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Central Florida
Orlando
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Orlando Science Center
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Orlando Science Center

See all things to do
See all things to do
Orlando Science Center
4.5
859 reviews
#48 of 437 things to do in Orlando
Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
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10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
For more than 65 years, Orlando Science Center has been a place that inspires curiosity and exploration. Truly one of the great activities for Orlando families, the Science Center encourages learning in a fun way. There's no better place that combines fun and knowledge all under one roof! For visitors from out of town, Orlando Science Center is a must for your "things to do in Orlando" list. With four floors of exciting exhibits, amazing giant screen and 3D films as well as engaging live programming, the Science Center is the perfect family destination. We're also the ideal rainy day escape!
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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Address
How to get there
  • Florida Hospital Health Village Station • 4 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
859 reviews
Excellent
488
Very good
245
Average
74
Poor
25
Terrible
27
GattoViziato
Lexington, KY754 contributions
A very nice science center
Sep 2020
Overall, I think this is a very valid indoor activity in hot sunny (sometimes rainy) Florida. At >$60 for two adults, one child, and one infant, it is one of the more expensive science centers we have been to around the USA. The disappointing part was that so many activities and areas were closed "due to covid precautions"... after all, this place is in Florida. Parking really was a breeze. We did the temperature checks and wore masks. There was ample staff throughout the museum. I thought their orange truck motorized exhibit was a blast for little kids. Actually, KidsTown and Kinetic Zone were both a blast and really worth the trip in itself. My kids loved all of the activities and truly ask to go back frequently. I liked that they had ample balls, handkerchiefs, and their water lever system is one of the best we have encountered. They had a special room in there where kids could choose their activity (mine chose insects in resin) and they were given boxes of drawing/coloring utensils to create. My children liked the virtual reality Dino Digs simulator where they could be part of a scene with interactive dinosaurs. Honestly, their favorite activity on that entire floor was the earthquake simulator, both kids loved shaking on that platform. A lot of the other rooms and activities were closed as I mentioned before. The elevator was fast to catch with a stroller, which was nice. They had a small amount of reptiles and fish in tanks on the lower level to round out the experience. I will definitely be returning when in Florida soon.
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LUCKY J
Orlando, FL725 contributions
Where Are The Daisy's
Dec 2020
My wife and I decided to visit the Science Center for the first time to view the Pompei Exhibit. Parking is quick and easy and you have to enter the facility thru the 2nd floor parking lot bridge. Before you enter you are required to have your temperature checked and you are required to wear a mask. The Pompei Exhibit is a must see event full of entertaining exhibits and well worth the price of admission.
We also caught a movie in the domed theater and explored the rest of the museum which is geared for children. On the ground floor they have an exhibit of live reptiles where we caught a glimpse of Lucky the Turtle who spends his free time eating ice cubes. One side note this facility does a great job of making sure the everyone wears there mask properly ( that includes the people who have a mask on their face but don't cover their nose, otherwise known as reindeers).
Jolly Chris
Written December 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
abqsage
Fort Myers, FL1,706 contributions
Pompeii is a fabulous exhibit!!
Nov 2020
We've been to the Orlando Science Center several times in the past and have always enjoyed it, but this time we went specifically to see their special exhibit on Pompeii, which is only being shown in three museums around the US. I had been to Pompeii, Italy, before and was fairly familiar with its story of being destoyed by the Vesuvius volcano, but we learned far more from this exhibit than I ever learned in Pompeii itself. They brought a number of actual frescoes, home wares, tools, statures and parts of homes directly from Pompeii for the exhibit and had really wonderful, informative movies about the city before, during and after the volcanic explosion. They really helped you to feel the enormity of the tragedy like you were there- so very well done. We strongly recommend anyone who has the time and interest to see this exhibit while it is still in Orlando!!
Written November 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robert w
San Antonio, TX149 contributions
overpriced. weird age limits. broken exhibiits
Jun 2022
Went with family. used the our city's museum pass to get in, but one person had to pay $24 for entry. really high. many exhibits not working or dysfunctional. The craft room would not allow my 7 year old in due to equipment - which consistent of crayons, papers and scissor. Later I realized it may have been them advocating some perverse and controversial views with respect to florda's laws. i mean, it is science museum and they cannot grasp science itself.

Had a nice picnic outside. I would skip if I were you, no great shakes here.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Orlando Science Center
Thank you for sharing your experience, feedback helps us improve the experience for future visits. We have shared this with our staff.
Written June 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DJKtravels
Winter Garden, FL132 contributions
Pompeii Exhibit Goes Back to Italy January 25, 2021
Nov 2020
We visited the Orlando Science Center specifically to see the Pompeii Exhibit and we were not disappointed. It was fascinating and informative and we left wanting to go to Italy and see more.

After the seeing the exhibit we started at the top floor of the museum and explored everything that was open (Covid issues) down to the first floor. There are many wonderful interactive exhibits to engage kids. The fossil dig area even had special effects dinosaurs "roaming" the area. Very cute. There are also special movies available as well.

Another room we discovered is called The Hive and was a totally fascinating space for visitors of all ages. There are so many things to do and see in there. We were able to learn all about 3D printing and watch the guide make a face mask extender. Super cool.

We also learned about the many special activities and events aimed at adult crowds. We are looking forward to being part of those once they are able to begin again after Covid.
Written November 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marypoppinswannabe
Limerick, PA116 contributions
Not Much to Offer
Jan 2021
Very confusing. We went here for the Pompeii exhibit which was very lacking. The rest of the museum was only geared towards children while I wouldn't recommend the Pompeii exhibit for young children. After visiting the Pompeii exhibit, attended two IMAX movies and then left. Very pricey for what there is to do. I have been to many science centers and expected more from a major city like Orlando.
Written January 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seamere
Kissimmee, FL924 contributions
Pompeii Exhibit
Nov 2020 • Couples
We've never been to the Orlando Science Center because we knew it was aimed at kids.
But with the Pompeii Exhibit it was very interesting to see...it made us think about planning a trip to Italy!
The only downside were the many interactive, hands--on activities there. One room had no hand sanitizer outside the room as you entered. We finally spotted some located on a wall somewhat hidden inside the room.
Kids are walking germ factories, and a museum employee should have been posted at the door dispensing hand sanitizer as you enter.
So, we passed on all the hands on displays, which there are many. I suggest you bring gloves.
Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barkus1968
Saint Louis, MO4,208 contributions
The dinosaurs are fantastic
Aug 2021 • Solo
I found this to be a chaotic experience. The little kids seemed to thrive on the setup, but there was not a good way to explore. The ticket window at the entrance was incredibly slow and unorganized. This is poor management. The dinosaur exhibit was large and very cool. My favorite part was the screen that superimposed dinosaurs walking the museum where people were sitting and watching.

The Roots cafeteria is quite good. Overall this is a very nice looking space.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maggiet0813
Katy, TX2,851 contributions
Amazing place for kids
May 2022 • Family
Took young nieces and there’s 3 floors worth of exhibits. There’s dinosaurs, there’s live animals, there’s space, there’s a play area, a movie, you name it. Parking is $5. There’s also a restaurant and coffee shop.
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike B
Greenville, SC561 contributions
Went for the Pompeii Exhibit
Nov 2020
Wife and I visited on November 14, 2020, to see the Pompeii exhibit. It was very good. I'd give it 5 starts if it was larger. There were a few rooms of small items - tools, jars, etc., and a few models of bigger things like a waterwheel and a crane. Plus some of the artwork that decorated the walls of typical homes at the time. Most of the smaller items were original 2000-year-old thing, which was really fascinating. The big items were models or reproductions. The main attraction was the 2 human figures frozen in time at their final moment. Very moving, but these were also copies of the originals. I can see why the Italian gov't wouldn't want the originals to go on a world tour. Your ticket price includes admission to the whole science center also. There's a ton of cool stuff that kids will enjoy. Exit through the gift shop.
Written November 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Orlando Science Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Orlando Science Center
Orlando Science Center is open:
  • Thu - Tue 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM