Take a close-up look at the cosmos with Florida’s largest publicly accessible refractor telescope and other astronomical tools.
Scheduled Times – Level 6
Atop Orlando Science Center sits a domed observatory that, if visited during the right time of year and under the proper conditions, can provide views of planets, stars, and other celestial objects.
View the four moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn and deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulas, and binary star systems!
View the breathtaking night sky, brilliant sun, and even bustling downtown Orlando area from the powerful, 10-inch lens of the refractor telescope along with several smaller scopes.
All activities and events in the Observatory are weather-permitting. Observatory hours are subject to change based on weather conditions in the area.
Check the Science Live! Calendar or pick up a Daily Schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Get a more in-depth look at the closest star to the Earth — our sun! After checking out the sun, learn about the telescopes that let us explore the solar system. Please remember that observing outer space requires good weather here on Earth.
Star-Studded Evenings
Peer into the cosmos at Star-Studded Evenings with the Crosby Observatory's 10″ Byers refracting telescope for an out-of-this world view of various celestial objects.
Winter time brings cooler weather, early sunset and recognizable constellations like Orion, Taurus and Cassiopeia.
Friday and Saturday nights, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. until February 29. Excluding January 17 and 18
An “adult swim” of the science variety, this event features everything you love about the Science Center… without kids! Experience all four floors of exhibits, films and hands-on programming aimed specifically for grown-ups, while enjoying adult food and beverages available for purchase.
Give a gift that really shines! If you are seeking a unique and meaningful gift idea that supports a cause, consider adopting a star in a loved one’s name.
Each of the stars in our Adopt-A-Star Program is considered a “bright” star and all of them are visible from the OSC’s observatory at some point throughout the year.
Interested in joining a local astronomy group? Check out the Central Florida Astronomical Society.
CFAS activities include monthly meetings featuring guest speakers, monthly observing sessions at several sites across Central Florida, publication of a web information site, and public observing sessions when events of significant interest occur.
For more information, visit their site at www.cfas.org.
Private Observatory Rentals
Add a truly special touch to your next event by hosting it in the Observatory. Guests will have access to Orlando’s best view for stargazing at Florida’s largest publicly accessible refractor telescope. Top off a night of fun with a breathtaking view of the heavens beyond the Orlando skyline. Available for groups of 40 or less.
The Hive is a collaborative work space for making, learning, exploring, and sharing; where you’ll have access to real tools, materials and mentors that will help you turn your creative ideas into reality. This area is for ages 8 and up.
The Hive: A Makerspace - Level 3
Presented by The Isaacs Family
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. Go forth and create!
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 the Science Live! Calendar or pick up a Daily Schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Learn the basics of 3D modeling software and the ins and outs of designing something to print.
Thursday, March 5, 19, 26
3:00 p.m.
Gyotaku
Create nature prints of fish and sea creatures inspired by the Japanese art of fish printing!
Saturday & Sunday March 7 & 8
11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Machine Sewing 101
Learn how to thread and operate a sewing machine.
Thursday, March 12
3:00pm
Kite Making
Let's go fly a kite! Learn about the history and science of kites as you learn how to make your own sled kite out of Tyvek!
Saturday & Sunday March 14 & 15:
11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Plush Sewing
Stitch up a little keychain friend in this advanced beginner sewing lesson as you learn the basics of creating your own plush.
Saturday & Sunday March 21 & 22
11:30am, 1:30pm & 3:00pm
Under the Doodle Sea
Everything’s better down where it’s wetter, take it from me! Bring some undersea creations to life in this 3d printing pen workshop where you’ll learn about 3d printing and some of the amazing bioluminescent creatures that live in the deep!
Saturday & Sunday, March 28 & 29
11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Open Make Experiences
Nature Month
March
Learn some outdoor skills indoors to get yourself excited about spending some time in nature! Activities include knot-tying, nature sketching, cartography, and survival skills!
Take a “hike” across the dynamic ecosystems of Florida and see live animals in their diverse habitats. Meet the fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals call NatureWorks home on your next visit!
Exhibit Hall – Level 1
In NatureWorks, you’ll learn about the amazing animals and plants that inhabit coral reefs, mangrove forests, cypress swamps and other Florida environments, along with other areas around the world.
Discover what lies deep within the Floridan Aquifer, learn how to identify some of Florida’s native and invasive species, and observe animals in their unique habitats to understand their amazing adaptations!
Within the exhibit hall, there are frequent opportunities to hear from a NatureWorks animal keeper and encounter some of our Animal Ambassadors up close at their scheduled encounters!
Science Live!
Check out Fish Feeding Frenzy to learn more about the animals that inhabit Florida’s reefs, or join us for Swamp Talk to meet the fish and reptiles that live in Florida’s cypress swamps.
Check the Science Live! Calendar or pick up a Daily Schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Go on a giant-screen adventure, or immerse yourself in astounding 3D locales, with educational and Hollywood films in Orlando Science Center’s two 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 3D Digital Adventure Theater both offer educational films daily, and all films 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.
We’re looking for eager, passionate team members who want to make a difference in their community!
Orlando Science Center’s volunteers and interns all carry out our mission to inspire science learning for life. Whether their role is to directly interact with guests or work hard behind the scenes, every team member plays an important part in contributing to our organizational success.
Adult Volunteers
Donate your time to bring the Science Center to life in a way that complements your expertise and interests.
Gain hands-on experience, shadow real-world professionals in a variety of fields, and give back to the community, while working in a fun and dynamic environment!
Orlando Science Center’s internship program is designed to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to gain realistic, in-depth exposure to the many careers at the Science Center.
Interns can expect to expand their professional skills, while gaining valuable experience and becoming part of the Science Center’s bigger mission. Internships at Orlando Science Center are unpaid, but interns are eligible for benefits such as school credit and free annual memberships.
Applications are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters and available internships vary by semester. View the list below for current opportunities and check back frequently for other positions.
We are closed for applications to Summer 2020.
Please check back for Fall 2020 opportunities.
The Orlando Science Center is committed to building and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. It is the policy of the Orlando Science Center to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants and to administer all aspects and conditions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected-class status.
Visitors ages 13 and up can “virtually” climb into the cockpit and experience the life of a pilot in this immersive experience that combines technology with teamwork!
Scheduled Times – Level 4
Flight Lab uses real-world mission scenarios to teach standards-based STEM concepts. The lab contains 13 flight simulator stations where participants use Oculus Rift head-mounted display units as they learn how to fly, navigate, communicate and work as a team.
Some missions will require all teams to work together, while others will pit the best pilots against one another.
This experience is best for ages 13 and up.
Science Live!
Check the Science Live! Calendar or pick up a Daily Schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Funding is provided by the Office of Naval Research. Subject matter expertise and curriculum support is provided by the Naval Air Warfare Center/Training Systems Division. Technology and curriculum is designed in partnership with TEQGames. The flight training software was developed by Lockheed Martin and has been used to teach real pilots to fly.
