There are some museums with great hands-on exhibits that allow kids to learn as they play. BUT – there are some museums which are unlike any other you will encounter!
The Center of Science and Industry in Columbus is one of those places!
The center – or COSI – will inspire kids, and really encourage them to learn more about the world. The center has incredibly groundbreaking exhibits and live shows which really make it easier for kids to process the connection between science and the everyday world.
Want to take a trip into the unknown? We’re talking about the AdventureL In The Valley of the Unknown which is like nothing else. It’s elusive, foreboding and dark – and gives you an entirely self-contained world filled with mystery.
Once you step inside you will be transported to a whole other place – an island shrouded in darkness, where there are secrets of an ancient culture waiting to be unlocked! Pretty incredible stuff!
Get ready to explore the great beyond in the Space exhibit, where the whole family can ride in a capsule as your skills are tested as an “armchair” astronaut! You can try manoeuvring a rover through the Martian landscape, or uncover the effects that gravity has on the various planets.
Explore the human boy with the Life: The Story Of You exhibit, where you can test your senses with illusions and mind tricks, or watch the real researchers from the Ohio State University work and perhaps witness a scientific breakthrough! You can even witness a live surgery n real time!
COSI has thought of everything with it’s workshops and live shows JUST for families. There are experiences just for teens, as well as the chance to camp overnight in the museum! How amazing!
I remember COSI being absolutely amazing as a kid (Im 27 now). I feel like since it’s moved to the new location it has really gone down hill. Far less activities and half the ones they have are broken. I don’t feel like its worth the $19 admission. Very dissapointed
COSI is a great place to explore and learn new things (even for adults!) I think it’s an asset to our community as a place for field trips or family trips–BUT, if you’re thinking you want to host an event here and use their food service (which they force you to use) then DON’T!!!! We attempted to have a 5 year old’s birthday party there this weekend and they were less than prepared. We wanted to provide parking passes for the guests- they said it wasn’t possible. Eventually, we were able to but it was a painstaking process that the staff didn’t appreciate having to research. We ordered food (which wasn’t even that good) and they completely forgot about it! Once we reminded them, an hour after the party started, that we had food they said it would be down in 10 minutes and it was almost an hour before we got it– luckily, the room of 3-6 year olds didn’t break down all at the same time from hunger… They were telling guests that the party was at 1 when in fact it was at 12??? They indicated that all guests needed to check in at guest services and would be lead to the party when, in fact, guest services had no idea what we were talking about. The kids events were to be handled in an orderly way with kids moving from 1 activity to another at the same time with guidance when in fact they were just let go to figure things out by themselves (until we said something, of course).I am in no way placing blame on the staff that was as clueless as us as to what was happening, but, the management and the food department were a complete mess! In the end they ended up giving us free parking vouchers and covered 1 pizza from our food order. I am extremely disappointed in the compensation for things that went wrong and in the execution of things that were supposed to happen (there was even a lengthy contract so there would be no confusion…) The cost is not cheap and you expect that there will be a level of service included that allows you to just enjoy the party and not feel compelled to keep an eye out to make sure things are happening the way previously discussed. It was disheartening to say the least and nobody at the party was ready to turn around and recommend perhaps hosting a party of their own there. Something needs to change.
i loved the sherlock holmes exhibit and the adventure express (witch cost extra) but as a whole the museum is to expensive for what you get half of the interactive exhibits were broken when we went the first time we went back only because they had the sherlock holmes exhibits but its got a lot of good things to do especially with .kids between 5-12 though as an adult (kinda) it wasn’t worth the price
Taking your kids to COSI is a very good way for them to learn about science without them knowing that they’re learning. There are endless opportunities for fun! I would highly recommend this to anyone who is up for fun and learning at the same time!!
COSI is not my thing although my wife and kids love it. Had a really good time there 4/4/2014. The Sherlock Holmes exhibit was ok, kind of confusing and rushed though. The highlight is the flight simulator. You must do it! Well worth our 15-minute wait in line!