for adults and $15 for kids 3-12. The planetarium is an add-on of about $5 per person. Kids under 3 are free. For a family of 4, plan on $65-$85 depending on whether you add the planetarium and mini golf.

The center sits along Dreher Trail near Howard Park, so you're not far from the water. It's about 10 minutes from downtown West Palm Beach, where Rosemary Square has a solid selection of restaurants. The on-site cafe handles basics — sandwiches, chips, drinks — but it's nothing special.

Best strategy: arrive when they open, do the planetarium first, then work through the indoor exhibits before heading outside. On hot days (which is most days in South Florida), tackle the outdoor trail in the morning before it becomes unbearable.