Museum of Science & Industry
3.9(4,938)3.9 out of 5 stars, 4938 reviews Tampa, FL
About Museum of Science & Industry
A hands-on science museum featuring an impressive upgraded planetarium and interactive brain games, though some areas feel outdated and underwhelming for longer visits.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with older kids interested in brain games and space scienceShort interactive outings of 1-2 hours with toddlers and preschoolersMilitary families looking for group discountsToddlers (2 years old) and Preschoolers (5 years old) enjoy the tactile, interactive touch-and-explore exhibitsOlder kids and teens (9 to 16 years old) are highly engaged by the brain waves game and brain teaser stands
Why families love it
- Saunders Planetarium with an 82-foot dome and 8K projection technology
- Interactive brain waves game and brain teaser stands that engage older kids
- Hands-on, touch-and-explore exhibits suitable for toddlers and young children
- Military discount available for the entire family
- Saunders Planetarium 45-minute shows combining live tours and space films
- Brain waves game
Insider tips
- Check the weather before going, as the butterfly exhibit may close during rain
- Plan for a shorter visit of 1.5 to 2 hours rather than a half-day trip to prevent kids from getting bored
- Ask about the military discount at ticket purchase if you are a military family
- Prioritize the planetarium show as a must-see highlight of the visit
Good to know before you go
- Planning long field trips or visits exceeding 2-3 hours
- Rainy days if you specifically want to see the outdoor lawn or butterfly exhibit
- Expecting a massive, state-of-the-art dinosaur collection
- Many exhibits are outdated and in need of major upgrades
- Underwhelming dinosaur exhibit consisting of only one metal skeleton replica and a few skull replicas
- Crowds
- Large school field trips of several hundred kids can overwhelm the small classroom-sized butterfly exhibit
- Value
- Offers a military discount for the entire family. Some visitors feel the outdated exhibits do not justify the cost unless admission is free, while others find value in the planetarium and brain games.
What parents say
"The planetarium shows at Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) are truly a stellar experience! The newly upgraded Saunders Planetarium boasts an impressive 82-foot dome, making it the second-largest in the country. Equipped with state-of-the-art 8K projection technology, it offers breathtaking visuals of the cosmos. The 45-minute shows combine live guided tours of the night sky with captivating space science films, providing both education and entertainment for all ages. Whether you're a budding astronomer or just curious about the universe, these shows are a must-see when visiting MOS"
2 weeks ago
"I visited the Museum with a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. Overall, it was a good experience. The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits that the kids really enjoyed, especially the ones where they could touch and explore. The exhibits were interesting and educational, though some of them could use a bit of updating. The space was family-friendly, and we felt comfortable throughout the visit. Definitely a fun place to spend a few hours with young children. Would recommend if you're in the area"
a month ago
"First visit. This place needs work and to have major upgrades done. Everything’s outdated. Not a lot of fun to be had here. The outside lawn area was the nicest part to look at. Where is the museum?"
a week ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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