January at MODS Focuses on Building, Space Exploration, and Interactive Family Experiences

The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale begins the year with a January schedule centered on hands-on learning, creative construction, and immersive science experiences designed for families and children of all ages. The month’s programming combines building challenges, environmental exploration, space-themed competitions, sensory-friendly access, and the launch of two major traveling exhibits.

On Jan. 10, young builders ages 6–12 participate in the Junior Galaxy Explorer challenge, showcasing custom LEGO® spacecraft as they compete for a chance to represent MODS at a LEGOLAND® Florida Resort grand opening. Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.

Throughout January, MODS hosts Master Builder Weekends, where visitors engage in LEGO®-based engineering challenges, collaborative building activities, and problem-solving exercises focused on creativity and design. The program runs on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., with special recognition of International LEGO® Day on January 28. Details are available through the museum’s Master Builder Weekends page.

Environmental education continues with guided Food Forest Tours on January 3 and 4. These tours introduce guests to the museum’s sustainable garden ecosystem, highlighting how fruits, herbs, and tropical plants grow together while addressing eco-friendly gardening practices through interactive discussions.

Families take on hands-on LEGO® brick building challenges during Master Builder Weekends at the Museum of Discovery and Science, where creativity, engineering and problem-solving come together through play. Photo courtesy of MODS.

Space and engineering take center stage on January 10 during the Junior Galaxy Explorer Competition. Children ages 6 to 12 are invited to present a custom-built LEGO® spacecraft, either created at home or assembled on-site. One participant will be selected to represent MODS at the opening of a new attraction at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, with prizes that include a family hotel stay.

Scouts in Lions, Tigers and Wolves levels participate in hands-on environmental science activities that support official Scouting America badge requirements. Photo courtesy of MODS.

On January 25, MODS offers a Sensory-Friendly Sunday Morning, providing early museum access with adjusted lighting and sound levels. The program includes hands-on activities and a modified IMAX® documentary screening of Wild Rescue, which follows wildlife rehabilitation teams caring for injured and orphaned animals. Admission for this program is free with advance registration.

Scouting programs are also featured this month. From January 10–11, Night in the Everglades Scout Overnight allows Scouting America and Girl Scouts troops to spend the night at the museum while participating in Everglades-focused science activities aligned with badge requirements. Additional scouting opportunities include the Eco Defenders Scouting America Workshop on January 17, where younger scouts explore environmental science and conservation through guided, hands-on learning.

Guests jump into action at Game On: Adventure in Every Move, a traveling exhibit that transforms the Museum into an interactive play zone focused on movement, strategy and teamwork. Photo courtesy of Minnesota Children’s Museum.

MODS expands its science programming beyond the museum walls with the Save Our Seas Distinguished Speaker Series on January 15. This free virtual event features Jeanne A. Mortimer of the Turtle Action Group of Seychelles, who shares research and conservation insights related to sea turtle habitats and long-term protection efforts.

Guests test reaction time, slap shot power and agility inside HOCKEY: Faster Than Ever, a fast-paced traveling exhibit exploring the science and technology behind the sport. Photo courtesy of Flying Fish.

The month concludes with the opening of two traveling exhibits. Game On: Adventure in Every Move, opening January 23, transforms the museum into an interactive play environment emphasizing movement, teamwork, and strategic thinking. On January 30, HOCKEY: Faster Than Ever opens, offering a hands-on look at the science and technology behind professional hockey, including reaction-time testing and slap-shot analysis. Both exhibits are included with museum admission and are presented with support from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and community partners.

By ML Staff.