The Miami Science Museum is an interesting stop for vacationers, especially those interested in the flora and fauna of this part of South Florida. The museum features interactive shows such as the Wildlife Encounter, where snakes, lizards, and alligators participate in the hands-on program in the museum's Wildlife Center.

In the theater at the Miami Museum of Science, visitors will see the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History short film Matters of Life and Death, a ten-minute story exploring microscopic food found in the soil.

Throughout the year, the Miami Science Museum features scheduled exhibits, activities, lectures, workshops, and events. In the Wildlife Center, the Falcon Batchelor Bird of Prey Center is dedicated to rehabilitation and release of injured birds of prey.

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The Miami Planetarium features the SPITZ star projector that can reproduce the planets and stars on the domed projection screen. Laser shows bring the stars alive with surround-sound music and multimedia imagery. Shows are scheduled daily, and children's ticket prices are reduced. In addition, Each laser show ticket includes a pair of laser glasses.

Within the Weintraub Observatory, two telescopes provide a free star show the first Friday of each month from 8 pm until 10 pm. The Fabulous First Friday program begins with the laser star show at 7:30 pm, followed by actual star observation at the Miami Planetarium from 8 pm until 10 pm. Hours for the observatory other than the first Friday of the month are 8:30 pm until 10 pm.

The Miami Museum of Science is open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, from 10 am until 6 pm. It's one of the best museums for travelers on a Miami vacation with their families, along with the Children's Museum, the Seaquarium, and the Metrozoo.