If youre headed to Tampa and looking for a day packed with hands-on fun, mind-blowing science, and a splash of Florida sunshine, youre in for a treat at the Museum of Science and Industry Tampa — better known as MOSI. Consistently ranked among Tampa Bays top attractions, this isnt your average museum. Families and curious minds alike flock to MOSI in Tampa for a day of discovery, creativity, and excitement thats anything but ordinary. Whether youre piloting a drone, stepping into a butterfly garden, or getting up close with outer space, MOSI is the kind of place where "Dont touch!" signs are few, and the urge to explore is highly encouraged!
Welcome to MOSI: Tampas Hub for Innovation and Discovery
Once you step through the doors of MOSI, its easy to lose track of time. Theres so much to do, see, and interact with that planning a full day here is definitely the way to go. Housed in a massive 150,000-square-foot science center, MOSI is built for exploration. This isnt just a place to look at cool stuff behind glass — its a full-on experience loaded with hands-on activities that spark curiosity and inspire a real understanding of science.
The layout is intuitive, with wide-open spaces perfect for families, school groups, and solo science lovers alike. Even the outdoor Science Park offers a fresh-air way to explore basic physics and motion through larger-than-life installations. The open-ended learning style here is what sets MOSI apart, as its all about choosing your own adventure through science.
Must-See Main Exhibits
MOSI is packed with exhibits that turn curiosity into action. From hands-on challenges to mind-bending tech, each experience invites you to explore science in a fun, interactive way. Heres a look at some of the museums standout offerings you wont want to miss.
Flight Club Drone Zone
If youve ever wanted to fly a drone but were too nervous about crashing it, the Flight Club Drone Zone has you covered. This safe, indoor space lets you test your pilot skills by guiding drones through obstacle courses and challenges. Its equal parts fun and educational — and yes, youll probably want to do it more than once. Bonus: Youll learn the basics of flight and engineering, and maybe youll even get inspired to build your own drone at home!
LIVECycles Butterfly Garden
Need a break from the high-energy science action? Step into the LIVECycles Butterfly Garden, where things slow down and serenity takes over. Watch delicate butterflies flutter around you as you learn about their life cycle, from tiny caterpillars to full-blown beauties. Its a gentle reminder that science is everywhere, even in the quiet flapping of wings.
This outdoor exhibit is more than just a pretty garden — its a living classroom. Wander through a flourishing enclosure filled with native Florida plants that serve as both nectar sources and host plants for various butterfly species. Keep an eye out for the metamorphosis viewing station, where you can witness caterpillars transforming into chrysalises and emerging as butterflies. Its a tranquil spot that offers a hands-on understanding of science, making it a favorite among nature lovers and science enthusiasts alike.
IdeaZone
Welcome to the ultimate DIY lab. IdeaZone is where creativity and science collide in the best way possible. Want to try 3D printing? Go for it. Into coding or robotics? Theyve got that, too. Its a playground for makers, builders, and future inventors. This space changes regularly, so theres always something new to try, whether youre designing gadgets or experimenting with new materials.
You might stumble upon a group building bridges from spaghetti, designing aerodynamic rockets, or crafting circuits from everyday objects. The space is designed to encourage trial, error, and discovery — all essential ingredients for learning. Whether youre tinkering solo or joining a group challenge, IdeaZone offers hands-on activities that make STEM concepts stick in a seriously fun way.
Nature and Life Science Highlights
Curious about what makes the natural world tick? MOSI has you covered with hands-on experiences that literally bring science to life. Start with the LIVECycles Butterfly Garden, where youll walk among fluttering wings and native Florida plants while learning how caterpillars transform into butterflies. Its part science lab, part nature walk, and totally peaceful.
If youre up for a little outdoor exploration, check out MOSIs 30-acre nature preserve. The easy walking trails wind through real Florida ecosystems, giving you the chance to spot wildlife, study local plants, and see science in action. Its a refreshing change of pace and a great reminder that natures full of surprises.
Beyond the Exhibits: Immersive Shows
Time for a cosmic cool-down? Head over to the Saunders Planetarium for an out-of-this-world show. The state-of-the-art dome theater takes you on a journey through the stars, planets, and galaxies. Its the perfect way to unwind after a full day of hands-on fun while still feeding your curiosity. Whether youre stargazing or chasing comets, these shows are a stellar highlight.
For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, check out MOSIs Virtual Reality experience. Strap on a VR headset and dive into a 360-degree world where you can soar through space, explore ancient ruins, or swim with sea creatures. The motion-tracked ride moves in sync with the visuals, making each five- to seven-minute journey feel incredibly real. With over a dozen rotating experiences to choose from, theres always a new world to explore. Guests must be at least 42" tall to participate, and the ride is available for an additional fee.
Educational Programs and Seasonal Events
MOSI goes all-in on learning with programs that are anything but boring. From field trips to seasonal science camps, theres a rotating calendar of events for kids, teens, and even adults. One popular offering? Sensory Saturdays, which are special hours designed for guests who need a quieter, more relaxed experience. Keep an eye on the calendar for pop-up labs, themed weekends, temporary exhibits, and other special events that keep things fresh year-round.
Save on Admission With Tampa Bay CityPASS® Tickets
Looking to squeeze even more fun out of your Tampa adventure? Pick up Tampa Bay CityPASS® tickets. Youll save big on admission to MOSI and some of Tampa Bays top attractions, including The Florida Aquarium and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Its the easiest and smartest way to experience the best of the city without blowing your budget. Think of it as your all-access pass to Tampas science, wildlife, and thrill-seeking excitement!
Tampa Bay Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Tampa Bay, we recommend finding lodging near Tampa Bay's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Header image Courtesy of Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)