COSI Tours

COSI showing interior views as well as an individual femail
COSI showing interior views
COSI showing interior views
COSI featuring signage
COSI which includes interior views as well as a small group of people


There’s always more to discover in this innovative science adventure center, complete with giant 3-D digital screen and hundreds of fun-filled activities.

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is a large and interactive science museum with over 300 exhibits in a range of themes. Discover Ocean, Space, Gadgets, Life, Energy Explorers, Little Kidspace, Progress, Lily Pad and an outdoor Big Science Park. Kids and adults of all ages and abilities will have fun learning and exploring the wonders of science through the museum’s diverse exhibits.

COSI has been promoting science education and inspiring young scientists since 1964. The center’s extensive exhibition rooms are filled with games, displays and films so exciting and interactive that kids forget they’re learning! The mysteries of biology, the physical world and outer space are explained through imaginative activities. Drive a Mars Rover, hold a meteorite or see what life was like for our prehistoric ancestors. Play basketball with rats and watch a hydrogen balloon explode.

The Extreme Screen in COSI’s theater makes science larger than life. See a prize-winning documentary film on the biggest digital screen in Ohio with incredible surround-sound audio. The Extreme Screen delivers the full-screen experience in 3-D with educational films sourced from around the globe.

Kids can easily spend a full day exploring COSI and its 10 themed sections. Sign your children up for COSI’s day-camp program or get them involved in workshops about design, engineering and programming. Live shows run daily in the center and provide an entertaining learning experience for many different ages. Grown-ups can also engage with science at COSI’s lectures, events and panel discussions geared just toward adults.

The Center of Science and Industry is located on the Scioto River’s west downtown bank. Value packs are available for Exhibition, Movie and Adventure combination tickets. Make your visit any day except Mondays and Tuesdays and some public holidays. Visit the website to confirm holiday opening hours and purchase tickets to avoid lines. Parking is available at the site for a fee. Alternatively you can catch a bus to COSI stops are along the nearby West Broad Street.

Plan a trip to see COSI

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Sonesta Columbus Downtown

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The Junto

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near COSI

When visiting COSI in Columbus, Ohio, immerse yourself in a variety of engaging activities. Enjoy live music, theater performances, and vibrant local festivals. For outdoor enthusiasts, explore outdoor experiences and relaxing oases, or attend conferences in well-equipped venues. Don't miss the chance to partake in interactive exhibits that offer hands-on learning and fun for all ages, making your trip to COSI a memorable adventure.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is North Market, just 0.8 miles from COSI, offering a vibrant public market atmosphere. Shops On Lane Avenue, 4 miles away, features entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, visit the Ohio Herb Center, located 8 miles from COSI.

Recreation

At Nationwide Arena, immerse yourself in the excitement of sports events just 0.6 miles from COSI. Lou Berliner Sports Park, located 2 miles away, offers a serene environment perfect for relaxation and wellness activities. Enjoy live concerts at Newport Music Hall, 3 miles from COSI, for an entertaining experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrills of Zoombezi Bay Waterpark, located 15 miles from COSI, featuring exciting water slides and family-friendly attractions. For high-speed fun, visit Grand Prix Karting, only 3 miles away, where you can race against friends. Dive into adventure at Aquatic Adventures Ohio, 8 miles from COSI, for underwater sports excitement.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near COSI with a visit to the Ohio Theatre, just 0.4 miles away, offering a blend of culture and romance. The Palace Theatre and Riffe Center Theatre Complex, both 0.3 miles away, promise entertaining performances in a family-friendly atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near COSI

When visiting COSI in Columbus, Ohio, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to families and culture enthusiasts alike. Explore urban parks, historic colleges, and event venues that offer outdoor experiences and engaging activities. Don't miss the COSI Center and other top attractions in the area, ensuring a memorable trip filled with fun and learning for all ages.

  • Ohio State University: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of one of the largest universities in the United States. Explore its beautiful campus, rich history, and lively student atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a cultural experience.
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center: This modern event space hosts various conferences and exhibitions, showcasing Columbus's business vibrancy. Check out the architectural design and perhaps catch an event that piques your interest.
  • Schottenstein Center: A hub for family entertainment, this arena hosts thrilling sports events and concerts. Experience the excitement of live performances and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Best time to go to COSI

The best time to visit COSI can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around COSI falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around COSI falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January28.6°F (-1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly Low
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July74.7°F (23.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for COSI

To save money on your trip to COSI in Columbus, visit during the off-peak months of December to February when hotel prices are lower. Book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, avoiding Saturday, which is the most expensive. Use Expedia to find affordable hotel options by applying the Eco-certified filter and sorting prices from lowest to highest. Consider package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also unlock exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around COSI are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around COSI is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around COSI is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your COSI hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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