When I first walked into Miami’s Frost Science Museum, I expected a typical museum experience. Instead, I found myself staring down into a 500,000-gallon aquarium from above, watching hammerhead sharks glide beneath my feet with downtown Miami glittering in the background. The layout — four separate buildings connected by outdoor walkways overlooking Biscayne Bay — caught me off guard. This isn’t your standard indoor Florida museum trudge.
To skip the explanation and just book tickets, head here.
Quick overview
Frost Science Museum costs from $29.95 for adults, though prices vary by day. Youth tickets (ages 4-11) start at $24.95, while children 3 and under enter free. The museum opens daily at 10am — closing at 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 6pm Friday to Sunday. Your Explorer Ticket includes museum exhibitions, the aquarium, and one planetarium show (subject to availability, booked on-site).
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From $29.95 adult | 10am–5/6pm daily | 1101 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132 | Under 3s, members | Not specified |
How much does the Frost Science Museum cost?
Pricing operates on dynamic pricing — weekends and peak periods cost more than weekday visits. The website shows exact prices when you select your visit date.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | From $29.95 | Ages 17+ |
| Youth | From $24.95 | Ages 4–11 |
| Child | Free | Ages 0–3 |
| Member | Free | Valid members with ID |
Special discounts include free admission for first responders, active US military, and veterans with proper ID. Seniors (62+) receive $5 off Explorer Tickets. These discounts must be claimed at the Membership Priority Window at the Ticket Centre — you can’t book them online. The museum does not participate in the Museums for All programme.
Is the Frost Science Museum free to enter?
No. The museum charges admission for everyone except children under 3 and members. There’s no free entrance period, no donation-based entry, and unlike some museums, you can’t wander the grounds without paying. Even accessing the terrace areas requires a ticket. Miami-Dade County residents used to receive discounts, but verify current policy at the ticket desk.
What time does the Frost Science Museum open?
The museum opens at 10am every single day — no closures, not even Christmas. Closing times vary: 5pm Monday through Thursday, and 6pm Friday through Sunday. The planetarium shows typically start around 10:30am and sell out quickly, so arriving at opening gives you the best selection. Field trip groups dominate from 10am until roughly 1pm on weekdays — if you want a calmer experience, arrive after lunch.
Do I need to book Frost Science Museum tickets in advance?
You can turn up and buy tickets on-site, but advance booking is strongly recommended. Planetarium shows are first-come, first-served and often sell out by 10:30am. If shows are full, your ticket price drops to $23 for adults — though at that point you’re missing a key part of the experience. Book online to guarantee entry at your preferred time slot and secure a planetarium showing. Members can reserve online or present their membership card and photo ID directly at the entrance kiosk.
History
Frost Science opened in 2017 in Downtown Miami’s Maurice A. Ferré Park (formerly Museum Park), replacing the museum’s previous Coconut Grove location. The $305 million complex, designed by Grimshaw Architects, covers 250,000 square feet across four buildings. The museum serves as Miami’s only facility combining a planetarium, aquarium, and science museum under one operation. Phillip and Patricia Frost donated significantly toward the project, hence the naming rights. The location next to Pérez Art Museum Miami was intentional — creating a cultural hub in downtown Miami’s waterfront.
What you’ll see inside
I’d not call the Frost Science Museum one of the main reasons to visit Miami, but it’s still impressive. The four-level Gulf Stream Aquarium forms the centrepiece — you can view it from above, at eye level, and from below. The top-floor vista lets you peer down at sharks cruising the surface. Interactive touch tanks let you handle stingrays and starfish.
The Frost Planetarium, housed in a free-standing sphere, seats 250 people in reclined seats for nearly 360-degree immersive shows covering space exploration and ocean depths.
The MeLab breaks down human biology through interactive exhibits. Feathers to the Stars features a 30-foot dinosaur and traces evolution. River of Grass explores Everglades ecosystems across indoor and outdoor sections.
The rooftop observatory offers telescope stargazing and 360-degree city views.
What’s included with your ticket?
- All permanent museum exhibitions across North and West Wings
- Three-level Gulf Stream Aquarium access
- One Frost Planetarium show (first-come basis, booked on-site)
- Touch tank experiences (stingrays, starfish)
- Rooftop observatory and telescope access
- Live science demonstrations
Not included: parking ($18 flat rate), special ticketed events, Food@Science café purchases, gift shop items.
Things to do near the Frost Science Museum
Pérez Art Museum Miami (next door, 2 minutes’ walk) — Contemporary art museum focusing on international works from the 20th and 21st centuries. The waterfront terrace alone justifies a visit. Adult tickets $20, free first Thursday and second Saturday of each month.
Bayside Marketplace (950m south, 10 minutes’ walk) — Open-air shopping and dining complex on the waterfront with 150+ shops and restaurants. Free to wander, frequent live music. Boat tours to see celebrity homes depart from here.
Miami Children’s Museum (1.6km east, 5 minutes’ drive) — Interactive museum designed for children under 12, with 17 themed galleries. Bank, supermarket, and television studio replicas let kids role-play. Adult and child tickets $25 each.
Wynwood Walls (3.5km north, 10 minutes’ drive) — Outdoor street art museum featuring massive murals by international artists. Free to visit, though surrounding Wynwood neighbourhood charges for gallery entry. Busiest on weekends.
Kaseya Center (850m south, 10 minutes’ walk) — Home arena for Miami Heat basketball and frequent concert venue. Check event schedules — game-day atmosphere in surrounding Brickell neighbourhood is electric. Ticket prices vary by event.
Practical tips
Location: Downtown Miami on Biscayne Boulevard in Maurice A. Ferré Park, directly adjacent to Museum Park Metromover station. The location is extremely walkable if you’re staying downtown or in Brickell.
Parking: The on-site garage charges $18 flat rate (members receive $7 discount with validation). Pay at machines before returning to your car — credit card only, no cash. The garage fills quickly. Alternative parking includes the Omni Garage ($8 for 2 hours) or metered street parking nearby.
Getting there: The Museum Park Metromover station sits literally across the street — take the Omni Loop. Brightline trains from Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, or Orlando stop at MiamiCentral Station, a short walk away. Several bus routes serve the area.
Time needed: Budget 3-4 hours minimum. The aquarium alone takes an hour, planetarium shows run 20-25 minutes, and the exhibitions spread across six floors. Families with young children often spend half a day here.
School groups: Weekday mornings (10am-1pm) swarm with field trips. Children run freely, touch tanks get mobbed, and the planetarium fills with chattering groups. Visit after 1pm or on weekends for a calmer experience.
Photography: Allowed throughout for personal use, though some specific objects have no-photo signs. The aquarium’s blue lighting makes phone cameras struggle. Tripods and professional equipment require advance written approval from the marketing department.
Food: Food@Science café offers pizzas, power bowls, Mexican street corn, and Miami-inspired dishes. Prices match museum café standards (expensive). Beer and wine available. Alternatively, Bayside Marketplace has numerous restaurants within 10 minutes’ walk.
What to wear: Indoor spaces are heavily air-conditioned. Bring a light jacket even in summer. The museum has significant outdoor sections — in Miami’s heat and humidity, this means sun protection. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout with lifts serving all levels. Accessible parking available in the garage (8-foot clearance limit — taller vans should call ahead). Six electric vehicle charging stations and six fuel-efficient vehicle spots available.
FAQs
Can I visit just the planetarium or just the aquarium?
No. The Explorer Ticket is all-inclusive — you can’t purchase separate tickets for individual sections. If planetarium shows are sold out when you arrive, ticket prices drop slightly.
Do I need to reserve my planetarium show in advance?
No advance reservations. Shows are booked on-site at the planetarium kiosk or via your smartphone on arrival. First-come, first-served, and popular shows (especially weekends) sell out by 10:30am.
Is the museum suitable for toddlers?
Yes, though very young children won’t engage with all exhibits. The touch tanks, aquarium viewing, and MeLab tend to hold attention. Prams are allowed. The outdoor sections and stairs can be challenging with small children.
How do I avoid the school groups?
Visit after 1pm on weekdays, or come on weekends. Most school groups leave by early afternoon. If you arrive at opening, head straight to quieter areas like Leonardo da Vinci or the paleontology exhibits first.
Is there a cloakroom or bag storage?
Complimentary bag storage available at entry for bags exceeding 14″ x 12″. Medical and infant bags permitted. Backpacks and large bags must be checked — staff aren’t responsible for contents.
What’s the bag policy?
Bags must be smaller than 14″ x 12″ or stored upon entry. All bags subject to security review. Suitcases, large backpacks, and duffle bags aren’t allowed in the museum.
More Florida travel
Other Florida travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to the Cummer Museum in Jacksonville.
- Plan your visit to the Museum of Illusions in Orlando.
- Exploring the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.
- The weird tribute of Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida.
- Why the Ringling Museum in Sarasota is one of the best stops on the Punta Gorda to Tampa drive.
