Looking for places to visit with your family in Orlando? Are you asking yourself: What should I do when it rains in Orlando? Where should I go if it is too cold to visit Disney? You should check out the Orlando Science Center. It is the perfect place for hands-on learning, I mean fun, tell the kids they get to play. We received free admission in exchange for this promotional article.
Five Levels of Fun
The Orlando Science Center hosts four floors and over 200,000 square feet of hands-on learning. Each floor is divided into several different exhibit halls.
Level 1
Level 1 is host to the Dr. Phillips CineDome, NatureWorks and the Subway Cafeteria.
We completely missed the Dr. Phillips CineDome during our visit. The theatre is home to an 8,000 square-foot domed screen which wraps around the audience, creating an experience that puts the audience in the center of all the action. Films cover the science related topics and new titles are offered throughout the year.
The NatureWorks exhibit is filled with live animals and plants for your budding ecologist, veterinarian, or zoologist. During our visit, we listened to the live demonstration, Fish Feeding Frenzy, which is about the animals that live in Florida’s reefs. The animal keeper fed the fish and spoke about how humans impact the ecosystem, specifically, our effects on the water and what we can do to improve the environment. One of the most amazing parts of the NatureWorks exhibit is a 4 story habitat filled with live (and not so live) animals and plants that are native to Florida swamplands.
The Subway Cafeteria is a great place to take a break, grab a bite to eat and relax for a few before jumping back into the action. There are plenty of tables and chairs and restrooms are conveniently located nearby.
Level 2
You will find KidsTown, Traveling Exhibit Hall, Kinetic Zone, Digital Adventure Theater, The Coffee Spot, The Science Store and the Admissions Desk on level 2.
My kids absolutely loved KidsTown. We could have easily spent our entire time in this one exhibit that spans 11,000 square feet. It is a great place for children to climb, splash, pretend, explore and learn. The space was designed for children ages birth to seven, however, my nine-year-old was just as entertained as my younger two children. KidsTown hosts many different spaces for children to explore. Including the Dripdrop splash zone, Explore It, Harriett’s KidsTown Theatre, Isaacs Family Climb Time, Kidstown (art) Studio, Orange Grove, and Toddler Town.
In the Kinetic Zone exhibit, visitors can learn about the science of motion. This hands-on STEM space includes activities that will get you thinking, tinkering and learning through play. Guests can test their skills at the Coaster Challenge, learn about circuits, test their strength with pulleys and so much more.
Level 3
Level 3 includes Fusion: A STEAM Gallery and The Hive: A Makerspace presented by The Isaacs Family.
Fusion: A STEAM Gallery demonstrates the intricate relationships between art and science. Guests can view and interact with a variety of artwork exhibits.
The Hive: A Makerspace is an exhibit designed for guests ages 8 and up. The space is always changing and you will never know what you will be able to create. During our visit, they had computers set up with SCRATCH programming and computerized toys that ran on a track. The exhibit is designed to build community, collaboration, and learning experience.
Level 4
Guests can explore Our Planet, Dr. Dare’s Laboratory, DinoDigs, Flight Lab and the SunTrust Terrace on level 4.
Our Planet is a fantastic place to learn about the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere. Guests can experience a Category 1 hurricane, try out the earthquake simulator, pretend to a Weather Reporter, create cloud and tornados and so much more.
If you have a future paleontologist, DinoDigs is the place to be. Guests can explore fossils of reptiles and mammals, play in the Jurassic Ridge dig pits, and learn about the megafauna that once lived on earth.
Level 6
Level 6 is the Crosby Observatory which runs on a limited schedule. Visitors can catch a glimspe of the stars (and other celestial bodies) through the 10-inch lens of the refractor telescope. Future astronomers can learn and see our sun, other stars, planets, moons and other celestial objects through a variety of programs hosted by the Orlando Science Center.
Overall, the Orlando Science Center is a can’t miss experience for science enthusiasts of all ages. There is so much to see and do, it certainly warrants a couple of days of exploration.
Orlando Science Center Hours
The Orlando Science Center is open daily from 10 am until 5 pm.
Orlando Science Center Location
The science center is located on Princeton Street in Orlando and is surrounded by Lake Formosa, Lake Estelle and Lake Rowena. It is less than a mile from I-4 and is across the street from Mennello Museum of American Art as well as The Mennello Museum Sculpture Garden. Lock Haven Park is also within walking distance and provides a nice green space for picnic and amazing old oak tree that is over 300 year old.
The Orlando Science Center is located at 777 Princeton Street in Orlando, Florida, just off I-4. Garage parking is available in the lot south of the Science Center for just $5.00 (free for members).
Address: 777 E. Princeton St. Orlando, Florida 32803
Orlando Science Center Admission
Admission as of 7/13/2023
Adults: $24
Youth (2 to 11): $18
Seniors (55+): $22
Student (with id): $22
Under 2: Free
Discounts: The museum offers discounts for military & first responders as well as free admission for Florida Educators. If you have an EBT or WIC card with a State issued photo ID, then you qualify for the Science for All program, which admits up to 6 people for $3 each.
ASTC Passport Program:
When visiting Orlando Science Center, please note that your reciprocal membership will provide free admission for two adults and children under 18 living the household or two grandparents and grandchildren under 18.
Reciprocal Admission with Metro Detroit ACTC Passport Science Centers:
Reciprocal Admission:
FREE: ASTC Travel Passport 90+ miles
50% OFF: ASTC Travel Passport under 90 miles
50% OFF: ACM Reciprocal Network (up to 6 guests)
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
220 E Ann St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 995-5439
Website
Admittance Policy: Two adults named on the card (photo ID required) and their children and grandparents, or two grandparents named on the card (photo ID required) and their adult children and grandchildren. Named member must be
present.
Cranbrook Institute of Science
39221 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield, MI 48304
(248) 645-3245
Website
Admittance Policy: Two adults and all children under 18 living in the same household, or two grandparents and all grandchildren.
Michigan Science Center
5020 John R St, Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 577-8400
Website
Admittance Policy: General admission for two adults and up to six children under 18 living in the same household; does not include paid theaters and special exhibitions. Proof of Residence Required
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Biological Sciences Building, 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-0478
Website
Admittance Policy: Museum is free; Passport visitors receive a 10% discount on museum store purchases.
Yankee Air Museum
47884 D St, Belleville, MI 48111
(734) 483-4030
Website
Admittance Policy: Two adults and all children under 18 living in the same household.
Connect with Orlando Science Center
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Check out these other Science Centers:
Yankee Air Museum- Belleville: Adventures in Aviation
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Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Author: Amber Louchart
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats.
She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.