Orlando, Beyond the Theme Parks Part II

For a terrific day outside the theme parks, plan a visit to Loch Haven Park. Located at 900 E Princeton in Orlando, is home to Orlando’s “cultural triad”; The Orlando Museum of Art, Mennello Museum, and Orlando Science Center. The area offers a variety of activities, whether you are traveling with children, or going solo you will discover it to be delightful distraction.
 

Orlando Science Center
Open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Center offers various exhibits, the main areas include:

• Dr. Phillips CineDome features giant-screen films & planetarium shows. The shows are indeed enormous as the screen is 8 stories tall
• NatureWorks, an exhibit allowing visitors to discover and interact with Florida nature and ecosystems.
• KidsTown, an area for the smaller folk, kids under 48" and their parents will enjoy activities focused on the little ones.
• Science Park focuses on interactive displays about magnetism, natures forces, and light and sound waves. Kids love the flight simulators!
• All Aboard offers child sized trains, planes, cars, and even a space shuttle.
• H2Now is a newer exhibit based on powering a city with hydro energy.

Check out the special events, Cocktails and Cosmos, a social event hosted at the Science Center. The next event is June 19, 2010, filled with a variety of food and drink specials, followed by an evening of live music, art, and film. On-site childcare is available, call for information and reservations 407.514.2112.

Orlando Museum of Art, fondly known to locals as OMA
Open 10:00am-4:00pm Tuesday to Friday and noon to 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday
OMA showcases 12-13 exhibits of local, regional, national, and international artists. The museum offers noteworthy events each month which should not be missed. The first Thursday of each month OMA showcases a different theme with works by local artists, live music, and cash bars serving alcohol, soft drinks, and food from area restaurants.
 

Mennello Museum of American Art
Open 10:30am-4:30pm Tuesday-Saturday and noon-4:30pm Sundays.
The Mennello exhibits a variety of American artists, including a permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham, whose works are referred to as “primitive genius”. The museum showcases many unusual sculptures and views of landscapes, and water. The Mennello is a fantastic venue to ponder American history and culture through art.