Getting ready forthe Cox Science Center and Aquarium.
A science center and aquarium in West Palm Beach with Sensory Saturdays on the first Saturday of each month, 9 to 10 am, at $5 admission, with softened lighting and lower noise, sensory kits on request at the event, and restrooms with no hand dryers or auto-flush.
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm. Open year-round except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Sensory Saturdays run 9 to 10 am on the first Saturday of each month, before the 10 am opening.
4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
Stay close“Children MUST be supervised at all times. An adult should be within sight and reach of children.”
Sensory kits (sunglasses, noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys) are offered on request at Sensory Saturdays, to use during the event and give back before you leave. For the Planetarium and Theater, consider bringing your own noise-reducing headphones.
You don't have to pre-register for Sensory Saturday. If you RSVP online, it reserves your spot for the morning, and you pay the $5 admission at the Admissions Box Office when you arrive.
Sensory Saturdays are on the first Saturday of each month. For dates in 2027, call (561) 832-1988 to confirm.
The splash pad on the Science Trail is an unsupervised space: swim diapers are required for infants and toddlers, guests in wet clothes can't go back inside, and it may close for bad weather or maintenance.
The center posts a weekly field trip forecast (how many school-group guests to expect each weekday) on its Plan Your Visit page; most groups leave by 1:30 pm. September is usually a quieter time of year.
Two holiday events: Winter Wonders, an outdoor holiday sing-along with Elsa and Anna, 10 am to 3 pm Dec 19 2026; and Noon Year's Eve on the Science Trail on New Year's Eve 2026, 9 am to 12 pm, with music and dancing, DIY confetti poppers and noise makers. Both are included with general admission.
Sensory Saturdays: first Saturday of each month, 9 to 10 am, $5 admission, with softened lighting and less noise.
Every restroom is sensory-friendly, with no hand dryers or auto-flush.
Often quieter: weekend mornings 10 to 11 am, and weekday afternoons after 2 pm during the school year.
Louder, in the center's words
The Planetarium and Theater (“a large amount of sensory stimulation”; the Planetarium is closed during construction)not stated
Quieter, in the center's words
The restroomsquiet zone
General admission (with $2 off through April 16, 2027, while Cats & Dogs is on display): adults $24, kids 3 to 12 $20, teens 13 to 17 $22, seniors 60 and up $22, members free. Discounts can't be combined with other offers. Tickets bought in person are good for the whole day; tickets bought online are valid for up to 180 days or until redeemed. You can leave and come back with your wristband or a valid receipt.
Museums for All: $3 per person for up to 5 people per SNAP EBT or WIC card, with ID. The photo ID and card must match; for a family card, the last name on the card must match the adult's ID, and families with different last names should email info@coxsciencecenter.org before the visit. General admission only; it excludes special events and planetarium show tickets.
More discounts: US veterans and active-duty service members get 50% off general admission with ID (service member only). Half Price for Heroes, on the last Saturday of every month, gives frontline workers and first responders half off for up to 4 guests with an ID badge. Blue Star Museums: free for active-duty military and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day 2027 (up to 6 per transaction). Bank of America Museums on Us: one free general admission for the cardholder on the first full weekend of every month, not during special events, including Sensory Saturday. Students in grades K to 12 with an A in science on their most recent report card or progress report get one free child admission per paid regular adult admission, not for special events and not with other offers; bring the report card to show at the ticket counter, and the Field Research Ranger passport booklet gives students free admission with a full-price adult.
There is no charge for parking anywhere in Dreher Park.
Food: you can bring individual meals, snacks and food for toddlers and small children, eaten in the designated areas, mainly the Science Trail picnic area and patio. Food and drinks are not allowed in any indoor space. Food trucks come Friday to Sunday.
There's no place to store bags or luggage during construction, so keep your things with you.
Two wheelchairs are available by request at no charge, subject to availability; ask a Guest Services Representative. All exhibits are wheelchair accessible except the Observatory, which has other options.
Children under 13 must be with an adult 18 or older at all times. Guest rules say no running, yelling, or lying down in public areas; if your kid may need to move, vocalize or lie down, call (561) 832-1988 before your visit to ask about accommodations.
Questions about accessibility or sensory needs: call the main line during normal business hours at (561) 832-1988, or email the Director of Guest Services at Kzambrana@coxsciencecenter.org. Groups of 15 or more: Programs@coxsciencecenter.org.
