This past Saturday, temperatures 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’re local and looking to survive summer), this place is an absolute gem.
A Cool Escape from the Heat
Let’s be real: Florida summers are no joke. The humidity, the sun, the heat—it’s a lot, especially with little ones. 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 activities kept the kids entertained the entire time. They actually woke up the next day asking to go back.
What We Loved Most
1. KidsTown:
The kids loved this area. It’s designed specifically for children under age 7, and every inch is made for learning through play. There’s pretend play and a mini orange grove where kids can “harvest” and sort fruit. Our crew could’ve stayed here all day.
2. The Dino Digs:
Fossils, bones, and dig pits—need I say more? It’s a dinosaur lover’s dream. The kids got to pretend they were paleontologists and see life-sized skeletons up close.
3. The Kinetic Zone:
This hands-on engineering and physics exhibit was a huge hit. From building and launching the perfect paper airplane to learning and testing balance, and driving cars and planes, it’s the kind of STEM play that doesn’t even feel like learning—but it totally is. They even got into a healthy competition with some adults at the airplane launch.
4. Life:
This exhibit explores animals, and ecosystems. We enjoyed strolling through the rainforest, spotting various birds, monkeys, and even a sloth. Then, we stopped by the ocean area where we watched sharks and other creatures swim around. The kids even got to touch a sea cucumber.
Tips for Your Visit
Get there early. The museum opens at 10 a.m., and it’s nice to enjoy a quieter start before crowds build. This also ensures you have plenty of time to explore.
Pack snacks or plan to eat onsite. There’s a café with family-friendly options and plenty of seating. All five of us were able to eat lunch for about $40. There’s also a separate coffee shop inside as well, which we stopped at later in the day.
Consider the annual pass. If you live close enough or have a family of five or more, the annual pass may make sense for you. The annual pass is less than the cost of two visits for our family.
Final Thoughts
The Orlando Science Center is more than just a way to beat the heat—it’s a full-on experience for families. Whether you’re visiting Central Florida or you live nearby, this spot deserves a place on your summer bucket list. Educational, entertaining, and air-conditioned – perfect for those hot summer days.
We’ll definitely be back.
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