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COSI (Center of Science and Industry), United States of America - Things to Do in COSI (Center of Science and Industry)

Things to Do in COSI (Center of Science and Industry)

COSI (Center of Science and Industry), United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

Columbus, Ohio, home to COSI (Center of Science and Industry), stands as one of America's premier destinations for interactive science education and family entertainment. This vibrant Midwest city combines cutting-edge scientific exploration with rich cultural attractions, making it an ideal destination for curious minds of all ages. COSI (Center of Science and Industry) serves as the crown jewel of Columbus's educational attractions, featuring over 300 hands-on exhibits spread across multiple themed areas that make complex scientific concepts accessible and exciting for visitors. Beyond COSI (Center of Science and Industry), Columbus offers a thriving arts district, diverse neighborhoods, and a renowned food scene that perfectly complements a science-focused visit. The city's compact downtown area and well-connected transportation system make it easy to explore multiple attractions while using COSI as your educational home base.

Top Things to Do in COSI (Center of Science and Industry)

Explore COSI's Interactive Science Exhibits

Immerse yourself in COSI (Center of Science and Industry)'s flagship attraction featuring over 300 hands-on exhibits across themed areas including Ocean, Space, Gadgets, and Life. Experience the thrill of the high-wire unicycle show, explore a replica of the International Space Station, and engage with live science demonstrations throughout the day. The museum's interactive approach ensures that complex scientific principles become accessible and entertaining for visitors aged 2 to 102.

Booking Tip: COSI admission costs $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children, with annual memberships available for $89. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds and better access to popular exhibits. Book online in advance for $2 discount and guaranteed entry during peak seasons.

Experience COSI's Giant Screen Theater

Watch breathtaking documentary films on COSI (Center of Science and Industry)'s massive seven-story screen that creates an immersive viewing experience. The theater regularly features nature documentaries, space exploration films, and educational content that complements the museum's exhibits. Shows typically run 45 minutes and provide a perfect break between hands-on exhibit exploration.

Booking Tip: Giant Screen Theater tickets cost an additional $8 for adults and $6 for children on top of museum admission. Shows run every hour from 10 AM to 4 PM, with advance booking recommended for weekend and holiday screenings. Combo tickets including museum admission and theater access offer the best value.

Attend COSI's Science Live Demonstrations

Witness spectacular live science shows throughout the day at COSI (Center of Science and Industry), featuring everything from explosive chemistry demonstrations to physics-defying experiments. Professional science educators present these engaging shows in dedicated theaters, making complex concepts understandable through dramatic visual demonstrations. Popular shows include the high-wire unicycle performance and the electrifying Tesla coil demonstration.

Booking Tip: Live demonstrations are included with general admission and run on scheduled times posted at the museum entrance. Arrive 15 minutes early for popular shows like the high-wire act as seating is limited. Check the daily schedule upon arrival to plan your visit around must-see demonstrations.

Discover Columbus's German Village Historic District

Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of German Village, located just minutes from COSI (Center of Science and Industry), featuring beautifully preserved 19th-century brick houses and authentic German architecture. This 233-acre historic district offers unique shopping, cozy cafes, and the famous Book Loft with its 32 rooms of books. The area provides a perfect cultural complement to your science-focused COSI visit.

Booking Tip: German Village exploration is free, though guided walking tours cost $10-15 per person and run on weekends from April through October. Park at Schiller Park for free and walk the neighborhood, or take the free CBUS circulator from downtown Columbus. Visit during late afternoon to enjoy both daytime exploration and dinner options.

Explore Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Discover exotic plants and stunning glass architecture at Franklin Park Conservatory, offering a natural science experience that perfectly complements COSI (Center of Science and Industry)'s technology-focused exhibits. The conservatory features biomes from around the world, including a tropical rainforest, desert environment, and Pacific Island water garden. Special exhibitions often feature interactive elements that bridge art and science education.

Booking Tip: Conservatory admission costs $18 for adults and $12 for children, with combination tickets available for COSI and conservatory visits offering 15% savings. Visit on Thursday evenings for extended hours and special lighting displays. Free parking is available on-site, and the facility is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Getting There

Columbus is easily accessible via John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), located just 10 miles from COSI (Center of Science and Industry) with direct flights from major US cities. The airport offers rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services, with downtown Columbus reachable in 20 minutes. For ground transportation, Columbus sits at the intersection of major highways I-70 and I-71, making it a convenient drive from cities like Chicago (5.5 hours), Detroit (3 hours), and Cincinnati (2 hours). Greyhound and Megabus provide affordable bus service to Columbus, with the bus station located downtown within walking distance of COSI.

Getting Around

COSI (Center of Science and Industry) is located in downtown Columbus with excellent walkability to many attractions, restaurants, and hotels within a 10-block radius. The free CBUS circulator system connects COSI to key downtown destinations, running every 15 minutes during operating hours. For broader exploration, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) operates comprehensive bus routes throughout Columbus for $1 per ride. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, and bike-sharing stations are located near COSI for eco-friendly local transportation. Most visitors find that staying downtown eliminates the need for a rental car when focusing on COSI and nearby attractions.

Where to Stay

Downtown Columbus near COSI
Arena District
Short North Arts District
German Village
Grandview Heights
Upper Arlington

Food & Dining

Columbus's diverse culinary scene offers excellent dining options within walking distance of COSI (Center of Science and Industry), ranging from food trucks parked outside the museum to upscale restaurants in the nearby Arena District. The city is famous for its unique contributions like Buckeye candies, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams (founded locally), and innovative farm-to-table restaurants that emphasize Ohio's agricultural heritage. German Village, just south of COSI, features authentic German cuisine and cozy beer gardens, while the Short North Arts District offers trendy cafes and international cuisine. Many restaurants near COSI cater to families visiting the science center, offering kid-friendly menus and quick service options perfect for museum-goers.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Columbus

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

The Thurman Cafe

4.6 /5
(6666 reviews) 2
bar

Cap City Fine Diner and Bar

4.6 /5
(4112 reviews) 2
bar

Lindey's

4.6 /5
(2737 reviews) 3

Forno Kitchen + Bar

4.5 /5
(2458 reviews) 2

The Old Mohawk

4.5 /5
(2153 reviews) 2
bar

The Guild House

4.5 /5
(1923 reviews) 3

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit COSI (Center of Science and Industry) is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) when Columbus weather is pleasant for combining indoor museum exploration with outdoor activities like walks through German Village or visits to Franklin Park Conservatory. Summer months bring peak tourist season and school groups to COSI, making weekday visits preferable for smaller crowds. Winter visits to COSI offer the advantage of fewer tourists and comfortable indoor exploration, though Ohio weather can be unpredictable. COSI operates year-round with consistent hours, making any season suitable for science exploration, though special exhibitions and events are often scheduled during school break periods.

Insider Tips

Purchase your COSI (Center of Science and Industry) tickets online in advance for a $2 discount and to guarantee entry during busy periods like spring break and summer months when school groups frequently visit.
Plan to spend a full day at COSI (Center of Science and Industry) as the museum's 320,000 square feet of exhibits require 4-6 hours to explore thoroughly, and consider staying for an evening event or planetarium show for the complete experience.
Bring a refillable water bottle to COSI as the museum provides free water stations throughout the facility, and wear comfortable walking shoes since you'll cover significant ground exploring the multi-level interactive exhibits.

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