MOSH (Museum of Science and History)

If you’re looking for something to do on your Jacksonville Beach getaway that’s indoors and fun for all ages, add MOSH (Museum of Science and History) to your timetable. You may discover that it is one of the best things to do away from the surf!

This local landmark started as The Jacksonville Children’s Museum in 1941 near downtown. In 1967, the museum initiated a hands-on learning opportunity with animals that continues today. The museum moved in 1969 into a 33,000-square-foot building near Southbank Riverwalk and changed its name to the Jacksonville Museum of Arts and Science in 1977. It adopted its current name, MOSH, in 1988 and is on the cutting edge of education today.

Exhibits at MOSH range from core and signature displays to traveling exhibits and a planetarium. The Arts Infusion program lets guests of all ages interact with artists who showcase their work. This one-on-one access will broaden children’s appreciation for the arts while allowing the artist to interact with onlookers.

The MOSH Discovery Camps offer One-Day, Fun-Day opportunities for children to participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) activities. Additional camps are available for schools and organizations, and there are even overnight Camp-Ins at MOSH.

The museum’s central downtown location is a springboard for visiting nearby landmarks like the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Such convenience makes it easy to add multiple attractions in a day.

MOSH will entertain you and your children for hours with educational hands-on exhibits that make learning fun!

MOSH (Museum of Science and History): Fun Facts & Cool Features

One exhibit that will also appeal to parents is the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. It uses digital projection and sound to project breathtaking cosmic adventures on the 60-foot dome. What is also appealing is that there are various shows, so you can find something that will appeal to your group. For example, the Cosmic Concert event features lasers and cutting-edge audio with over 35,000 watts to create a sensory world of exploration you don’t want to miss. 

The Atlantic Tails is a Core Exhibit showcasing the coastal creatures of Northeast Florida. You’ll see animals found along the First Coast and Fermata, the life-sized sculpture of a Right Whale. There are plenty of hands-on activities that will fascinate children and adults.

Another fascinating exhibit is the JEA Science Theater, where a MOSH Educator explains the cause of explosions and shocks. The museum also offers fun experiments and other STEM-related activities for a memorable day.

The Creation Station is a signature exhibit that’s fun for the whole family. Here, visitors tackle DIY projects ranging from creating crafts from everyday products to using computer programs to make music. Space is limited for sanitation reasons, so book your time in advance to learn by doing.

After exploring MOSH, visit any of the nearby restaurants like Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store to discuss what you learned. You can also add visiting other facilities like the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for an immersive day of discovery.

Visiting MOSH during a trip to the First Coast leaves a lasting impression, transforming an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure. Add it to your itinerary for an immersive Jacksonville Beach activity.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to MOSH (Museum of Science and History) from Jacksonville:

• Start on I-95 S from Union St.
• Follow I-95 S to Main St Bridge/FL-1 N in Jacksonville; take exit 350A from I-95 S.
• Merge onto Museum Cir.
• Turn right onto W State St.
• Turn right onto N Newnan St.
• Continue onto the Main St Bridge.
• Turn left onto Museum Cir.
• Address: MOSH, 1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207

Cost

Here are the costs associated with visiting MOSH (Museum of Science and History):

• Adults: $24
• Senior/Student/Military: $22
• Children (ages 3-12): $18
• Children under 3: Free

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.