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.
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).
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.
Orlando Science Center 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.
Orlando Science Center 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.
Orlando Science Center 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.
Orlando Science Center 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.
Orlando Science Center 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.
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (13), Carlyn (10), Naomi (7), and a wife to her loving husband, Chancellor. 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 and trivia with L Sharp Productions. She enjoys the Metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
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