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Dinos In Lights Holiday Show – Playing through January 9

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.

Astrophotography in Central Florida: Capturing the Cosmos

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See (literally) out-of-this-world astrophotography in Central Florida 

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.

The Horsehead and Flame Nebula – Chiefland

Meet the man behind the lens: Derek Demeter

"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. 

A Sea of Stars – Canaveral National Seashore, New Smyrna

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."

Make space at home!

Can't get enough space? From stargazing to stomp rockets, experience something new with one of these stellar activities! 

Learn something new! 

From science facts to science fiction, check out some exciting books about exploring space. They’ll have you imagining what could be next!

Books About Exploring Space for Any Planet Pioneer

Try something new! 

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!

3..2..1.. Blast Off to Fun With This DIY Stomp Rocket Activity!

See something new! 

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.

Top Five Tips To Begin A Stargazing Hobby

Kids Night at the Museum

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The Science Center's exhibits don't always come to life after hours, but during Kids Night at the Museum the building will be full of energy!

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.

Upcoming Events

 

April 13, 2024

Registration is open until noon on the Friday before the event unless the event sells out first.

Pricing

Members / Non-Members:

$85 / $90 for the first child

Additional Children:

$65 per sibling

Late pickup fee: $2.00 per minute, per child after 10:00 pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check-in (5:30 - 6:00 pm)

  • Event activities start at 6:30 pm.
  • Dinner will be served from 5:30 - 6:30 pm.
  • Please make your way to the vestibule doors located on Level 2 of the Orlando Science Center parking garage.
  • Proceed down the SkyBridge to the lobby where a member of our Education team will confirm your reservation and the information included on your child’s registration form.
  • Once you have been checked in, an OSC staff member escorts your child to join their group for the event.

Late Arrival (after 6:00 pm)

  • Anyone checking in after 6:00 pm will need to call 407.514.2235 so a staff member can greet you at the vestibule doors for late check in.
  • Once inside the lobby, please check in with our Education team.
  • A staff member will escort your child to their group to start the fun.
  • The show will start promptly at 6:30 pm and there are no guarantees to accommodate late arrivals. Those who arrive late and are not able to join the show will be provided with an alternative activity.

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.

  • 9:30 - 9:40 pm - Last Names beginning A-F
  • 9:40 - 9:50 pm - Last Names beginning G-O
  • 9:50 - 10:00 pm - Last Names beginning P-Z

$2.00 per minute/per child fee applies after 10:00 p.m.

Early Pick Up (Before 9:30 pm)

  • Anyone picking up their child before 9:30 pm will need to call 407.514.2235 so a staff member can begin the check-out process.
  • Please note that Kids Night participants may need a few extra minutes to wrap up their activities and gather their belongings if they are being picked up before 9:30 pm.
  • Check-in hour will begin at 5:30 pm with programming officially starting at 6:30 pm.
  • 6:30 – 10:00 pm – Groups will follow a program schedule that includes a pizza dinner, exhibit time, a Live Science Show or a film. After enjoying the museum, classes will participate in a STEM activity in their classroom until the program ends at 10:00 pm.

Required:

  • Comfortable, closed-toed shoes

Recommended:

  • A water bottle (touchless bottle fillers will be available onsite)
  • *Pre-packaged Dinner (if your child is not participating in the pizza dinner)
  • *Snack (just in case)
  • Medication (if needed)

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.

$12 Day

Join Orlando Science Center for a special opportunity to engage in science learning and fun for a discounted price on Sunday, November 12, 2023, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm!

Visitors can enjoy all four floors of exhibits, movies, and live programming for just $12 per person, regardless of your age. Whether it’s your first time at Orlando Science Center, or you haven’t been in a while, $12 Day is your chance to see what’s new and learn some things, too!

 

Camp Programs

Give your children a productive and fun way to spend their time out of school with a program that offers them the chance to learn more about STEM in an exciting, interactive environment!

Orlando Science Center's camp programs inspire students to get excited about STEM as they create, experiment, make new friends, and develop 21st Century skills.

A group of children playing with oobleck during a break camp.

Break Camps

When school’s out, break camps are in! Full-day programs are available for children in Preschool* through Grade 5 throughout the school year.

LEARN MORE

Instructor helping girl measure ingredients in a beaker at summer camp.

Summer Camps

Let your children explore their favorite science topics in-depth at Orlando Science Center Summer Camps! Programs available for Preschool* – Grade 6.

LEARN MORE

*Preschool is a DCF licensed center C09OR0729.

DinoDigs

DinoDigs Logo

Exhibit Hall – Level 4

In DinoDigs, guests will encounter giant fossil replicas of ancient sea creatures and dinosaurs showcased in their prehistoric worlds. You’ll also find authentic fossils of ancient reptiles and mammals, some of which were found right here in Florida.

The Dig Pits are sanitized with MaxxClean which is a non-toxic cleaner with no VOC's or odor and is safe for people and pets. 

How does it work? All living organsims need a pH neutral environment between 4.8 and 9.2 to live. MaxxClean raises the pH level of the surface to over 11 which creates an environment that viruses, mold, and microogransims cannot live on.

DinoDigs - Level 4

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Check out the Building Guide to see a map and information for our current exhibits.

Download Building Guide

The Hive: A Makerspace

The Hive: A Makerspace - Presented by The Isaacs Family Logo

Makerspace – Level 3

Come see what all the buzz is about! In The Hive, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. Learn how to sew a button, fold an origami crane, design a figurine using 3D modeling software then bring it to life with a 3D printer, or solder a circuit board – there’s always something new to try! 

Many of the best designs come from collaboration. The Hive is a space that cultivates community and emphasizes the learning opportunities in every failure and success. Being a maker is all about creativity and experimentation.

The Hive is designed specifically for makers ages 8 and up. Makers 8-12 must be accompanied by an adult. Maker activities for ages 7 and under are available in the KidsTown Studio.

Check out the Building Guide to see a map and information for our current exhibits.

Download Building Guide

Theaters

If you need a break from the exhibit floor, take a seat in one of our state-of-the-art theaters.

The domed giant-screen Dr. Phillips CineDome and high-definition Digital Adventure Theater both offer exciting content daily, which are included with general admission. Content changes regularly, so be sure to check the theater schedule before you arrive to find out what’s playing.

Reserve a theater for your private function!

Both theaters are available for private rentals for film screenings, award presentations, team meetings, talent shows, and so much more.

Learn more about our private venue rentals.

View Calendar

A giant-screen movie showing an image of people on a city street.

Dr. Phillips CineDome

Giant-Screen Theater – Level 1*

Choose a seat and be instantly transported to exotic and interplanetary lands. Images of clarity and extraordinary depth bring the audience on an expedition to the center of the action in this immersive cinematic experience.

A projector's fish-eye lens projects onto an 8,000 square-foot screen, creating a 180 degree image that surrounds the audience and extends beyond their peripheral vision. Films cover nature, geography, history and more, and new titles are introduced throughout the year. *Wheelchair access located via Level 3.

Guests listening to presenter on stage of Digital Adventure Theater.

Digital Adventure Theater

Immersive Digital Films – Level 2

Dive into the action inside the stadium-seated Digital Adventure Theater. Films are presented in 3D and 2D with state-of-the-art 4K digital projection and 7.1 surround sound, offering a fully immersive experience.

The Digital Adventure Theater is also home to Science Live Shows, which are designed to delight and entertain while also aligning with Sunshine State educational standards. The electrifying High Voltage show, explosive KABOOM show, out-of-this-world Exploring Space show and more!

Now Showing – General Audience

Content changes seasonally. Check the theater schedule prior to your visit to find out what special experiences will be offered.

Dinosaurs of Antarctica

Dr. Phillips CineDome

Journey to the south polar landscapes of Antarctica hundreds of millions of years ago. Join Antarctic scientists on a quest to understand the ice continent's profound transformation, and predict the future as humans drive dramatic change.

Forces of Nature

Dr. Phillips CineDome

Forces of Nature showcases the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes and severe storms. Follow scientists on their quest to understand their origins, and how natural disasters are triggered.

Jane Goodall - Reasons for Hope

Digital Adventure Theater

Jane Goodall - Reasons for Hope, is an uplifting journey around the globe to highlight good news stories that will inspire people to make a difference in the world around them. Jane revolutionized how we view the world around us. Join her on this adventure of inspiration and hope.

Back from the Brink

Digital Adventure Theater

Experience the remarkable true story of three animal species rescued from the brink of extinction. Meet scientists, park rangers and students working to save endangered animals around the world. Join this remarkable and heartfelt adventure to save endangered species around the world as we show that positive change is possible.

Kinetic Zone

Exhibit Hall – Level 2

Explore the fundamentals of forces, learn the principles of physics and see engineering in a new light in Kinetic Zone!

This exhibit offers an electrifying array of interactive guest experiences, ranging from launching air rockets, to experimenting with circuits, to lifting yourself off the ground with different pulley systems.

Get hands-on with STEM experiences like the Balance Challenge, where you can test your invention on an 18-foot zip line, and the Coaster Challenge, where you’ll use pipes to build a model of whatever radical roller coaster you can dream up!

Check out the Building Guide to see a map and information for our current exhibits. 

Download Building Guide