Ways to Play and Things to Do at Orlando Science Center
Orlando Science Center is essential for our family when we have those moments when we simply need a contained, engaging space to explore. KidsTown offers the kind of play where kids lead the way — climbing, splashing, building, pretending — all in a safe indoor environment made just for them, and it’s just one of the many playful spots found within the four floors of the Orlando Science Center.
Take it from a mom who’s been there, many times. I have been going to the Orlando Science Center for about seven years in a row. So I’m sharing a quick overview of the best things to do with kids at the Orlando Science Center.
Ways to Play at Orlando Science Center
KidsTown – Entrance Level
KidsTown is the main attraction for families with young children, designed specifically for ages birth through seven. Once you step through the giant teal archway, you enter a world buzzing with child-sized activity.
The orange grove is always a favorite: little ones “pick” oranges from the trees, gather them in baskets, and sort them into crates. And within this vestibule is the Market invites pretend shopping and role-play, complete with a kid-sized checkout station. It’s immersive, energetic, and wonderful for social development.
Water lovers gravitate to Drip Drop Splash, a hands-on water play zone where kids can redirect streams, test funnels, and experiment freely. While the design keeps splashing to a minimum, a backup shirt isn’t a bad idea.
For the youngest visitors, Toddler Town provides a quieter, soft-surface space meant for early developmental play, perfect for crawlers and new walkers.
And bonus, Kids Town has family-friendly companion restrooms, complete with a friendly environment for kids that are potty training.
Beyond KidsTown: Next Stops on Your Play Route
Once you venture beyond KidsTown, the Science Center becomes a full map of discovery, with stops designed for every age and stage. Puzzle stations and challenges make great “rest stops” in your day — a chance for older kids to slow down, think strategically, and reset before moving on.
Continue your route upstairs to DinoDigs, where towering fossils, dig pits, and wide-open space offer a natural transition point after the high-energy play of KidsTown.
And the Space Playground is right next door with hands on space themed exhibits. Both are the perfect next destination for kids ready to stretch their imagination on a larger scale.
The Makerspace: For Older Kids
The Makerspace is an upstairs stop on your play road map where kids can build, experiment, and tinker with real tools and STEM challenges. Designed fo ages 8 and up, it’s a great next destination after time in KidsTown, with rotating activities that keep every visit fresh.
Before you go, read our tips for visiting the Orlando Science Center so you know what to bring, parking info, and more.
Info & Fees
777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
OSC.org
407-391-6891
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed Wednesday (except on school breaks)
Admission:
- $29 admission for adults
- $27 teens (ages 13-17)
- $22 kids (ages 3-12)
- Kids 2 and under are free
For families visiting often, a membership functions as your season-long pass. Free parking, quick trips, and the freedom to pop in for just one “stop” on your play road map make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Bonus: Playgrounds with STEAM Activities
Wooton Park
100 E Ruby St, Tavares, FL 32778
Seaplane-themed splash pad celebrating the city’s aviation history, plus a playground with a climbable airplane and control-tower slide that sparks engineering curiosity.
SENSES Park
2296 Camelia Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34743
Designed for sensory science exploration with interactive play elements (musical instruments, textured panels) and a sandbox where children can dig for pretend fossils, offering a hands-on paleontology adventure.
Phelps Park
1206 N Phelps Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
A treehouse-like vibe and natural materials and shaded climbing structures, blending into the environment
Azalea Lane Playground
1045 Azalea Ln, Winter Park, FL 32789
Watch the SunRail and Amtrak trains, play equipment with a train motif, plus a music area, great cause-and-effect learning opportunities
