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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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, you'll find a wealth of activities and attractions nearby, including live music, theater performances, and exciting festivals. Inside COSI, explore captivating exhibits and enjoy a diverse range of interactive activities that engage visitors of all ages. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and entertainment options surrounding this renowned science center.

Food and drinks

For a delightful experience near COSI, visit Anheuser-Busch Brewery for a romantic atmosphere, or indulge in sweet treats at Anthony Thomas Chocolates, perfect for families. Hidden Lakes Winery offers a charming setting for entertainment and romance, making it a great choice for wine lovers.

Shopping

North Market is a vibrant public market located only 0.8 miles from COSI, offering a variety of local goods and culinary delights. If you're up for a drive, Easton Town Center, 8 miles away, provides a bustling shopping experience with family-friendly entertainment and diverse shops.

Recreation

At Ohio Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sports events, just 3 miles from COSI. Lou Berliner Sports Park, located 2 miles away, offers a serene environment perfect for relaxation. For a touch of culture, enjoy a performance at the BalletMet Performance Center, only 1 mile away.

Adventure

Experience thrilling races at Grand Prix Karting, located 3 miles from COSI, where you can feel the adrenaline rush on the track. Dive into excitement at Aquatic Adventures Ohio, 8 miles away, offering underwater sports for aquatic enthusiasts. For outdoor adventure, paddle at Trapper John's Canoe Livery, 12 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near COSI by catching a show at the Ohio Theatre, just 0.4 miles away, where culture meets romance. For a thrilling evening, visit the Hollywood Casino, 6 miles away, or enjoy family fun at Magic Mountain Fun Center East, located 9 miles away.

Find the best attractions near COSI

When visiting COSI in Columbus, Ohio, you can explore a variety of attractions including urban parks, landmarks, and conference venues. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts, nearby highlights include the Columbus Zoo, the Center of Science, and beautiful botanical gardens. Don't miss the scenic Scioto River and other museums in Columbus, offering a blend of outdoor fun and enriching experiences for all visitors.

  • Ohio State University: Explore the vibrant campus of Ohio State University, a historic landmark known for its rich culture and academic excellence. Enjoy beautiful architecture, art installations, and the lively atmosphere of student life, just 3 miles from COSI.
  • Greater Columbus Convention Center: Just 0.9 miles away, this premier event venue hosts a variety of conferences, trade shows, and expos. Experience the bustling business vibes and state-of-the-art facilities that make it a hub for professional networking.
  • Schottenstein Center: Located 3 miles from COSI, this arena is perfect for family entertainment. Catch a thrilling concert or sports event, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that brings the community together.

Best time to go to COSI

The best time to visit COSI is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January28.6°F (-1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
March41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
April52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 LowSlightly High
October55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
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, Ohio, consider visiting nearby free attractions like Easton Town Center and Lou Berliner Sports Park. The best time to find lower hotel rates is from November to January. Use Expedia to compare prices and filter by hotel type, such as eco-certified options. Save further by bundling hotel, flight, and activity bookings through Expedia’s package deals, and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Always check for special offers and price guarantees to maximize your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around COSI are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget and preferred destination, among other options. You can sort your results to display hotels from the lowest to highest price, ensuring you find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your COSI hotel reservations 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.