Four floors of hands-on science in Loch Haven Park, about 25 miles from Lake Nona, with a public observatory, a giant-screen dome theater and nights just for adults.
The Orlando Science Center is in Loch Haven Park, north of downtown Orlando, about 25 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It opened in its current building in 1997, and its exhibits are spread over several floors. Its exhibit areas include KidsTown for young children, NatureWorks on Florida ecosystems and DinoDigs for fossils. The Crosby Observatory houses what the center describes as Florida's largest public refractor telescope. The center also runs Science Night Live, adults-only evenings with experiments, films and telescope viewing.
Lake Nona is built around science and medicine, so the Orlando Science Center is a natural outing for its families. It is a full day of hands-on exhibits, a dome theater and a rooftop observatory, and it is one of the best rainy-day or hot-day options in the Orlando area.
This guide is written for people weighing a move to Lake Nona. It covers how far the center is, what is there and when a membership pays off.
How far is the Orlando Science Center from Lake Nona?
The Orlando Science Center is about 25 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, in Loch Haven Park north of downtown Orlando.
The usual route takes SR 417 north and the East-West Expressway (SR 408) west, both toll roads, then local roads north to Loch Haven Park. The Science Center shares the park with several other cultural institutions, so it is easy to combine two in one trip.
| Distance from Lake Nona Town Center | About 25 miles |
|---|---|
| Location | Loch Haven Park, Orlando |
| In its current building since | 1997 |
| Highlights | KidsTown, NatureWorks, DinoDigs, Crosby Observatory, CineDome |
| Best for | Families with children; adults on Science Night Live evenings |
What is there to see at the Orlando Science Center?
Exhibits are organized by floor, from Florida ecosystems and a children's area to dinosaurs and a rooftop observatory.
- NatureWorks: Central Florida ecosystems, from coral reefs to cypress swamps, with live animals.
- KidsTown: a hands-on play area designed for young children.
- DinoDigs: dinosaur and fossil exhibits.
- Crosby Observatory: a public observatory with a large refractor telescope, open for viewing on select evenings.
Traveling exhibitions rotate through the building, so there is usually something new between visits.
What is the Dr. Phillips CineDome?
The CineDome is the Science Center's giant dome-screen theater, used for science films and planetarium-style shows.
Films and shows change regularly, and some carry a separate ticket or require a timed reservation. The center also has a second theater for documentaries. Check the day's schedule when you arrive and build your visit around a showing.
Is there anything at the Orlando Science Center for adults?
Yes. Science Night Live evenings are adults-only, with experiments, trivia, films and telescope viewing, and they make a good night out without the kids.
The center also hosts special events and talks through the year. Check the events calendar for upcoming adult nights, which often sell out.
Is an Orlando Science Center membership worth it for Lake Nona families?
For families with young children who expect to go several times a year, usually yes, since the center is a reliable indoor outing in hot or wet weather.
Memberships typically cover general admission for a year and add discounts on films, camps and events. Many science centers also take part in reciprocal programs that give members discounted or free admission at other science centers around the country, which can pay off when you travel. Check the center's membership page for current levels and benefits.
How does the Orlando Science Center fit alongside Lake Nona's other nearby museums?
The Science Center shares Loch Haven Park with the Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum, so a family can combine two in one trip.
See our guides to the Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum of American Art. For science and innovation closer to home, see our Nona Tech & Innovation hub, and for more of Orlando, the Explore Orlando hub.
Pros, Cons and Our Take
Pros
- A full day of hands-on science for children, indoors and air-conditioned.
- A public observatory and a giant dome theater.
- Adults-only Science Night Live evenings.
- Easy to combine with the other Loch Haven Park museums.
Cons
- About 25 miles each way, with tolls.
- Some films and shows cost extra or need timed reservations.
- School holidays and rainy weekends are crowded.
- Much of it suits younger children more than teenagers.
Our Take
For Lake Nona families with young children, the Orlando Science Center is one of the best indoor outings in the region, and a membership is easy to justify if you expect to go a few times a year. Adults shouldn't skip it either: Science Night Live and the observatory make it a good evening out.
What the Neighbors Know
Lake Nona is home to Medical City and a lot of science-minded families, and the Science Center fits right in. It is a common choice for hot summer days and school breaks. If regular trips into Orlando matter to you, compare Lake Nona neighborhoods by how quickly they reach SR 417.
Official Sources
Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Orlando Science Center from Lake Nona?
About 25 driving miles from Lake Nona Town Center, in Loch Haven Park north of downtown Orlando. The usual route uses SR 417 and SR 408, both toll roads.
What is KidsTown at the Orlando Science Center?
KidsTown is the Orlando Science Center's hands-on play and learning area designed for young children.
Does the Orlando Science Center have an observatory?
Yes. The Crosby Observatory houses a large public refractor telescope and is open for viewing on select evenings.
What is Science Night Live?
Science Night Live is the Orlando Science Center's adults-only evening program, with experiments, trivia, films and telescope viewing.
