As the world begins to open back up and summer fun once again returns, I have decided to adventure to some of Ohio’s best family summer fun spots and give you a review of ‘is it worth it?’
If you’re looking for something to do this summer that can both entertain and educate your kids, while also being fun for you, look no further than COSI! COSI is the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio. COSI is essentially an interactive museum with a multitude of displays.
Several of COSI’s displays are permanent, such as the Ocean exhibit, the Progress and History of COSI exhibit, Space, and Life. Usually, COSI has one travelling exhibit, which may change several times a year. The exhibit is around for two to three months, giving visitors plenty of time to check it out. Currently, COSI is hosting Cuba! Exhibit. This exhibit showcases different aspects of Cuban history, culture and environment. They even have a live snake, chameleon and tree frog on display.
A highlight of COSI is the dinosaur exhibit, which features both real bones and replicas of archeological finds across the world. One of the main attractions of the exhibit are the three skeletons of dinosaurs that can be seen. The first is of a T-Rex, the second a Stegosaurus and the third is the skull of a Triceratops. The dinosaur exhibit has been a part of COSI since January of 2018, and was made a permanent addition. The exhibit also includes replicas of what it is believed some of our prehistoric friends looked like, and has a life-sized ‘nest’ that kids can climb on.
Another notable attraction is the Progress exhibit. This exhibit features the advances in history like modern medicine and technology. It features an old West town, then moves to a town set in more modern times, namely the 1950’s. The town is called Progress, and the displays look almost like a movie set. Some of the buildings are interactive, and include things that kids can do to help immerse them in the exhibit while also learning.
The cost to get into COSI for the day is $25 for adults ages 13 and up, and $20 for kids 12 and under. They are open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. COSI has two cafes, Molecules, which features coffee and alcohol as well as a few snacks, and the Atomic Café, which features the Dynamic Deli, the Galaxy Grill and Periodic Pizza. Overall, COSI is worth the trip and sure to keep your kids (and maybe even yourself!) entertained for hours.