Let Curiosity Bloom: Spring Break Fun at the Emerald Coast Science Center
- Kate Fox
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Spring Break is blooming with excitement at the Emerald Coast Science Center, and we’re ready to put a little spring in your step: and a lot of science in your day! From buzzing pollinators and shamrock-filled STEM fun to weather wizardry and animal adaptations, each day is packed with hands-on workshops, planetarium adventures, animal encounters, and plenty of opportunities to explore together as a family. No need to pollen your plans elsewhere, this is the place where curiosity sprouts, creativity blossoms, and learning is always in full bloom.
Please note: our workshops are not drop-off programs. These activities are designed for the whole family to enjoy together, because science is more fun when everyone gets their hands dirty (sometimes literally). Space for Creature Features and Planetarium Shows are available on a first come, first served basis. Access to hands-on workshops is included with general admission. Planetarium and Animal Tales shows include additional fees.
Click the link for each date below to learn more about workshop activities and shows!
Kick off Spring Break with a day that’s truly buzz-worthy!
Pollinator Power Workshop | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Spring is buzzing, and so are we! Explore the fascinating world of pollinators, from bees and butterflies to mysterious moths. Through games, robots, and creative building, young scientists will discover how insects are perfectly designed for flight, sensing, and pollen collection and why every fuzzy body part matters.
Planetarium Show: Mysteries of the Brain | 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Take a mind-blowing journey through the human brain alongside a girl and her crow companion. Zoom through neurons, explore illusions, and learn how brains, human and animal, work and grow.
Creature Feature | 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Meet some of our Animal Ambassadors up close! Seating is first come, first served.
sciPad | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Drop in and tap into interactive STEM fun.
Planetarium Show: Mars: The Ultimate Voyage | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Blast off toward the Red Planet and explore real NASA research preparing humans for Mars.
Shamrock Shenanigans Workshop | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Get ready for some green-tastic fun! Create gooey shamrock slime, build a light-up shamrock circuit, and hunt for hidden gold during our special scavenger hunt. It’s STEM with a lucky twist!
Planetarium Show: Forward! To the Moon | 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Join Kari Byron as we launch into NASA’s Artemis program and explore humanity’s return to the Moon.
Creature Feature | 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
sciPad | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Planetarium Show: Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Hear the planets orbit and listen to the stars come alive in this immersive, sound-driven space adventure.
The Petal Lab Workshop | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where art meets ecology! Turn coffee filters into vibrant flowers using chromatography, then craft native wildflower seed bombs to take home and help flowers flourish.
Planetarium Show: Mysteries of the Brain | 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Creature Feature | 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
sciPad | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Planetarium Show: Mars: The Ultimate Voyage | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Weather Wizardry Workshop | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cloud gazing encouraged! Explore how clouds form, make rain in a jar, test spring weather smarts, and engineer a kite to see how breezes bring science to life.
Planetarium Show: Forward! To the Moon | 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Creature Feature | 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.sciPad | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Planetarium Show: Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System | 2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Planetarium Night: Egyptian Myths & Legends
Our original storyteller is back and ready to entertain the whole family at this very special Planetarium Night!
Step back in time and look up at the night sky the way Ancient Egyptians did thousands of years ago. In this family-friendly planetarium show, we’ll uncover the legendary stories of gods like Ra, Osiris, Isis, and Horus, along with lesser-known (but equally fascinating) deities like Sekhmet the lion goddess and Sobek the crocodile god. Along the way, guests will learn surprising facts about daily life in Ancient Egypt (spoiler alert: their toothpaste was… something) and journey through the solar system with stops at Earth, Venus, the Sun, and the Moon. The evening wraps up with a magnificent constellation display inspired by ancient Egyptian star lore.
Recommended for ages 5+
Free for members | $12 per non-member guest
Animal Adaptations Workshop | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
From sticky tongues to sharp senses, discover the amazing adaptations animals use to survive and thrive. Hands-on games and experiments make this a wild way to learn!
Interactive Animal Tales | 10:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. Registration required. Additional fees apply. More info below!
Creature Feature | 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
sciPad | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Animal Tales: Up Close & Wild
Showtimes: 10:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.
Get ready for a Spring Break experience that’s truly un-fur-gettable. Animal Tales is bringing an incredible lineup of animals to the Science Center, including a Kinkajou, Tegu, Kookaburra, Fruit Bat, Rainbow Boa, and Tarantula. These interactive shows let guests get up close—and even touch some of the animals afterward. Talk about a Spring Break photo op you’ll be showing off for years! Space is limited; advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.
$5 for members per ticket | General admission + $5 for non-member guests per ticket
For one night only, our original, legendary storyteller returns with two adults-only planetarium experiences that are equal parts educational, shocking, and wildly entertaining.
The universe can be a dark place, and this show proves it. While touring the solar system, we’ll explore infamous crimes tied to outer space, from the mysterious deaths of ancient astronomers like Socrates and Hypatia, to cult obsessions with the Hale-Bopp comet, to astronauts behaving very badly. Expect tales of adultery, witchcraft, and even moon rock robbery during this chilling night under the stars.
What’s your sign… and what does it really say about you? This adults-only zodiac deep dive explores personality traits, compatibility, signs to embrace (and avoid), and the bizarre—and sometimes sultry—Greek myths behind the zodiac symbols. Astrology has never been this spicy.
Non-members: $15 per show/Members: $13 per show
Double Feature Deal: Book both shows and receive 20% off
Single ticket includes one show + one drink ticket (beer, wine, or soda)
Double feature ticket includes both shows + two drink tickets
Event is for ages 21+ only
Spring Break is popping with possibility at the Emerald Coast Science Center! Whether your family is into space, slime, animals, or all things hands-on, there’s something new to explore every day. Come grow your curiosity with us- no green thumb required.
