Adulting can be such a drag…but, it doesn’t have to be, friends. Especially when you get to channel your inner child at events for adults at MOSI Tampa Bay. One of our favorites is Science After Dark at MOSI! If you’re looking for a unique date night, the many events at MOSI Tampa Bay will check all the boxes, especially Science After Dark.

After all, MOSI isn’t just for kids and neither is playtime!

MOSI After Dark – Tampa Bay Date Night

Get ready to play a little putt-putt, walk among butterflies, and journey to the moon…you can do it all at MOSI and it doesn’t matter what age or stage you’re at in your adult life. There’s just one requirement — you gotta let go and have fun.

“We want to re-introduce adults to their old favorite. People tell me literally every day, ‘I loved MOSI when I was growing up,’ and that’s an awesome thing to hear. But we want to make sure they all know that what they love about MOSI—discovering new things, being amazed by the world, getting hands-on—those are all things that they can experience right now, as adults, when they come visit,”

said John Graydon Smith, president and CEO of MOSI.

While adults can visit the museum at any time, Science After Dark is an opportunity for you to play without competing over exhibits with a group of school kids. (I said it…as a mom, even I need a break every now and then!)

Since the next Science After Dark event coming up on Friday, March 29 at 6 pm, we want to dish on all the details so you know what to expect when you go.

What is Science After Dark?

Science After Dark at MOSI is an interactive event designed just for adults ages 18 and older. The museum opens its doors on a Friday night so adults can explore and play in the exhibit space, but also enjoy themed demonstrations, light appetizers and drinks from local restaurants, and more.

Each event is centered around a theme and usually ties into something happening at the museum.

For example, the March 29th theme is “Superheroes!” and ties perfectly into the “DC Superheroes: Discover Your Superpowers” exhibit which is on display in the dome through May 5, 2024.

The most recent theme was “Love is in the Air” in celebration of Valentine’s Day where we learned about the science of love. Other themed events from the past include “Butterflies and Bugs” which gave guests a chance to taste a bug and dissect a grasshopper. And then there was “Science of Taste” where they enjoyed wine tastings with a sommelier.

At this point, you probably get the idea that you’re in for a unique experience when you go!

How much are tickets and what’s included?

Tickets for the next Science After Dark are $30 for non-members and $20 for MOSI members. Your ticket includes museum admission, light appetizers and drink samples, liquid nitrogen ice cream, an Oculus Rift VR station, and more.

I do want to note that the January event sold out, so you’ll want to purchase your Science After Dark tickets in advance to secure your spot! We purchased our tickets about two weeks in advance.

Science After Dark Dates for 2024

There are several dates on schedule for this year and they’ve even announced the themes:

• March 29, 2024 at 6 pm: Superheroes!
• May 17, 2024 at 6 pm: The Science of Flight
• July 12, 2024 at 6 pm: Dinosaurs and Fossils
• September 13, 2024 at 6 pm: Science in Motion

What is there to do at Science After Dark?

One of my favorite things about Science After Dark is having the museum to ourselves. When I go with my kids, I’m dragged around to all of the exhibits they want to play in, so there’s not always a chance to linger a bit longer.

And, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to watch them play with a VR headseat. Now, it’s our turn to play without the kids screaming, ‘My turn!’. The Oculus Rift VR station is all for you, friend!

While the event we attended in January was sold out, it didn’t feel overcrowded, so we had plenty of room to roam and play.

In addition to the DC Superheroes exhibit, you can also visit the new ‘a-MAZE-ing Butterflies‘ exhibit and learn all about the incredible life cycle of the butterfly. It’ll be on display through May 5, so you’ll be able to experience it if you attend the March 29 event.

I will point out that one of the most popular activities of the night was the Saunders Planetarium. Make sure to keep an eye on the schedule since seats can fill up. There are several shows throughout the night, so don’t feel like you’ll miss out if you can’t get a seat on your first attempt.

I also highly recommend wandering outside under the MOSI dome to visit the new Zydeco Brew Werks restaurant to sample their beer and even order dinner if the light appetizers weren’t quite enough. The new lighting under the dome is pretty cool a night and a great place to sit and chat for a bit.

Speaking of food, your ticket also includes a sampling of liquid nitrogen ice-cream which is always fun to watch, no matter how old you are!

We told ya…MOSI isn’t just for kids

While MOSI is a museum that absolutely caters to kids and their families, it truly is a space for everyone. And, to show their commitment to adults, the museum has been introducing more adult-centric events with even more to come in the future.

“We’re loaded with events that speak to adults. I mean, our logo for Science After Dark has an astronaut with a martini glass, right? We have Uncorked Creativity Paint & Sip, Science of the Cuban Sandwich each year, live music at Zydeco Brew Werks, USF football watch parties—and we’re looking to add Halloween and New Year’s events for adults. Some of our events are adults-only, while even the ones that are family-friendly clearly send the message that adults are in for a good time,” said Graydon Smith.

We know how important play is for children, but it’s also vital for us as adults to get out and have fun. We love that MOSI is getting on board with this concept by giving us a chance to learn and play with our peers. It’s the perfect opportunity to leave the stress of adulting at the door and simply PLAY!

Uncorked Creativity Paint & Sip

Looking for even more fun at MOSI? We think the Uncorked Creativity Paint & Sip event would make for a great girls night out!

It’s a night to explore the museum for about an hour as you sip on complimentary wine before painting your own 16 x 20 masterpiece with the guidance of a professional artist. Tickets are $35 for non-members and $25 for MOSI members.

Upcoming Uncorked Creativity Paint & Sip events:

• February 9, 2024 at 6 pm
• April 12, 2024 at 6 pm
• June 14, 2024 at 6 pm
• August 16, 2024 at 6 pm
• October 18, 2024 at 6 pm