I’m looking into family-friendly spots in Orlando for our next trip, and one place keeps coming up: KidsTown at the Orlando Science Center. It sounds like it’s been updated and made bigger, which is great for keeping kids engaged. I wanted to share what I’ve found as I plan, to help you get a good idea of what to expect if you’re considering it too.
New and Improved KidsTown
The KidsTown area inside the Orlando Science Center has recently undergone a big refresh. It’s now three times the size it used to be, covering about 11,000 square feet. This expansion means there’s more space for kids to explore and play, with a brighter, more colorful look. The updates also mean it’s designed to be interesting for a wider range of young children, from toddlers up to about age 7.
If you’re planning a visit, it’s good to know that the science center has been making improvements overall. The lobby has been redone as part of a larger plan. For KidsTown, the entrance is now located where the gift shop used to be. It seems like a smart move to put it on the second level of the building. This means if you use the parking garage, you can get there directly from the elevated walkway without needing to use elevators, which I always find easier when I have strollers or little ones.
Exploring the Orange Grove
One of the most talked-about areas is the Orange Grove. I found out that this is a longtime favorite that has been updated but still keeps its original charm. Kids can collect soft, bright balls that represent oranges. They then use a mechanical system to send them up a tower, watch them roll down through a maze, and then put them through a pretend factory. After that, they can pretend to drive the “oranges” to market.
I think the visual appeal of this area is a big plus. There’s a logo on the tower that honors a historical citrus figure, which is a nice touch. It’s also interesting to know that the factory design is a nod to Dr. Phillips’ first factory in Orlando. The market area allows for even more imaginative play, as kids can scan the “oranges” there. This feature encourages role-playing, which is so important for young children’s development.
I’m also glad to hear that the Orange Grove has more space now. For families with very young toddlers, there’s a section that’s walled off. This allows the littlest ones to play safely without being bumped by bigger, more energetic children. This thoughtful design makes the whole experience better for everyone.
ClimbTime Adventures
You can’t miss the ClimbTime structure when you’re in KidsTown. It’s a large, multilevel indoor play area that looks like a giant, decorative frog. It offers slides, rope bridges, and various other obstacles for kids to navigate. The entire structure is safely enclosed with meshed material and adorned with dangling chains.
I discovered that one side of the ClimbTime room is made of floor-to-ceiling glass. This offers an interesting view of the outside from within the play area. Adults are welcome to accompany their children inside ClimbTime, but it’s a space designed specifically for children aged 4 to 7, so adults might need to be careful about their height.
Connecting the Orange Grove and ClimbTime is a hallway that features “colored shadows.” While not a main attraction, it’s a neat educational element. Lights cast colored shadows on the opposite wall, showing how colors work and demonstrate concepts of the light spectrum. It sounds like a fun, visually appealing way to learn a bit about science.
What age range is ClimbTime best for?
ClimbTime is designed for children between the ages of 4 and 7. The structure has various levels and obstacles suitable for this age group.
Adults can enter ClimbTime with children, but it’s important to be aware of the space and potential head clearance for taller individuals. The focus remains on children’s active play.
More Fun Within KidsTown
Beyond ClimbTime, KidsTown opens up into a larger area with different activity zones. To the left, I found Drip Drop Splash, a water table where kids can control the flow of water by rearranging dams and other obstacles. This is a great way for them to experiment with cause and effect.
There’s a unique feature where children can crawl into the center of the water structure and stand under a simulated “rain shower.” The water flow is activated by other visitors turning wheels that pump water into funnels. While it’s called Drip Drop Splash, it’s not a full splash zone, so you likely won’t need raincoats. However, expect some dampness, especially on the carpets, for the children who enjoy interacting closely with the water.
I think this water area is especially good for toddlers, as some parts of the table are lower for them. Even younger infants can be placed in seats directly surrounded by the water. It truly offers a hands-on wet experience that children usually love. It’s a fantastic way for them to explore water properties and physics.
Is KidsTown too wet for some children?
While there is a water area, Drip Drop Splash, it’s not a true splash zone. You likely won’t need a full rain suit, but some dampness is possible, especially around the water table itself.
The water interactions are designed to be hands-on, allowing children to experiment with water flow in a controlled environment. It’s more about wet hands and exploration than getting fully soaked.
Behind Drip Drop Splash is Harriett’s KidsTown Theatre, which sounds like a small, creative performance space. This could be a perfect spot for impromptu shows or scheduled story times. It’s great that there’s a dedicated area for the arts and crafts and other activities in the nearby KidsTown studio as well.
I also noticed a prop and costume shelf nearby. I can imagine that kids will be drawn to this area to dress up and role-play. It’s always a hit with children, and it adds another layer of imaginative play to the KidsTown experience. This is the kind of detail that makes a place fun for longer.
Across from the theatre, there’s a semicircular area called Toddler Town. This new section is specifically for infants and children up to 2 years old. It focuses on crawling, pushing, pulling, and experiencing simple cause-and-effect actions. This is a wonderful addition, as it caters to the youngest visitors who might have been overlooked in other play areas.
The Orlando Science Center is now offering experiences specifically designed for babies and very young children, which is a significant step for inclusivity. It means that even the tiniest family members can have a stimulating and engaging visit tailored to their developmental needs.
Finally, on the far side of the main KidsTown room is an area called Explore It. This space sounds very active and visually engaging. It features tall “windy pipes,” which are clear tubes where colorful scarves are sent upwards. Think of it like a bank’s pneumatic tubes, but for floating scarves!
These scarves travel up the tubes in a dynamic pattern and are then released into the room, where they float back down. It’s described as a study in physics, showing the contrast between the fast upward path and the gentle downward glide. Kids can then grab the scarves and send them back up. This looks like a really fun and educational activity that demonstrates air currents and movement.
Explore It also includes a kaleidoscope-projection area and a modern take on a Lite Brite toy. This version allows users to twist lights to turn them on or off, or even change them to one of a dozen different colors. It’s a great way to explore light and color in a hands-on manner, and I think it would be especially fun for Sofia and Emma at their ages.
What are the main activity zones in KidsTown?
KidsTown features several distinct zones for exploration. These include the Orange Grove, ClimbTime, Drip Drop Splash water table, Harriett’s KidsTown Theatre, Toddler Town for the youngest visitors, and the Explore It area with its windy pipes and interactive light displays.
Each zone offers different types of play and learning experiences, from gross motor skills in ClimbTime to sensory exploration with water and light.
Planning Your Visit
I found some helpful notes for planning a trip to KidsTown. For the grand opening weekend, they’re planning extra fun, including a magician, a kids’ DJ, music from Mix 105.1, and appearances by mascots Stuff from the Orlando Magic and Kingston from Orlando City Soccer Club. If you’re visiting around this time, it sounds like there will be a lot of extra entertainment.
For several weeks after the grand opening, the science center will open an hour early for members, starting at 9 a.m. They are also implementing “timed ticket” entry for KidsTown for a period. This means that non-members will need to reserve their entry times at the admissions desk, while members can schedule their times online in advance. I’ve learned that timed entry is often a good way to manage crowds, so this could make the visit more comfortable.
There’s also a fun suggestion for the grand opening weekend: guests are encouraged to wear “wacky” clothes. Families are invited to wear silly, mismatched outfits or costume pieces. It sounds like a festive way to kick off the renewed KidsTown experience.
Something else I really appreciate is that the signs in KidsTown are in both English and Spanish. This is the first time a permanent exhibit at the science center has done this. It shows a commitment to being an inclusive environment for all visitors, which is something I always look for when choosing family destinations.
The Orlando Science Center is located at 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. KidsTown is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but remember, the science center is closed on Wednesdays. The general admission cost is $19.95 for adults and $13.95 for children aged 3 to 11. You can find more details and check current operating hours by calling 407-514-2000 or visiting their website at osc.org. It’s always a good idea to double-check these details before your visit, as prices and hours can sometimes change.
When is the science center open?
The Orlando Science Center, including KidsTown, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. However, please note that the science center is closed on Wednesdays.
It is always recommended to confirm the most current operating hours and admission prices directly with the Orlando Science Center before your planned visit, as these details can be subject to change.
Embracing Learning Through Play
I see KidsTown as a fantastic example of how children can learn so much through play. The whole concept revolves around hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and encourage discovery. It’s not just about fun; it’s about engaging their minds in a playful, low-pressure environment.
For Emma, who is 6, the ClimbTime and the Orange Grove especially seem like they would be perfect. She loves physical challenges and imaginative scenarios. For Sofia, who is 13, while KidsTown is primarily for younger children, areas like the Drip Drop Splash or Explore It might still offer some engaging sensory and physics-based exploration, depending on her interest in science.
As a parent, I’m always looking for places that offer a blend of entertainment and educational value. KidsTown seems to hit that sweet spot. It allows children to develop motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and social interaction, all while having a wonderful time. The expansion and enhancement of this area show a dedication to providing a high-quality experience for families visiting Orlando.
If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, especially with younger children, I think KidsTown at the Orlando Science Center is definitely worth considering. It offers a refreshing break from other types of attractions and focuses on interactive learning that’s perfect for little ones.
For more information on planning your family’s adventures in Orlando, you might find it helpful to explore Orlando’s top things to do.
