Frost Science opened in its current Biscayne Bay location in 2017 and immediately became Miami's best family destination. Four buildings hold a 250-seat planetarium, a three-story aquarium with a 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream tank, hands-on exhibits on everything from human biology to AI to climate, and an outdoor terrace with the only living-coral reef exhibit in any urban science museum. Plan a half day. The planetarium shows run hourly and are included with admission. The rooftop aquarium overlook (looking down into the Gulf Stream tank) is the unmissable piece — schools of mahi-mahi and a single resident hammerhead drift below your feet.
Frost Science opened in its current Biscayne Bay location in 2017 — a $300 million purpose-built campus that immediately became Miami's best family destination. Four buildings hold a 250-seat planetarium (one of the most advanced in the country), a three-story aquarium with a 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream tank, hands-on exhibits on everything from human biology to AI to climate, and an outdoor terrace with the only living-coral reef exhibit in any urban science museum.
The aquarium is the headline. You enter from above and descend through three floors: open ocean predators (mahi-mahi, devil rays, a single resident hammerhead) on the top level, a 360-degree donut where you walk under the Gulf Stream, then the coral reef and mangrove exhibits at the bottom. The rooftop terrace where you look down into the tank is the most-photographed corner of the museum.
Plan 3-4 hours minimum. Planetarium shows run hourly and are included with admission — book a slot when you arrive. The museum is busiest with school groups Tuesday-Thursday mornings; weekends draw families. Late afternoon (after 3pm) is the calmest window.
What to expect
The experience
Self-guided across four connected buildings. Planetarium shows run hourly and are included. Plan to reserve a planetarium slot at entry. Aquarium views from rooftop terrace.
Best time
Late afternoon (after 3pm) for thinnest crowds. Weekdays during school year — fewer family visitors. Mornings Tuesday-Thursday have school groups.
How long
Half day, 3-4 hours minimum.
Tips
The planetarium fills up first — book a show time immediately at entry. Don't skip the rooftop aquarium overlook. The cafe is decent but Bayside Marketplace across the bay has more options. Strollers welcome throughout.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with kids 5-16, science-curious adults, anyone needing a rainy-day backup in Miami.
- Families
- Best family attraction in Miami, hands down. Hands-on exhibits work for ages 4 up; teens engage with the AI and climate sections.
- Couples
- Better than expected as a date. The planetarium show is a charming break, and the aquarium is genuinely beautiful.
- Time needed
- Half day. Combine with PAMM (next door, same admission complex on Museum Park).
Good questions
Is the planetarium included in admission?+
Yes. All planetarium shows are included with general admission, but you need to reserve a time slot — they fill up fast. Reserve immediately when you arrive.
How big is the aquarium?+
Three stories, anchored by a 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream tank. Multiple smaller exhibits cover coral reefs, mangroves, and the broader Florida ecosystem.
Is Frost Science accessible?+
Yes — the entire campus is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators between all floors and accessible bathrooms throughout. Sensory-friendly hours available; check the museum site.
Can I bring my own food?+
Outside food and drink aren't permitted inside the museum, but you can re-enter throughout the day if you leave for lunch. The Bayfront Park area next door has many options.
Combination ticket with Pérez Art Museum?+
Yes — the two museums are next door and offer a combo ticket. Worth it if you'd visit both anyway.
