Houston, we’re go for lunch!
Join us Friday, July 9 at 12 p.m. for a live virtual talk with a member of NASA’s Artemis Mission. Grab some lunch as we learn about the technology and challenges that will be taking astronauts back to the Moon and beyond!
Launch into 4Roots Cafe on Level 1, or join the stream from anywhere on WebEx.
This diminutive abode offers a hands-on experience through interactive displays that educate visitors on energy and water conservation measures, sustainability rebates, vehicle electrification, renewables, composting, food gardens and other efficiency methods.
It includes a functioning roof-top solar array and a rain barrel to collect and conserve water, among other green features visitors can add to their own homes.
Built by OUC, the City of Orlando, and Orlando Science Center, the 200-square-foot home hopes to increase sustainability education and awareness in Central Florida.
The Tiny Green Home is an educational resource showcasing the benefits of:
Part of the American Cities Climate Challenge grant, the $100,000 project is funded equally by OUC and the City, along with a $15,000 grant from The Natural Resources Defense Council.
Little Diversified Architecture
View – Smart Glass
Tip Top Roofing
esaSolar
Rheem Manufacturing Company
Ferran Services
Thomas Lumber Co.
NovaCharge
Ovation Construction
4Roots Foundation
Landreth Lighting
Karndean Design Flooring
Rachio
Powder Keg Games hosts video game tournaments on consoles Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox. Titles include Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Street Fighter, Pokken Tournament DX, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and more!
Friday, February 12, 2021
Saturday, February 13, 2021
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Monday, February 15, 2021
All participants under (18) years of age on the first day of attending the Otronicon event must submit a consent form upon entry to the event, signed by a caregiver, in order to participate in the gaming competitions.
Purchase a package that includes daily Otronicon admission and game competitions. Competitions have limited seating available and are $7 per participant, per game.
Please note that you MUST have a ticket to Otronicon to participate.
Otronicon Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
General Admission: Otronicon is free for OSC members, $21.00 for adults, $19.00 for seniors and students, and $15.00 for youth (ages 2-11).
For more information, please call 407.514.2000.
These 90-minute private programs are offered for groups of 3–10 guests from the same party who would like to visit the museum before we open to the general public or as we are winding down at the end of the day.
Did you know that our NatureWorks team arrives as early as 7:00 am to make sure our animals are cared for and healthy? Or that our fully functioning makerspace is used to create everything from a felt succulent garden to large interactive exhibit pieces? What else will you discover on your private adventure?
Offered 8:30 p.m. OR 9:45 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, November 12 - March 5*
* Reservations can only be made 2 weeks in advance.
*Observatory & Planetarium Private Experience will not be available December 24-25 and December 31-January 1
Spend an evening amongst the stars with a private experience in Orlando Science Center's iconic observatory & planetarium!
Begin your journey through the galaxy with an up-close look at the constellations with a dazzling planetarium show. The inflatable dome takes you on an immersive tour through space and time using a digital projection system to view stars, constellations and planets.
Then, make your way to the observatory and learn about different types of telescopes and how they work as you explore the Orlando skyline to the night sky and beyond with our resident space-enthusiasts!
Offered Saturdays & Sundays from 8:30 – 10:00 am
Weekday reservations available upon request.
Adventure is open to all ages but we suggest one adult per two youth.
Embark on a behind-the-scenes tour through this fan-favorite exhibit which emulates animal habitats found in nature. Throughout your guided experience, you will participate in animal touches and feedings while learning about animal husbandry and the care that goes into keeping our animals happy and healthy. Once you’re familiar with the lay of the land, it’s time to learn the ropes and become an animal keeper!
Did you know our animal ambassadors are big fans of food prep? Our animals’ diets are designed to fit each of their unique nutritional needs. Help us prepare the day’s meals and feed some of our four-legged friends!
Enrichment is also a crucial part of our animals’ health and wellbeing. Learn how keepers use enrichment to keep animals physically and mentally fit. This will be demonstrated while an animal ambassador paints a two-colored masterpiece for you to take home as a keepsake for your exciting day!
Meet an animal ambassador! Once you've finished your animal keeper training, there will be time for a special opportunity to interact with an animal ambassador* and pose for photo-ops.
*Animal encounters are just as enriching for the animals as the humans who participate in them but, like humans, sometimes they want to stick to their own schedule. Animal well-being is our top priority, so if a particular animal does not want to participate in that day’s private experiences, our staff will select another exciting animal ambassador for you to meet!
Offered Saturdays & Sundays from 9:00 – 10:30 am OR 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Weekday reservations available upon request.
Workshops are best suited for makers ages 8 and older.
Go forth and create! In this collaborative workspace, you can try new tools, build new skills, and create something one-of-a-kind to take home. Makers are MacGuyvers. Through the simple act of making something, you are strengthening essential skills in problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
These private experiences will challenge you to bring your ideas to life, and every choice you make will lead you to something new. Makerspaces cultivate community so enjoy sharing your creations with each other.
Being a maker is all about creativity and experimentation, so select one of the following projects for your group’s private experience to explore and make your own:
Get an overview of 3D printing technology, the software involved, and some applications for 3D printers in the world. Learn basic 3D modeling skills as you work together to create a custom 3D-printed piece! Discover how this technology is revolutionizing so many industries by turning creative ideas into realities. Your only limits are your imagination!
Create your own ribbon-wrapped mouse ear headband by using 3D printed ear loops. Design an original garden headband with faux foliage or choose from a variety of materials to adorn your very own headwear that can’t be mass-produced. Each piece is unique to the creator. How’s that for custom fashion?
You don’t need a green thumb to create a flourishing succulent garden made of felt! Make a small magnet or desk garden using laser cut felt shapes. Learn techniques to make five varieties of succulents and cacti using plush sewing techniques as well as hot glue rolled or wrapped succulents. Create a unique and beautiful small personal garden just for you or share it with someone special. Enjoy this gardening without breaking a sweat or getting your hands dirty.
Members / Non-Members:
$200 / $250 for up to 5 people
Members / Non-Members:
$25 / $30 each for ages 12 and up
$20 / $25 each for ages 3–11
Private Experiences can host up to 10 guests and we suggest at least one adult per two youth. Programs are non-refundable.
Packages do not include General Admission to Orlando Science Center for non-members. Admission tickets can be added before or after your program for a reduced rate during your visit.
Travel plans canceled this year? Go back in time with “Lunch in Pompeii”, a free speaker series held through Zoom. Hosted between 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., take a nice break from work or school, and tune in to learn about some of the artifacts that can be found in our latest exhibit Pompeii: The Immortal City.
This collaboration with UCF and the Orlando Science Center started in 2019 with the launch of Knight at the Museum, a speaker series hosted at OSC. Lunch in Pompeii continues this partnership with a virtual speaker series to meet the needs of today's world and social distancing. These subject matter experts will help give us a uniquely in-depth look at various topics related to the exhibit.
This speaker series is FREE, but you must RSVP to receive the Zoom link and login details.
*This series is recommended for students 13 years and older but younger students are welcome to join.
Metals were a fundamental part of Roman life, providing a wide range of weapons, coins, implements and jewelry. Given the scarcity of metals in Roman provinces, demand for these precious resources drove previously unprecedented scales of interaction and trade that affected linked Rome, including major trading centers like Pompeii, to the Roman provinces and beyond.
Dr. Joseph Lehner will examine how metal production and trade shaped the Roman world, and how the archaeological study of these materials give us extraordinary insight into not only the mechanics of the empire but also the daily lives of people who once lived there.
Dine like the ancient Pompeii citizens in a gustatio, a light lunch of starters! Our meals and the meals of those before us are very different. Here, you can attend a virtual tasting of daily fresh breads, drink a full-bodied raisin wine or posca, a cold, watered-down vinegar, and savor herbed olives in oil. Sounds delectamenti!
Dr. Lana Williams will give us a taste of why our modern system of tastes that seem so “naturally” preferable to us are very different from those of the past. The perfect meal of ancient Pompeii and the Roman World was one where all the tastes, and therefore all the virtues, would be simultaneously present.
When the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius hit Pompeii in 79AD, its ash formed a protective shield around the bodies of the citizens. This created a type of mummification. Pompeiians are now called “ash mummies” due to the intactness of bodies.
Dr. Sandra Wheeler dives into how and why these preserved bodies provide several different insights into the deaths, but also the lives of every day Pomepiians.
Lasers and Pompeii? Ancient and modern worlds collide in this presentation by Dr. Matthieu Baudelet. As an associate professor of Chemistry at UCF, Baudelet specializes in laser-based spectroscopy for forensic analysis.
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.
Check out the Building Guide to see a map and information for our current exhibits.
Drop in and learn about coprolites with this new display adjacent to DinoDigs. The Poozeum is a collection of some of the largest coprolites ever found and it’s so much more than a crappy complement to our existing dinosaur fossil displays.
What is a coprolite? Also known as fossilized feces, coprolites are very old pieces of prehistoric poop that have become fossilized over a very long time. Coprolites come in a variety of shapes and sizes and they have been discovered on every continent on earth. These special little time capsules provide direct links to prehistoric animal diets, behaviors, and environments.
From dino dung to crocodile caca, check out over a dozen specimens, including Barnum – the Guinness World Record Holder for “world’s largest fossilized excrement from a carnivore.” It was generously provided by a very full T. Rex and loaned to us by the “King of Fossilized Feces,” Famed Collector and Explorers Club Fellow, George Frandsen.
Specimens on display range in sizes and date back 11,700 to 200 million years ago. They were discovered all over the world, including some spots in Florida. Scientists can find all sorts of things in coprolites, which can help identify what kind of animal created them. The specimens on display include bits of bones, teeth, scales and plants and were made by dinosaurs, crocodiles, fish and sharks.
For more nuggets, visit: www.poozeum.com
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.
Stop by The Hive on Level 3 to purchase today!
Any space can become a Makerspace if you have the right tools! Take home a Hive @ Home kit and get all of the materials and instructions to do one project from a Hive workshop from the safety of your own home. Projects vary from month to month and limited quantity are available while supplies last.
Swing by The Hive and see what’s in stock! While showcasing our 3D printers and laser cutters to guests, our team regularly creates unique OSC products! Show off your love for your Science Center with a custom Hive sketchpad and wood and acrylic accessories including pins, buttons, earrings, keychains, and more!
Choose your own design and press your own button! Flip through our button binder and select your own design then work with our Maker staff to press and seal your own custom-made button! Once completed, you can pin and wear your new swag out. Don’t forget to imPRESS your friends by telling them you made it yourself!
All proceeds from The Hive Shop help provide vital funds needed to continue to offer programs and services that impact our community. From our hardworking staff, we thank you for your trust, unwavering support, and continued investment. We simply couldn’t do it without you!
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!
Orlando Science Center strives to inspire all of its visitors to care for and protect wildlife both near and far. It is our hope that your visit to the Science Center will encourage you to learn more about our animals and the actions you can take to protect their wild counterparts.
Check out the Building Guide to see a map and information for our current exhibits.
Our experienced keepers ensure the highest quality of animal care and welfare. The keepers at Orlando Science Center all hold specialized degrees in a variety of life science disciplines including Biology, Environmental Science, and Zoo Animal Technology.
Our animal staff has years of experience caring for a variety of animals and are well versed in the animal care standards established by the United States Department of Agriculture and Fish and Wildlife. The Science Center also works with several licensed exotic animal veterinarians to provide top-quality nutrition and veterinary care to all of our animals.
The Orlando Science Center has a Responsible Population Management policy that dictates all animal acquisitions and transfers. Our policy prioritizes the long-term sustainability of living animal populations and the health and welfare of our animals.
Many of our animals were donated to us by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Fish and Wildlife removes invasive species from the environment and places them in zoos and nature centers. We also house animals that Fish and Wildlife confiscated from people who possessed them illegally.
Several of our animals come from FWC’s Pet Amnesty program which rehomes animals that Florida residents can no longer care for. We are proud to provide a safe and enriching home for these animals.
Next time you’re in the NatureWorks exhibit, come say hi to one of our staff members or volunteers. They love talking about animals! You can also contact us at nature@osc.org for any inquiries regarding our animal collection
Participate in diet prep, target training, enjoy meet-and-greets, and more when you book a private experience!
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.
Both theaters are available for private rentals for film screenings, award presentations, team meetings, talent shows, and so much more.
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.
Dive into the action inside the stadium-seated Digital Adventure Theater. Films are presented in 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, heroic “Super Science” show and more will show you the science in fact and fiction.
Content changes seasonally. Check the theater schedule prior to your visit to find out what special experiences will be offered.
Join an immersive adventure to experience the life-saving superpowers and extraordinary bravery of some of the world’s most amazing dogs. In this inspiring true story, our best friends are also real-life superheroes. Journey around the globe to meet remarkable dogs who save lives and discover the powerful bond they share with their human partners.
Sea turtles are some of Earth's most ancient and majestic creatures. For over 100 million years, they have traversed the seas, enduring mass extinctions and playing critical roles in maintaining food webs. But now they face a new threat – humans. It's time we learned more about these remarkable reptiles.
A 10-year-old and her sister must save their new neighbor from a prehistoric dinosaur.
We are at the beginning of a period of unprecedented technological advancement, catalyzing a new age of scientific discovery. Travel with us on this immersive giant screen film, as we explore the most exciting machines ever conceived by man, including the Large Hadron Collider and James Webb Space Telescope. See how these new experiments allow us to look deeper into our origins, and unveil the mysteries of dark energy, dark matter and extra dimensions.
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.
