Add a dash of wonder to your kids’ lesson plans with virtual learning resources from some of Orlando’s most popular STEM attractions (Orlando Science Center pictured).
With millions of children currently being home-schooled, parents around the globe are searching for out-of-the-box educational activities to keep their kids entertained and engaged — and now, Visit Orlando is here to help with a roundup of free, online learning resources for all ages and interests from the Theme Park Capital of the World! From science lessons about living in space, to art classes that teach how to draw Mickey Mouse, and plenty of other captivating stops along the way, there’s no better way to motivate your kids to learn than with these one-of-a-kind activities from Orlando.
Looking for other unique ways to stay connected to Orlando from home? Check out our fun virtual experiences, uplifting virtual arts & culture and custom Zoom backgrounds, and stay tuned to our blog for more ideas!
Educational Creative Activities From Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is sharing some of the amazing secrets behind its theme parks with "Science of Universal Orlando Resort," a fun playlist available on its YouTube page. Videos posted to date focus on Jurassic Park, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy and Skull Island: Reign of Kong.
Disney Imagineers
Learn about real-world case studies and even design a theme park experience through interactive activities and lessons in park design and engineering. This free online program is created in partnership with the Khan Academy and Pixar.
Learn to Draw Mickey Mouse
On the Disney Parks YouTube channel, you’ll find a complete series of how-to tutorials for drawing this famous figure. Cast member Stephen Ketchum provides expert tips on how to draw Mickey Mouse through the years, from his vintage 1920s look to the more contemporary “pied-eyed” version.
Play Disney Parks App
This free mobile app for Android and Apple devices provides a wide range of interactive experiences, including themed games, Disney trivia, digital achievements, and music with curated playlists inspired by the parks, attractions and characters.
Disney Magic Moments
Families can spark their imaginations with this new website, which offers engaging content, stories, activities and online resources from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic and Disney Parks.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Kids can practice building flowers, dinosaurs, flying cars and more as they put their LEGO® skills to the test with the LEGO challenges and activities currently featured on LEGOLAND Florida’s Facebook page.
Crayola Experience
This colorful attraction at The Florida Mall® offers creative at-home learning resources on its website, including art-infused lesson plans, webinars, DIY craft tutorials and additional activities. You’ll also find live demos on Crayola Experience’s Facebook page.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Keep the medieval spirit alive with printables for coloring and bingo games from this legendary attraction’s Facebook page.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Learn about the strange and unusual while exploring Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditoriums from home. Visit their website for a schedule of live Facebook content, at-home activities, printables and educational materials.
Educational Virtual Animal Encounters From Orlando
SeaWorld® Orlando
Discover the wild world of animals and nature through SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s distance learning resources, including hands-on classroom activities, teacher’s guides, video series and info books.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
This zoo is providing a truly wild time via its Facebook Live series, where you can visit with zookeepers and ask questions in real time. They also have several online programs as part of the Zoo to You! section of their website, and you can learn even more about nature and wildlife through a special partnership with the San Diego Zoo.
Gatorland
From Gatorland’s School of Croc, enjoy a Facebook Live showcasing animals and adventures at 10 a.m. every day. In the afternoon, their YouTube channel shares live-action encounters with animals including Burmese pythons, crocodiles, alligators and lizards.
Wild Florida
Every Wednesday, this airboat tour operator and nature park is hosting listening adventures on Facebook and Instagram with its #WildWednesday program. The uninterrupted natural sounds will range from daybreak on the Florida swamps to giraffes enjoying their dinner.
Educational Science Activities From Orlando
Orlando Science Center
On its blog, Orlando Science Center regularly features resources and activities for engagement and education while at home. Offerings include videos, do-it-yourself projects like making rock candy and slime, and links to additional resources — just sort by "OSC at Home" for the latest.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Learn about living in space, Mars and rocketry, or tour Space Shuttle Atlantis during a new series of Facebook Live posts from the home of Florida’s space industry. Also, discover additional downloadable activities on their website’s educator resources page.
Educational Arts & Culture From Orlando
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Starting July 7, 2021, this Winter Park museum will host free summer programs for families on its website. One program offers a comparison of historical interiors with interiors of today, while the second focuses on the objects used for interior decoration at the turn of the 20th century.
Cirque du Soleil
As part of its CirqueConnect digital content hub, Cirque du Soleil is offering content series and tutorials that will teach viewers to exercise like a Cirque du Soleil artist and learn makeup techniques from the professionals.
Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida
Learn about the ways other kids have helped others during difficult times and even share a story of your own with this organization’s YouTube video campaign.
Orange County Regional History Center
This downtown Orlando institution is offering “History at Home” through its website, including home lessons, webinars and videos, virtual exhibitions, and even coloring pages for the littlest learners.
Orlando Repertory Theatre
In partnership with Tony Brent, the Orlando Rep is using YouTube to showcase two full-length productions of Pip-Squeak, An Anti-Bullying Magic Show filmed live onstage.
Orlando Museum of Art
Grow your knowledge and capacity for art appreciation by exploring the history of art through this museum’s free online archives. Also, visit their Facebook page for additional content about current exhibits and live-stream tours.
More Educational Activities From Orlando
The Escape Game Orlando
Put your problem-solving skills to the test and learn something new through this attraction’s TEG Field Trips, a series of free online games designed to take students on virtual educational journeys through museums and historic landmarks by uncovering clues and solving puzzles.
Reunion Resort & Golf Club
Get tips and tricks for numerous sports, including Tennis, Golf, Pickleball and FootGolf, courtesy of a fun video series on Reunion Resort's Facebook page. They also share how to make animals with towels so you can feel like you’re on vacation at home!
Topgolf Orlando
Practice your virtual swing and play Topgolf at home with WGT Golf online or on mobile devices. You can also find additional resources like tips, drills and printable puzzles through their downloadable guide.
United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus
As part of the Tennis at Home section of its website, the USTA is serving up tennis lessons, drills, healthy advice and fun activities for all ages. Content categories include Get Moving, At-Home Activities, Cardio Activities, Improve Your Game, Tennis Tips, and Fun and Games.
Virtual Dance Lessons
FitMyRhythm — Zumba Orlando and Dance Trance Orlando are both offering virtual dance lessons. Visit their websites for complete details.
Stay Connected to Orlando!
You never know what we’ll dream up next. Connect with Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services for personalized assistance, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube for the latest offers, exclusive tips, newest attractions and fun events. You can also subscribe to our eNewsletter for more information from Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World.
