Fun for ALL Ages at the Orlando Science Center

When I was a young kid, we loved going to the Orlando Science Center. Back then, it was a much smaller facility, but it was still tons of fun. Today’s OSC is even better and is designed with all guests in mind, regardless of age. We’ve taken Graham and Foster several times now that we’re members and Jon and I have as much fun as they do!

The whole building is centered around a multi-story atrium with a cypress tree and wildlife surrounding it. I definitely recommend taking the stairs from one level to the next if you’re able because it offers a great 360 view of this feature.

My favorite part of the exhibits at OSC is that everything is hands-on. You can conduct your own experiments, build your own gadgets, and explore animal habitats.

Even though the boys don’t understand everything we’re doing or telling them about, this is still a great thing for them to experience because they’re so curious about the world around them. I wholeheartedly recommend OSC for everyone, babies through adults.

There is a special area of the Orlando Science Center for young kids called “KidsTown” and it has some amazing areas that are specially designed for kids to explore. They can  go through the entire process of citrus picking, build pipelines and make it rain in a water table, climb a giant play structure, build “roller coasters” for balls, and so much more! We love that there are even a couple play areas designed for kids under 2!

My favorite feature is a room for baby changing and feeding, located on the third level, where nursing mothers can get away from the hustle and bustle of the exhibits and relax for a few minutes with their babies. It’s definitely not an afterthought, like you might see in other places. This room is large and has comfortable chairs, a sink for preparing bottles or washing hands, a play mat and some toys. They’ve thought of everything! There’s also a room for baby changing on the first level.

Level four features Dino Digs, an area where kids can dig through “dirt” to uncover dinosaur bones. It’s tons of fun for them to play in and they can see life-sized bones up close this way, in addition to touring the rest of the exhibit.

Jon’s favorite exhibits were the simulators. He loved checking out the hurricane wind simulator… Graham didn’t love this one, but it sure was funny to watch! Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have any lasting psychological scars.

We haven’t ventured into the theaters yet because we don’t think the boys are ready for that, but there are multiple theaters that show films throughout the day (most are included with your admission). You can get information on the schedule when you arrive.

The Basics

• Admission is $19.95 for adults, $13.95 for kids 3 to 11, and kids 2 and under are free.
• Hours are 10:00 to 5:00 Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 to 9:00 Friday and Saturday.
• Florida teachers get in free (see website for details on necessary documentation) and if you have an EBT card you can get up to 6 people in for just $3 each.
• Parking is $5 in the garage across Princeton from OSC (there’s a bridge, so you don’t have to cross the busy road with the kids).

Pro Tips

• Pack a lunch and eat in the cafeteria or picnic on the lawn outside if the weather is nice. There is also a Subway on-site.
• If you’re going with a young kid, start at the top and work your way down, otherwise you might never see the other exhibits! KidsTown is awesome, so you’ll want to spend lots of time there.
• If you want to check out OSC without kids, you can do that too! There are regular events called “Science Night Live” that allow adults 21+ to have their run of the place, with added features like trivia games, guest speakers and special food and adult beverages available for purchase. Check the website for details.