If you are taking a trip to Florida, there are many museums and science centers in Orlando for you to enjoy. No matter what your interests, there will be something for you in Orlando.

Orlando Area Museums

Rated by many as the best museum in Orlando is the Orange County History Center. Here the growth of this area from ranching and farming to a bustling city is profiled with many exhibits including a pioneer home.

The Orlando Museum of Art showcases art from around the world. It has a huge collection of African art and an impressive collection titled Art from the Ancient Americas.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is known for its collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Included are lamps, paintings, jewelry, and art glass.

Train Land International has one of the biggest G-gauge layouts in the world. It includes 3000 feet of track and the landscaping has real fish in the rivers and Bigfoot in the mountains.

Science Centers in Orlando

The Orlando Science Center has something for all ages. There are experiments you can perform, planetarium shows, a severe weather center, and exhibits covering four floors.

Strange science can be seen at Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Some things are bizarre and some are hilarious, but all are interesting to see. Oddities include shrunken heads, a car made with matchsticks, and a calf with two heads.

The Museum of Arts and Sciences is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. Displays include a huge skeleton of a ground sloth, a vast collection of Coca Cola items, and a planetarium.

An interesting place for children is Dinosaur World. There is a huge outdoor exhibit with more than 150 dinosaurs to see and a place to dig for fossils.

The museums and science centers in Orlando have a variety of offerings including trains, art from Tiffany, and peculiar objects. Orlando really does have something for everyone.

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Although the Orlando area is dominated by the several theme parks, there is a lot more to see and do. Entertainment in Orlando has something for everyone. For baseball fans, there is spring training by major teams. Golfing enthusiasts have much to choose from in the Orlando area, from miniature to championship golf courses. For those wanting to stay indoors, there are great exhibits at the Orlando Museum of Art and at the Science Center.

Entertainment in Orlando even extends to the skies. Enjoy an unforgettable experience aboard a hot-air balloon as you float over Central Florida. Be sure to bring a camera to capture it all, then enjoy a commemorative toast of cider or champagne when back on the ground.

Wildlife Entertainment in Orlando

At Gatorland, the big stars are the alligator wrestlers, who allow visitors to help grab the big reptiles. Gatorland also has a petting zoo and a swamp trail.

The Central Florida Zoo is about 30 miles north of Orlando, a great family destination holding special events throughout the year. Let Canoe Creek Charters take you on an adventure safari to hunt alligators, while staying safely aboard an airboat. Many fresh and salt water fishing adventure tours are also available.

For decades now, the Orlando area has remained one of the top Florida destinations, bringing millions of visitors every year. The Orlando International Airport is served by airlines from all over the world, and there are hundreds of hotels in all price ranges to satisfy every visitor. All-inclusive tour packages are often a great bargain, as they include entrance to the Disney World parks and other venues.

Visit OrlandoTravelHotels.com to book your trip to Orlando.  You'll find guaranteed low rates on hotel rooms as well as fabulous deals on flights, rental cars and more.  Come see for yourself why Orlando is a top destination.
 

Orlando is known for being a premier destination for travelers, thanks to great weather, exciting amusement parks, and fantastic museums. Here are some of the best museums and science centers in Orlando!

Museums in Orlando

Whether you are interested in learning more about art, history, or even trains, there is plenty for you to learn at a museum in Orlando. The largest and most popular museum is the Orlando Museum of Art, which boasts a huge selection of works by American artists, and lots of rotating exhibitions and displays so there is always something new to see.

Another favorite, especially for children, is the International Trolley and Train Museum. This museums offers a chance to admire multiple trains in a giant outdoor track, with mountains as high as 12 feet high! You can catch a ride on a replica California Victorian-Style trolley, or browse the wide selection of ancient toy trains.

Science Centers in Orlando

For children and adults alike, the Orlando Science Center is a great place to learn more about the natural world around us. With over 200,000 square feet, the Orlando Science Center boasts hands-on interactive exhibits, fascinating displays, and experiments that you can participate in. An observatory on site offers a chance to use the largest refracting telescope in the state of Florida.

For a bizarre collection of scientific oddities, head to the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium. There you'll find collections of unnatural scientific anomalies, or just funny collections to make you laugh. This is a great place to spend an afternoon, and you'll leave with a smile on your face!

However you choose to spend your time in Orlando, you are guaranteed to have a great time. Make the most of your stay by including a trip to one of the museums and science centers in Orlando.

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When people think of taking a trip to Orlando, the first thing that comes to mind is Disney World and several other theme parks. However, there are many interesting and exciting things to do in the city besides Disney World and these other parks.

Great Museums and Exhibits in Orlando

Because it is so big, there are countless opportunities for entertainment. There really is a little something for everyone in this bustling, Central Florida city. It is a great place to travel to for people who love to spend time in museums. Some of the best museums in the area are the Orlando Science Center, the Mennello Museum of Art, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

These museums have all different kinds of paintings and exhibits. Tours of the museums are offered daily and are very reasonably priced. In addition to the many great and educational museums, the city is also in close proximity to several beaches.

Great Beaches Close to Orlando

Favorite Central Florida beaches include Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Canaveral National Seashore, and Melbourne Beach. All five of these places are very nice destinations for families to spend a fun afternoon in the sun. It is very common for both locals and tourists to be spending their days on a nearby beach. Other fun things to do in the area include the John F. Kennedy Space Center and the Holy Land Experience.

Great Restaurants in Orlando

There is no shortage of dining opportunities in and around Orlando.  You will find restaurants for any budget.  Some good restaurants in the city are Chathams Place Restaurant, Zenzi, the Palm Restaurant, and Pearl Steakhouse.

Great Travel Deals to Orlando

OrlandoTravelHotels.com is the best web site to visit when planning your trip to Orlando or anywhere else for that matter.  You’ll find savings on flights and hotels, plus find valuable information on all things related to Orlando and Central Florida.

Because there are so many things to do in the Orlando area, it’s a great vacation destination for people looking to get away and relax. It is by far one of the best cities to travel to in the Southeastern part of the United States.
 

Planning a family vacation to Orlando and looking for some kid-friendly activities? There are many fun things to do in Orlando that will make your trip unforgettable.   Here’s a list of 10 ideas to get you started:

1. Start your vacation by getting wet. Take the kids for a swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove and make a memory that will last a lifetime.
2. Visit one of the local water parks to splash in the rapids and ride the tidal waves.
3. Make a quick trip over to Cocoa Beach to play in the ocean and enjoy the beautiful sand.
4. After you dry off, spend some time learning about nature and the world around us. Begin your discovery with a variety of animal attractions. The Animal Kingdom, Dinosaur World, Gatorland and SeaWorld all offer unique, kid-friendly learning experiences about animals of yesterday and today.
5. Visit the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens to find out about the flora and fauna of the region.
6. Check out the Orlando Science Center for interactive exhibits that are sure to “wow” all of the members of your family.
7. For some good old-fashioned entertainment, a spirited round of miniature golf will excite the young and the young at heart.
8. Head over to the Orlando Public Children’s Library for fun-filled story times, games and activities.
9. A list of things to do in Orlando wouldn’t be complete without including the world renowned theme parks. Kid-friendly play areas, rides and attractions combined with your youngsters’ favorite characters will delight at Universal Studios.
10. Last but not least, Disney World offers families a truly magical time, from fireworks and parades to sightings and pictures with your child’s favorite personality, whether it is a princess, a pirate or that lovable mouse. 

Find Travel Deals to Orlando

OrlandoTravelHotels.com is the online site to visit to find great deals on flights, hotels, and more.  You’ll also find helpful information on area restaurants, shopping, and other things to do in and around Orlando.

It’s no wonder Orlando is a top destination for families.  There are tons of kid-friendly things to do and just as many adult-friendly too!
 

Louis Comfort Tiffany would be proud of the new 12,000 square foot wing at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art located in Winter Park, FL.  It is now home to the most comprehensive collection of his works.

Mr. Tiffany is probably best known for his work in stained glass windows and lamps, but you can also view his beautiful creations in the decorative arts featuring jewelry, pottery, and paintings.

Laurelton Hall Recreated

Laurelton Hall was the home of Mr. Tiffany.  Sadly, the mansion burned in 1957.  Morse Museum has recreated the feel of the mansion by now housing the largest repository of materials left from Laurelton Hall.

Vignettes have been creatively designed to showcase areas such as Laurelton Hall’s reception hall, dining room, and living room.  You can not only view incredible works of art, but also get a better understanding of the history behind the man and his work.

Other Morse Museum Collections

Morse Museum is not just about Tiffany; you can also see some amazing American decorative art dating from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century.  See sculpture from the likes of Thomas Crawford and Hiram Powers.  Painting and graphic arts abound with collections from Samuel Morse, Rembrandt Peale, and more.  You will also delight in European and other miscellaneous collections.

Winter Park is located just beyond downtown Orlando. If you are making a trip to Orlando or live in the area, be sure to visit the Morse Museum.  You will be mesmerized by the incredible works of art showcased there.
 

 

 

 

 

Travel + Leisure has published their 2010 results for America’s Top 35 Cities and, not surprisingly, beautiful Orlando has ranked as one of the favorite cities.  Cities were ranked in areas like culture, shopping, nightlife, restaurants, etc.

Orlando is #1 for Family Vacations and All-In-One Resorts

Orlando came out tops among all cities for family vacations and all-in-one resorts.  Seems like lots of folks love to come to the theme parks and participate in all the things to do in and around Orlando.  Not only will you find fabulous all-in-one resorts but there are so many great hotels to choose from in the vicinity.  In fact, Orlando ranked #8 in the affordable hotels category.

See for Yourself Why Orlando is Ranked as a Favorite City

If you have frequented Orlando, you know the reason you continue to return time after time.  It is a great place for so many adventures and you can rarely beat the weather.

If you haven’t come to this great city, make travel plans now to come see why it is ranked as one of the top 35 cities in the United States.  You will get great deals on all your travel needs at OrlandoTravelHotels.com.  Book your flight and make your hotel reservations at the same time and save big money.  Come to Orlando soon and experience all she has to offer you and your family.

 Photo courtesy of www.livingorlando.com
 

NASA and Gowalla have teamed together to encourage people to “check in” at NASA- affiliated locations to find virtual items such as a moon rock, NASA patch, spacesuit, and a space shuttle.  Gowalla is a location-based social outlet that allows users to check-in at locations on their smart phones. 

 

 

 

Calling All Space Cadets

Let the space cadet in you come out and take part in this unique type of scavenger hunt.  You can find moon rocks by checking into any location where a real one is on display.  These samples were brought back to Earth during several of the Apollo missions. 

Find other items by checking into any of the NASA visitor centers, agency-related location, or one of the more than 400 locations that are part of NASA’s Museum Alliance.  Add astronaut Mike Massimino and NASA to your Gowalla connections.  Massimino will be using his Gowalla account to drop these special items around the country.

Start You Space Odyssey in Florida

Collect any three of the NASA items and you will get the NASA pin.  If you are one of the first 100 to get the NASA pin, you’ll win a special edition of the NASA/Gowalla map.

Search for the Moon Rocks

What better place to start checking in than the Kennedy Space Center in Florida?  Catch a flight into Orlando and take the short drive over to the Space Coast to start collecting your items. Find great deals on hotels, flights, and more at OrlandoTravelHotels.com.  Save money on your travel and start checking in through Gowalla to get all your NASA items.
 

If you want to experience Orlando along with the surrounding area and save big, get your Go Orlando Card today. You will find reduced admission prices to 40 popular attractions in and around Orlando.

Lots of Attractions, Lots of Fun

There is something for everyone with the attractions accepting the Go Orlando Card.  Save up to 50% on the retail admission price for places like Kennedy Space Center, Daytona 500 Experience, Wet ‘n Wild, Congo River Adventure Golf, and Boggy Creek Airboat Rides.  You’ll also find savings at many restaurants and shopping venues.

Options Abound

You can purchase several options of the Go Orlando Card.  Select one, two, three, five, or seven day cards based on how long you will be in the Central Florida area and how many attractions you’d like to visit.  Learn more about Orlando before you visit and let the guidebook you receive help you plan your activity schedule.

Save on All Your Travel Needs

Use OrlandoTravelHotels.com to purchase your Go Orlando Card and find unbelievable savings on your travel needs to Orlando.  Book your hotel and flight together and save an average of $525.  See all that Orlando has to offer and get a discount on entrance fees to some of your favorite attractions with the Go Orlando Card.
 

Events at the Mennello Museum are regularly scheduled including activities which children will particularly enjoy. Nestled between three lakes, the park offers a beautiful setting for visiting the Mennello Museum and viewing the lake scenery under majestic oak trees.

As part of its schedule of on-site exhibitions, OMA is presenting Global Lens 2009. This dynamic collection of ten international award-winning films premiered at MOMA and can now be seen at Orlando Museum of Art through November 1, 2009.

There is no lack of cultural opportunities in the Central Florida area, and Orlando is a hub for the performing arts. While you are visiting, check out special rates or performance times to get your needed dose of the arts.

While you are visiting Orlando, be sure to check for one of the many special events which might be occurring at the facility during your stay. From sea monsters to dinosaurs, from the galaxy to the ocean’s deep, people of all ages will notch another memory of a lifetime with a visit to the Orlando Science Center.