Otronicon has evolved with Spark STEM Fest coming to Orlando Science Center! When Otronicon debuted in 2006, Orlando Science Center knew they had something special. Over the years, this event engaged thousands with exciting STEM lessons wrapped in an unforgettable package. As Otronicon grew, they discovered that there was real educational power with connecting the public to industry through exclusive opportunities and innovative partners. This collaboration combined with a desire to ignite curiosity, inspire innovation and build community has become the foundation for the all-new Spark STEM Fest, which premieres Friday, February 17, and continues through February 20, 2023.
Spark STEM Fest builds on Otronicon’s success with capturing the public’s imagination through a fast-pasted, multi-day celebration, but focuses on the entire STEM field, not just technology. Presented by UCF Office of Research, Spark STEM Fest resides at the crossroads of inspiration and engagement, stimulating fascination with STEM careers, encouraging meaningful interactions between the public and STEM professionals and creating dreams of a bright, new future.
Unlock the possibilities waiting for you in the world of coding! Led by Disney programmers and engineers, workshop participants will design their own software while discovering the essentials of computer science and software design.
Discover all about sharks, our ocean and how you can help protect both with the passionate marine biologists from Minorities in Shark Sciences. They will display shark jaws, skin, skeletons and other specimens plus hosts games and activities to learn more about sharks and marine conservation. Check out shark dissections at scheduled times throughout the event.
Looking for a more grown-up way to interact with exhibitors, community partners, or thought-provoking guest speakers? 21+ are invited to a very special Science Night Live featuring Spark STEM Fest!
SNL is your ultimate destination for a get-together with science-minded friends or a fun date night out. This is your chance to experience our biggest event of the year in a casual, engaging atmosphere that is available for adults only. Science Night Live proves that there’s no age limit on curiosity!
Spark STEM Fest Hours: February 17 - 20, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
General Admission: Spark is free for OSC members, $24.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors and students, and $18.00 for youth (ages 2-11).
SCIENCE FOR ALL - General Admission Access Program: If you have an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or WIC card with a State-issued photo ID matching the name and state as the card, you qualify for a $3 admission per person for up to six individuals.
For more information, please call 407.514.2000.
Join us as we celebrate the new year with hands-on activities, live programming, and more! Complete your experience by catching a Dinos In Lights Holiday Show, and visiting traveling exhibit Backyard Adventures!
Add some sparkle to the holiday season and see some of your favorite creatures from the Cretaceous in a whole new light with Dinos In Lights at Orlando Science Center! Join STAN the T-Rex and his fossil friends in DinoDigs as they show off their twinkling talent in a festive display of music and light.
Each family-friendly show will begin every half hour and runs for four minutes, concluding with a wintry surprise. Be sure to see it multiple times on your visit as the experience is different from every angle. Please arrive several minutes before your preferred showtime as the doors will be closed during the performance.
Marvel at the wonders of the universe through the stunning space photography by nationally renowned Astrophotographer, and director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College, Derek Demeter. With his work featured in numerous astronomy and space publications, Mr. Demeter's prints show the breathtaking views that can be captured through a small telescope and digital SLR camera from right here in Central Florida!
On display in Fusion: A STEAM Gallery, Capturing the Cosmos covers three major areas of astrophotography, all uniquely shot from Florida: scenic nightscapes that juxtapose the natural environment of Earth and the night sky, celestial neighbors we find within our Solar System, and wondrous deep-sky phenomena of colorful nebulae and expansive galaxies.
"Greetings stargazers! My name is Derek Demeter and I welcome you to the world of astrophotography. Ever since I was a little kid, I have had a passion for gazing up at the stars. I remember visiting the John Young Planetarium in Orlando when I was 6 years old and seeing a show about the planet Mars with my father and from that point on my obsession with astronomy began.
When I was in high school, I got my first ever camera and took photography classes and in college is where I was introduced to the world of astrophotography. I remember using the schools telescope to capture my first ever astrophotography of the Orion Nebula.
Eventually, I got a job at the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College and purchased a telescope of my own. These photos you see in this gallery are a result of the many years of trial and error and work needed to master the art of astrophotography in Central Florida. The photos I am sharing here before you tell a story of our universe from here on Earth to the distant objects in the cosmos.
I also hope this experience proves that Florida is a place for astronomy and that we can appreciate our dark spaces and seek refuge in that darkness. I hope these photos capture your imagination, unlocks a passion for the night sky, and encourages you to help preserve it for generations to come."
Can't get enough space? From stargazing to stomp rockets, experience something new with one of these stellar activities!
From science facts to science fiction, check out some exciting books about exploring space. They’ll have you imagining what could be next!
Space exploration requires more than brave astronauts. They won't get far without engineers to build their space crafts! Do you think you can build a rocket that could launch astronauts into orbit? Build your engineering skills with this DIY stomp rocket project!
Astronomy and astrophotography can be an expensive hobby, but the good news is you don’t need a telescope to enjoy the night sky! Our space experts here at Orlando Science Center have compiled the best stargazing tips for beginners, so you can enjoy the stars and constellations above Central Florida.
DinoDigs will be closed all day to set up for Dinos In Lights Holiday Show.
Youth ages 5 to 12 years old are invited to explore exhibits, experience enhanced programming, and enjoy a pizza dinner in age-appropriate groups. They will also participate in hands-on activities, and see an interactive Live Science Show or film. Caregivers can enjoy a stress and child-free evening on the town while children have an entertaining experience of their own exploring the wonders of everything the Science Center has to offer.
Registration is open until noon on the Friday before the event unless the event sells out first.
Late pickup fee: $2.00 per minute, per child after 10:00 pm.
Check-in (5:30 - 6:00 pm)
Late Arrival (after 6:00 pm)
Pick-up is located at car loop Entrance A, located at 2315 Camden Road.
Check-out (9:30 – 10:00 pm)
As you enter the car loop, pull up to Entrance A and as far as possible in the first available lane to park. Bring the pick-up pass or a photo ID to staff located at Entrance A doors. Staff will release kid(s) to authorized adults only. Museum staff WILL NOT allow anyone not listed on the original registration form to pick-up a child unless specific written instructions have been provided by a caregiver to OSC in advance. For safety reasons, caregivers must walk out youths to their vehicles.
Adults presenting a photo ID in lieu of the pick-up pass for check out should anticipate a longer wait time as your authorization to pick up must be validated.
Pick-up Begins at 9:30 pm; times are staggered according to last name.
$2.00 per minute/per child fee applies after 10:00 p.m.
Early Pick Up (Before 9:30 pm)
Required:
Recommended:
Each Kids Night group will include a maximum of 25 children and two instructors.
If it is important for your child to be with a specific friend, please make sure to submit your friend request in your registration form. If that friend has also been registered to attend, we will make every effort to fulfill the request but it is not guaranteed.
If you have indicated that your child has special needs, we encourage you to contact our Reservations Department at 407.514.2112 or email classes@osc.org.
Refund and Cancellation Policy: May receive an 80% refund if cancellation is made at least 2 weeks prior to the event.
If you need assistance, please let us know how we can help you. Caregivers can call OSC’s Reservations team at 407.514.2112 or email classes@osc.org.
The Kingdom of KidsTown would like to cordially invite you to join us as we celebrate Fairy Tale Weekend presented by Florida Prepaid College Plans! Steer your horse-drawn carriage over to Orlando Science Center February 8 & 9 to celebrate an enchanting weekend of STEM learning inspired by your favorite fables.
By using fairy tales and stories, kids aren’t just learning, they’re excited to learn, and they take those lessons with them. Our young guests love these fables, and it’s a unique opportunity to harness that, and help children and families to write and celebrate their own story!
Cross the troll bridge if you dare and join us for hands-on fun! Fairy Tale Weekend is going to be one for the books!
• Go on an enchanted quest! Adventure your way through KidsTown to help feed a hangry dragon
• Put your engineering skills to the test and see if you can build a castle worthy of royalty!
• Dress to impress! Wear your favorite family-friendly fantasy costume!
• Whether you’re a jester or a dragon, head to DinoDigs to make and take your own crown, wand, storybook, and more!
• Brew up some magic in Dr. Dare’s Lab, and learn about the chemistry behind magic potions.
• Meet real-life explorer, Dr. Pål Brekke as he shares the history and science behind the breathtaking Northern Lights.
Admission to Orlando Science Center is FREE for members*, $21 for adults, $19 for seniors and students, and $15 for youth (ages 2 – 11). Tickets include access to all four floors of exhibits, giant-screen and 3D educational films, and live programming.
SCIENCE FOR ALL – General Admission Access Program:
If you have an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) or WIC card with a State issued photo ID matching the name and state as the card, you qualify for a $3 admission per person for up to six individuals.
*Become a member for unlimited access to Orlando Science Center all year long, discounts to camps, and special member-only events!