Drone Zone taking flight at MOSI

See Story on Tampa Bay Parenting Website

About MOSI’s Flight Club Drone Zone

While you’ll get the chance to fly and race a real drone, this exhibit was also created as a teaching moment. Or as MOSI likes to say, an “edutainment” experience.

Be sure to stop and take a moment to explore the displays that showcase the history of drones and many of the new careers that are taking shape using drones all around the world. Who knows…these few minutes just might inspire your child’s future career goals.

Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union, said that’s one of the reasons they partnered with MOSI to create this experience.

“Drones are changing the way we live our lives, from enhancing agricultural efficiency to enabling innovative search and rescue operations. They’re not just streamlining deliveries or entertaining us with spectacular aerial displays—drones are paving the way for new learning and career paths,” Johnson said.

“We’re excited to partner with MOSI to make drones more accessible to the Tampa Bay community, as they continue to create new opportunities and experiences that we can all benefit from and enjoy.”

The Drone Zone is protected by a net on all sides, so there’s no worry about accidentally hitting someone with a drone! Photo by Laura Byrne.

What to Expect in the Drone Zone

You may remember the smaller Drone Zone MOSI had in the IDEA Zone. It has now moved over a short distance near the back of the museum where it has been expanded with even more square footage and obstacles to fly through.

And while it looks easy, it’s more of a challenge than you’d think and that’s all part of the fun.

This is a great opportunity for those of you who have never flown a drone before and simply want to learn the basics. And once you think you’ve got it down, you can move to the next level by completing skill challenges like flying through hoops and even racing another drone pilot!

As you’ll learn from the displays, drone racing is a real competitive sport.

Drone Zone Flight Times

There are four flight times to experience the Drone Zone: 10:15 am-10:45 am, 11:45 am-12:15 pm, 1:45 pm-2:15 pm, and 3:45 pm-4:15 pm.

Keep in mind, that times may vary, but this is a good guide to help you map out your day. It’s recommended for ages 5 and older.

That’s not all! Check out what else is NEW at MOSI!

Wow yourself this summer with two new 360-degree movies debuting at MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry! Birth of Planet Earth and Experience the Aurora are joining MOSI’s lineup of immersive movies each day—and before each movie, one of MOSI’s space experts will take you on a tour of the stars inside the Saunders Planetarium.

Birth of Planet Earth

Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to a billion planets roughly the size of our own. This film explores some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system’s violent birth? What does its history tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly Earth-like?

Experience the Aurora

Watch nature’s most stunning light show as you see the winter sky come to life before your eyes. The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, shimmers and glistens in a breathtaking display as it puts on a magnificent natural light show.

A 360-degree movie and planetarium experience is free for MOSI Members and only $5 in addition to regular admission.

*Janet White with MOSI and Brie Gorecki also contributed to this article.

Media & Press Contact

• Betsy Sanchez

  Head of Communications

  813-987-6320

  betsy.sanchez@mosi.org