This past Saturday, temperatures in Florida soared into the triple digits—but instead of sweating it out at the beach, we found the perfect indoor adventure: the Orlando Science Center. If you’re visiting Florida with little kids—or you live nearby and want to survive summer—this spot is an absolute must.
A Cool Escape from the Florida Heat
Let’s be real: Florida summers are no joke. The humidity, blazing sun, and triple-digit heat can be overwhelming, especially with toddlers. We spent 3.5 hours exploring the Orlando Science Center and didn’t hear a single complaint. The A/C was glorious, and the hands-on exhibits kept the kids entertained the entire time—they even woke up the next day asking to go back!
Hands-On Exhibits Your Kids Will Love
1. KidsTown: Play and Learn
This area is designed specifically for children under age 7. Every inch encourages learning through play. From pretend play to a mini orange grove where kids can “harvest” and sort fruit, our crew could have stayed here all day.
2. The Dino Digs: Fossil Fun
Fossils, bones, and dig pits—dinosaur lovers, rejoice! Kids pretend to be paleontologists while exploring life-sized skeletons up close. It’s both educational and endlessly entertaining.
3. The Kinetic Zone: STEM Adventures
Engineering and physics come alive here. From building and launching paper airplanes to testing balance and driving miniature cars and planes, the Kinetic Zone turns learning into fun. The kids even had a friendly competition with some adults at the airplane launch!
4. Life Exhibit: Animals & Ecosystems
Explore rainforest animals, tropical birds, and even a sloth. The ocean area showcases sharks, sea cucumbers, and other fascinating creatures. Kids can touch some of the animals, making this a hands-on, immersive experience in nature and science.
Tips for Visiting the Orlando Science Center
Arrive Early: The museum opens at 10 a.m. Early arrival helps avoid crowds and ensures plenty of time to explore.
Pack Snacks or Eat Onsite: The café offers family-friendly meals, and there’s also a coffee shop for a mid-day pick-me-up. Lunch for our family of five cost about $40.
Consider an Annual Pass: If you live nearby or visit often, the annual pass can save money. For our family, it cost less than two visits.
Final Thoughts on Visiting
The Orlando Science Center is more than just a way to escape the heat—it’s a full family adventure. Whether you’re visiting Central Florida or live nearby, this museum deserves a spot on your summer bucket list. Educational, entertaining, and air-conditioned—it’s perfect for those scorching Florida days.
We’ll definitely be back!
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