Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center provides a location where children and families can learn about science in a fun, interactive manner. It is one of the country's top hands-on science centers. There are hundreds of exhibits, labs and programs, as well as large screen films and planetarium shows. The center is a popular destination for field trips and family nights and also offers outreach programs that bring the fun of science into the classroom. The center was incorporated in 1955 and opened in Loch Haven Park in 1960. The center expanded and moved into a new facility in 1997. There are four floors of exhibit space, a domed theatre, an observatory, the planetarium, a café and a store. The building was designed by experts in science center design, as well as theme park designers. The CineDome is the giant screen and planetarium and is capable of seating up to 300 people. The Darden Adventure Theater seats 250 and features live performances and science demonstrations. The Crosby Observatory features one of Florida's largest refractor telescopes and is accessible to the public. The center meets national, state and local science and math requirements for education and curricula. The exhibits align with the Florida's Sunshine State Standards, as well as National Science Standards for learning.