MOSH (Museum Of Science & History) — Attraction in Jacksonville

One word - disappointment. While visiting nearby Fernandina Beach this week, we had a rainy day and decided to travel to the city with my 3 year old for a visit to MOSH. The recent reviews said rave things, but I found it severely lacking. Many of the interactive exhibits were either non-functional or difficult to figure out. The touchscreens in the energy displays were all but nonfunctional and where they did work, the lights they were supposed to be powering were not working. The narration in the body section sounded like the teacher from Charlie Brown and was completely unintelligible.

We had hoped to bring my son to the planetarium, but the only shows were in the middle of the afternoon (even though we were there at 10 when they opened). The exhibit room for the planetarium, although filled with space-related items, was not interactive and my son (who loves space and can already tell you all about the 8 planets), had no interest.

Outside the planetarium was an exhibit being torn apart, I assume to be replaced by something else. It seems like this could have been done during non-business hours, considering that the noise really detracted from the atmosphere.

The Jacksonville history section was admittedly, not the focus of our trip but we walked through. My son, being a real train fanatic already, would have loved it if the steam engine display had worked when he pressed the button - but instead, it just made noise.

The live animal exhibit was my son's favorite part, especially the horned owl. I give this section a B - as not all the exhibits contained an animal and there was no-one on hand to talk about the different things, but seeing the many reptiles, birds and even an opossum was really a treat for my son.

Lastly, as we wanted to find a keepsake to remember the visit, we looked in the Museum Store and it, too, was disappointing. From the sullen cashier who stared into space as if she wished she was anywhere else to the lack of items specifically related to the museum exhibits itself. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty of science and space related toys, but I can get these same items for a fraction of the cost somewhere else.

It really struck me as just an aging relic of perhaps a once great place. It's...

Disappointing Experience for a Screen-Free Family Outing

If you’re hoping for a screen-free, engaging family outing, I would not recommend MOSH. During my visit, I was disappointed by the overall condition of the museum, which seemed poorly maintained. Many signs and displays were visibly worn out or falling apart, which gave the impression of neglect.

The animal exhibits were limited to a few creatures, including several turtles, a lizard, a small owl, and a pigeon. I was especially excited for the “Touch Tank” experience, but it turned out to be a letdown. After walking around in circles trying to find it, I eventually stumbled upon a small, empty tank surrounded by barriers. There was no signs saying when it would be back in use and the tank itself was not toddler-friendly as it was positioned too high off the ground.

I had also looked forward to the “Creation Station,” imagining it would be a creative space for children. However, it was disappointing to find no art supplies at all—just a few old Christmas decorations still up (despite it being almost April), a small pile of Duplo Legos, a poorly made shape sorter with chipped paint, and a lone puzzle. It wasn’t at all what I expected.

Upstairs, the atmosphere felt chaotic, akin to an arcade with numerous screen-based activities. And the history section was just ok. While I personally didn’t mind the history section with its few artifacts and lots of reading material, my children were uninterested. The lack of interactive displays beyond the screens made it difficult for them to engage.

Additionally, the museum's facilities were problematic. The bathrooms were closed when I first arrived, though they eventually reopened. The building itself felt very hot, with only the lobby and gift shop offering any relief via air conditioning. The elevator had an unpleasant burnt rubber smell, and the third floor was completely closed off.

Outside, there’s a small pond with a lone turtle, but this didn’t make up for the overall lack of activities. My toddler was bored within an hour, and I would recommend this museum more for older children who might better appreciate the...

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers visitors a unique and immersive experience that combines science, history, and technology in a way that is both educational and entertaining. One of the museum's most popular exhibits is the Dinosaur exhibit, which takes visitors on a journey back in time to the prehistoric era when these magnificent creatures roamed the earth.

As you enter the Dinosaur exhibit at MOSH, you are immediately transported to a world filled with towering skeletons, lifelike replicas, and interactive displays that bring the ancient creatures to life. The exhibit features a variety of dinosaur species, from the massive Tyrannosaurus Rex to the gentle Brachiosaurus, allowing visitors to learn about the different types of dinosaurs that once inhabited our planet.

One of the highlights of the Dinosaur exhibit is the channel experience, where visitors can watch a documentary-style video that explores the history of dinosaurs, their behavior, and their eventual extinction. The video is both informative and engaging, providing a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures and the world they lived in.

In addition to the channel experience, the Dinosaur exhibit at MOSH also features hands-on activities and interactive displays that allow visitors to engage with the material in a fun and educational way. From digging for fossils to examining dinosaur bones up close, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn and explore.

Overall, the Dinosaur exhibit at MOSH is a must-see for anyone with an interest in science, history, or dinosaurs. The combination of informative displays, interactive activities, and engaging videos makes it a truly immersive experience that is sure to captivate visitors of all ages. So next time you find yourself in Jacksonville, be sure to visit MOSH and take a trip back in time to the world of...