Activities for homeschoolers and places that offer Homeschool Days and Homeschool Classes
The world is our classroom, and Central Florida makes learning fun and entertaining by offering homeschool programs for every subject. Here are just a few places in Central Florida that I have either been to with my kids, have been recommended by other families, or that I have researched. Make sure to call or visit their website before planning your visit to get updated information. Some attractions require homeschool verification to get discounted admission. These places offer various ways of including a variety of subjects into your homeschool curriculum. For example, Legoland can be fun, and it can also be part of a lesson in science and engineering. To add some language arts, after your visit you can have your kids write about their experience, what they learned, and what they enjoyed. Remember to take pictures of your kids when participating in these activities to keep them as great memories and to add to your end-of-year portfolio!
Orlando Science Center
https://www.osc.org/learn/education/homeschool/
The Orlando Science Center offers monthly homeschool programs for students in Grades K–8 the first Monday of each month, September through May. The program includes hands-on Discovery Labs, educational films, and exploration of their interactive exhibit halls to engage students in STEM learning. Students under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult, but students 12 and up can participate in the program independently.
Legoland
https://www.legoland.com/florida/tickets-passes/tickets/groups/school-groups/
Legoland offers a discounted rate for homeschoolers throughout the month. Check out their calendar, offer is valid only on designated Homeschool Days. Reservations are required at least two days in advance. Specific verification is required at the ticket window. Check out their website for examples of verification.
Sea Life Orlando Aquarium
https://www.visitsealife.com/orlando/schools-groups/groups/
Sea Life Orlando Aquarium offers homeschool days every Tuesday throughout the year at a discounted rate. Check their website for additional information and for the verification requirements.
Madame Tussauds
https://www.madametussauds.com/orlando/
Madame Tussauds offer homeschool days every Tuesday throughout the year at a discounted rate. Check their website for additional information and for the verification requirements.
MOSI – Museum of Science and Industry
https://www.mosi.org/homeschool/
The MOSI is a little further… in Tampa, but it is worth visiting. MOSI offers different programs throughout the year.
Harry P. Lew Gardens
https://www.leugardens.org/home-school-classes/
Harry P. Lew Gardens offers homeschool classes once a month from September to May. The classes are geared towards kids of ages 9 to 12. Check their website to see their class offerings.
Dali Museum
https://thedali.org/homeschool-days/
The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg offers free admission for homeschoolers twice a year between September and May. Reservations must be made at least one week in advance as space is limited, filled on a first come, first served basis. Admission fees are waived for students aged 18 and under who are in a registered homeschool program. Admission fees are waived for one adult per family (additional adults are $23 each). Onsite parking is not included. Students may explore the galleries at their own pace.
Wonderworks
https://www.wonderworksonline.com/orlando/homeschool/
WonderWorks offers homeschoolers discounted rates during their annual Homeschool Days. Wonderworks has over 100 interactive educational exhibits and an indoor rope-course challenge. Check the link above for rates and dates.
Gatorland
https://www.gatorland.com/specials/home-school-days/
Gatorland offers homeschoolers discounted rates during their annual Homeschool Days. Visit their 110-acre wild preserve and theme park and see over 2,000 alligators and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Cracker Country
https://www.crackercountry.org/index.php/8-when-to-visit/68-art-outdoors-homeschool-day
Cracker Country is an 1890s, rural, living history museum focusing on hands-on school field trips and opportunities for the public to learn about old Florida. It is located in Tampa. They usually offer homeschool days in March. Check out their website to learn more and purchase tickets.
Orange County Regional History Center
https://www.thehistorycenter.org/education/home-school-days/
The History Center offers homeschool workshops once a month with a variety of topics focused on history.
Chess
Orlando Chess and Games offers a Chess Club and United States Chess Federation (USCF) rated Scholastic and Quick Open tournaments