Homeschool Travel Guide to Orlando
*Caution, affiliate links ahead…Don’t worry, I’ll use the money for something practical, like wine…. or a pony!
Orlando is a homeschool wonderland full of mind-blowing educational experiences that will thrill your entire family!
Science
Kennedy Space Center
One of Florida’s most popular destinations, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex tells the epic story of the U.S. space program – from the first day through the present. The 70-acre arena, a gateway to a working space center, takes visitors on a journey that’s both entertaining and educational, interactive and inspirational. Before your visit, make sure to check out the extensive teaching resources they offer to homeschoolers and educators.
Orlando Science Center
For sixty years, the Orlando Science Center has been a place that inspires curiosity and exploration. Truly one of the great activities for Orlando families, the Science Center encourages learning in a fun way. With four floors of exciting indoor exhibits, The Orlando Science Center is a great rainy day activity that your entire family will enjoy. They offer monthly homeschool programming from Sept-May where students will receive an in-depth lab/classroom experience.
WonderWorks Museum
Nothing is what it seems at WonderWorks Orlando. It starts with the building, which resembles an upside-down white stucco mansion. This self-proclaimed “amusement park for the mind” is devoted to the wonders of science and nature and aims to fire the imagination of young and old.
Arts & Culture
Orlando Museum of Art
Broaden your artistic horizons by enrolling then in one of Orlando Museum of Art’s popular art programs. The Orlando Museum of Art has art workshops for all ages designed to foster artistic self-expression, problem-solving skills, and creative imagination.
Polk Museum of Art
The Polk Museum of Art houses an extensive collection of art including pieces from Warhol, Rembrandt, Picasso and many other famous artists. Admission is always free to this museum making it accessible to anyone interested in art and art history. the museum also offers classes for kids, teens and adults including photography, calligraphy, painting and much more.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Housing a considerable collection of Tiffany glass, this museum offers discounts to teachers and students (only $5 for a yearly membership) and frequently hold workshops, lectures and tours for families looking to expand their artistic knowledge.
Orlando Philaharmonic
The Orlando Philharmonic offers education programs for all ages including a Pre-K Tiny Tots musical discovery program, symphonic stories for elementary school music lovers and even adult programs. They also offer youth/family performances that are a great way to introduce your family to classical music.
Osceola Theater of the Arts
Introduce your children to the wonderful world of performing arts at the Osceola Theater of the Arts. Children and adults will adore their line up of plays designed to entertain and intrigue children of all ages.
The Mennello Museum of American Art
The Mennello Museum of American Art endeavors to preserve, exhibit, and interpret the Museum’s outstanding permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham. Families will also enjoy the magnificent sculpture gardens surrounding the museum. Admission is free for families on the second Sunday of every month with special activities and crafts from 12-2:30.
Nature
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Enter the lush tropical world of the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. A relaxing, entertaining and educational experience for the entire family. The zoo is home to more than 500 animals, representing 205 species, including giraffes, rhinos, and the mysterious fossa. The zoo also offers hands on homeschool classes once a month Sept- May for kids aged 6-12. Kids will be inspired and challenged as they experience this living classroom.
Brevard Zoo
Proof that little zoos can do big things too, the Brevard Zoo places their focus on wildlife conservation through education and participation. They offer a once a year homeschool day where families can receive discounted admission along with special programming.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Explore an amazing 50-acre botanical oasis where each garden is designed specifically to further the mission to inspire visitors to appreciate and understand plants. The Leu House Museum located in the heart of the gardens reveals turn-of-the century living for the families who once called this home. Classes in horticulture, landscaping and fine arts are available to children and adults year round. The first Monday of every month (excluding February, March or April) admission to the gardens and museum is completely free.
Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens nearly 50 acres of gardens is located among rolling hills of citrus and has been delighting visitors for years. They offer students rich experiential opportunities designed to connect and engage learners of all ages through quality programming that fosters appreciation, builds knowledge, and cultivates a sense of wonder. They offer an extensive teaching guide as well as a student packet that you can use when you visit.
History
Fort Christmas Historical Park
The park offer visitors a full size replica of Fort Christmas. There are seven restored historical homes to tour. These homes represent pioneer life from the 1870s through the 1930s. Come learn about homesteading, cattle farming, citrus growing, hunting, fishing and trapping.
Central Florida Railway Museum
Put on your conductor’s hat and take a tour of the historic Central Florida Railroad Museum. Located in downtown Winter Garden, the museum is housed in the old Tavares and Gulf Rail Company building. The museum chronicles the history of the two main railroads that ran through Winter Garden and displays artifacts used in the actual construction of the railway.
Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida
The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida is an organization dedicated preserving the history of the Holocaust and to honor the victims with their permanent and traveling exhibits. They offer homeschool field trips, lesson plans and a large research library. The museum is open to the public free of charge
Orlando Fire Museum
This two-story, red brick firehouse was the original Fire Station 3, built in 1926. The building now showcases the rich history of the Orlando Fire Department from its inception in 1885 to present day. Admission is always free.
Winter Garden Heritage Museum
The Winter Garden Heritage Museum gives a glimpse into the past of one of Florida’s most interesting cities. Inside the museum, you will step back in time and view artifacts from Native Americans and turn of the century antiques. The fun starts when you pick up a treasure map from the museum and go on an exciting treasure hunt throughout downtown Winter Garden.
Orange County Regional History Center
The museum features smart, surprising fun for all ages throughout three floors of dynamic permanent exhibitions. Visitors journey through 12,000 years of Central Florida history, from the region’s fascinating transition from Indian settlement to small town surrounded by citrus groves and cattle ranches to today’s tourist-centric community. The center’s educational programs are designed to spark imaginations and satisfy curiosity. Their homeschool days allow homeschoolers to spend the day learning with themed programs on a variety of topics.
Theme Parks
LEGOLAND
STEM enthusiasts will love the educational benefits of a theme park based on the engineering genius that is LEGO. LEGOLAND Homeschool Days offer STEM programs featuring LEGO® products for Grades K-6, including the WeDo Robotics LEGO Education Set and LEGO MINDSTORMS® NXT-bots. Each of the eight programs includes a 45-minute, hands-on, educational session and a full day at the park for just $12.50 per student.
Disney World
Go behind the scenes and learn the art of animation, what it take sot build a roller coaster, the science of marine conservation and much more at Disney World with Disney student seminars. Disney offers a substantial discount (up to $100 per ticket) for families attending on special student seminar days (usually in January of each year). Check out the latest dates here.
Where to Stay
Whether you are visiting Orlando for education, fun or both, you are going to need a great place to stay. Global Resort Homes is the perfect place to stay for your homeschool family. Their large houses and condos allow you to spread out and relax after a day of learning adventures. With 13 resort properties to choose from, you can easily find something to fit your budget (travel when everybody else is in school and take advantage of great discounts!) and your lifestyle at Global Resort Homes. There is no good reason not to make Global Resort Homes your home base while exploring all the fun learning opportunities that Orlando has to offer.
