The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival is back and better than ever. On Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., families can dive into a full day of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) excitement at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and Esplanade Park in Fort Lauderdale. Best of all? It’s completely free!
This event is a perfect opportunity for young minds to unleash their creativity and learn about science. It also includes a lot of fun! The event kicks off with President & CEO of MODS, Joe Cox, getting SLIMED, all in the name of science. But it expands from there throughout the museum and Esplanade Park, featuring nationally renowned STEM presenters, gravity-defying acrobatics and interactive challenges. Highlights include:
- Spheres Bubble Show – A mind-blowing fusion of art, science and magic! Created by Blaise Ryndes, the bubble phenom from “America’s Got Talent” Season 13, this Cirque Du Soleil-style performance transforms simple bubble science into a dazzling display of visuals and comedic charm.
- WeFlip Science Acrobats – Physics in motion! What started in a circus-renovated garage has soared to new heights, amazing audiences at Disney and beyond. WeFlip Entertainment is known for its gravity-defying stunts and thrilling acrobatics, all showcasing Newton’s Second Law in action! Experience the flips, stacks and daring feats that make them a must-see experience!
- It’s Not Magic, It’s Science – Starring Jay Flores, global STEM ambassador, PBS’s “Make48” host and “American Ninja Warrior” star, this show blends mind-bending illusions with real science to spark curiosity in all ages. As a Discovery Education Mystery Science Guide, Flores has inspired millions of students by answering fun STEM questions. Witness the magic of science in this eye-opening, interactive experience!
Families can get creative together, including learning binary code and creating a bracelet with their initials encoded in black and white beads. They can sharpen their math skills with a DIY paper game or experiment with pressure and buoyancy through Cartesian divers, and enjoy other opportunities to tinker and use tools. In addition, kids can learn about STEM careers through hands-on activities with CTS Engines, LEGO® Build the Change, Broward MPO, Blue Frontier and more.
There will be live science demonstrations, such as the Oobleck Run. Participants can run across a pool of non-Newtonian fluid and explore the surprising science of solid-liquid hybrids. And kids will be wowed by the Liquid Nitrogen Show.
Guests can participate in hourly challenges to win prizes like MAGNA-TILES® Dino XL sets and Squishmallows, including:
- Pressing Plaque – Use a stent to clear plaque buildup and understand its impact on blood flow.
- Antigen Elimination – Remove as many pathogens as possible in 20 seconds using a magnetic fishing line.
- Bristle Bots – Build a tiny vibrating robot and watch it scuttle around.
- Balloon Hover Boards – Engineer a hover board with balloons and learn about air pressure.
“We are thrilled to host the return of the Visit Lauderdale Science Festival, an awe-inspiring celebration of STEM that will now be an annual cornerstone event for Broward County,” said Joseph P. Cox, president & CEO of MODS. “Science festivals unite communities, ignite curiosity and showcase South Florida’s thriving STEM industries. By connecting young minds with industry leaders, we hope to inspire future innovators and drive economic and educational growth in our region.”
“The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival is an event that represents our commitment to innovation and education in Greater Fort Lauderdale,” said Stacy Ritter, president & CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “By supporting this festival, we not only celebrate the wonders of science but also position our destination as a place for discovery, creativity and intellectual growth.”
Kids can grab a Festival Passport and collect stamps at activity stations and exhibits throughout MODS and Esplanade Park for a chance to win prizes like 4Ocean Bracelets, LEGO® kits and more!
Parents might especially be interested in some of the guest speakers. At the Innovation Showcase, local industries and universities highlight cutting-edge research shaping our community. At the Science Cafés, families can connect with leading STEM professionals and explore the latest discoveries.
Featured speakers include:
- Dr. Laura Fontenas, assistant professor of biological sciences at Florida Atlantic University, presenting groundbreaking neurobiology research on spinal injury repair.
- Dr. Afeefa Abdool-Ghany, senior scientist at Brizaga, discussing the origins of South Florida’s drinking water, focusing on the region’s aquifers and the importance of protecting them from pollution.
- Amaka Amalu, PE, founder of Tech Girl Power, empowering young girls in STEM from underserved backgrounds.
- Additional speakers from top research institutions and industries, sharing cutting-edge insights into science, technology and innovation.
The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival is sponsored by Visit Lauderdale (Title Sponsor); Florida Prepaid College Savings Plan (Platinum Sponsor); Amazon, Blue Frontier, MacGillivray Freeman Educational Foundation, UKG (Gold Sponsors); Centuric Technologies, Florida Philanthropic Network, Publix Super Markets Charities, R-Squared Charitable Fund, Save Our Seas Foundation (Silver Sponsors); Broward MPO, CTS Engines, M&T Bank (Copper Sponsors); ABA Centers of Florida, McGriff (Titanium Sponsors); 4Oceans Foundation, Doubletime Digital, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, IKEA Sunrise, Jazwares, JetBlue, MAGNA-Tiles®, Xpress Entertainment (In-Kind Sponsors).
More Fun at MODS
Guests will enjoy free access to MODS’ world-class, educational and inspiring exhibits that shape our world and fuel innovation, including the new “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit,” presented locally by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans. Children will unravel the secrets of world-famous heroes in this new exhibit that brings to life the acclaimed PBS KIDS® TV series, “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum,” which follows kid adventurers Xavier Riddle, his little sister Yadina and best friend Brad as they tackle everyday problems by doing something extraordinary: traveling back in time to learn from real-life inspirational figures when they were kids. The PBS KIDS® TV series, “Xavier Riddle and The Secret Museum” is based on the highly acclaimed children’s book series “Ordinary People Change the World” by #1 New York Times bestselling author and South Florida resident Brad Meltzer and award-winning letterer and illustrator Chris Eliopoulos. “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum: The Exhibit “is a national traveling exhibit created by The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum in collaboration with 9 Story Media Group, Inc.
In addition, they can check out an IMAX film! As part of the Visit Lauderdale Science Festival, the IMAX Film Series Expo, presented by MacGillivray Freeman Educational Foundation, features “Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels,” an awe-inspiring journey into the cutting-edge advancements transforming human health. From bionic limbs to revolutionary gene therapies, this immersive IMAX® experience showcases the future of medicine on the GIANT screen at the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater.
For more information and to reserve tickets, visit mods.org/sciencefest.
