It might surprise you to discover that the Orlando Science Center, formerly the Central Florida Museum, opened its doors to visitors in 1960, more than a decade before Walt Disney World came to the region. This four-story interactive learning museum in downtown Orlando's Loch Haven Park has plenty of its own magic, in the form of hundreds of exhibits and labs, an observatory and two theaters for science demonstrations and planetarium shows.
Best and worst time to go to Orlando Science Center
The park is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. six days a week, but is closed Wednesdays except during local school holidays. Area schools frequently take field trips to the center and usually arrive soon after opening, so the best time to visit during the school year is typically in early afternoon. The center also is closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Must see/do at Orlando Science Center
Be sure to visit Science Park, a popular series of interactive exhibits in which you can design your own light and laser show, conduct experiments in electricity and magnetism or soar in a flight simulator. Take in a 3D movie or live science demonstration at the center's 226-seat Digital Adventure Theater or 300-seat Dr. Phillips CineDome, a giant-screen facility that shows National Geographic films on nature, animals and space. The museum's NatureWorks exhibit includes Florida's Habitats, where you can experience the various environments of Central Florida, including a cypress swamp with live alligators, a sinkhole lake and see how sea turtles make their nests or bees build a hive.
Admission to Orlando Science Center
Park admission ranges from $17 to $20 for adults and older students, with children 3 to 11 receiving a slightly reduced rate and ages 2 and under admitted free. Discounted rates are available to groups of 15 or more and yearly memberships also are available. Florida teachers are admitted free with valid credentials.
Parking and public transportation to Orlando Science Center
Parking is available for about $5 in a garage a short walk from the science center, which is set near several other museums in Loch Haven Park. Bicycle racks are available at the garage and in the park. If you're staying near Disney World (about 20 miles) or in the International Drive tourist area near Universal Orlando Resort (about 12 miles), it is best to drive. Orlando's Lynx bus service does offer routes to the center, but several connections are necessary.
Food at Orlando Science Center
Subway, on the first level and overlooking Loch Haven's grounds, is the only dining option at the center itself. The sub shop offers a number of salad and sandwich selections from $4 to $9. A short walk will take you to the White Wolf Cafe, set in a quaint antique district less than a half-mile from OSC. The White Wolf has a casual American menu with soups, salads and tempting flatbreads.
Insider tip for visitors to Orlando Science Center
The center really comes alive with special programs at night, such as SkyWatch, an event held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays from mid-June to mid-August at the Crosby Observatory atop the OSC. Take in the Orlando skyline and gaze at celestial objects such as Jupiter's moons and Saturn's rings through Florida's largest publicly accessible refractor telescope. Other occasional events include Science Night Live and Science of Wine events for ages 21 and older.
Author's bio: Kevin Adams is a freelance writer who has lived in Orlando for more than a decade and has had travel articles appear on USAToday.com and in Golfweek magazine.
