COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTAP) – If you’re looking for a fun museum for the whole family, buckle up and take a two hour drive to Columbus.
Located in Columbus, Ohio, COSI offers a fun, hands-on style of learning in science, technology, engineering, art and math. First opened in 1964, the museum has grown to be the size of three football fields.
“COSI is the nation’s number one ranked science museum in America. And we’re so happy to have that accoladed because we embody that spirit here at COSI. We want you to have fun. It’s all about interactive fun, for people of all ages, not just for kids,” said COSI’s Director of Communications Kristy Williams.
COSI offers several exhibits that the whole family can experience. A few of those exhibits include:
Dinosaur Gallery
COSI has partnered with the American Museum of Natural History to offer an up close experience with dinosaurs.
“It’s all about dinosaurs. So, we have a big t-rex model, there are real fossils inside of here, a diorama, and you actually learn that dinosaurs aren’t extinct, they’ve evolved into today’s birds,” Williams said.
The dinosaur gallery is included in admission and membership fees.
Gadgets
This exhibit offers a guided exploration of physics, chemistry, engineering and energy.
“Gadgets is another great exhibit, it’s all about simple machines, and the gadgets in our everyday life that you can really get hands on interactive and learn about science,” said Williams.
Ocean
The ocean exhibit is a fully immersive experience to learn about the properties and power of water.
“Ocean is one of our guest favorites. It has a giant statue of Poseidon, and it is really fully immersive. There’s music inside, the lights are different, you would have no idea you’re in Columbus, Ohio. It’s so immersive, so cool. It’s definitely something you have to come check out,” Williams said.
In this exhibit, you can learn about the wave tank, shoot water cannons, or test your deep sea ability in the submarine.
Progress
Whether you want to explore the technology from 1898, or live life in during 1962, this exhibit gives you ability to travel through time and see how innovation has changed our daily lives.
There are so many unique exhibits to experience at COSI.
A temporary one that ends on Jan. 12, 2025 is the Paw Patrol exhibit. Here your little kids can experience Adventure Bay with their favorite pups.
“It is perfect for the little learners in your life. So, not only are you going to build a cake with Marshall, sail on a boat, find a dolphin, it is more than just that,” said Williams.
Currently, COSI is offering a T. rex exhibit until March 2, 2025.
Another must-do when visiting COSI is taking a ride on the unicycle 17-feet above the ground.
COSI is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They’re closed Monday and Tuesday every week.
“COSI is not that far from West Virginia, and we can’t wait to welcome you,” said Williams. “It is such a great experience.”
Williams adds that there are several great places to stay near the museum if someone wants to make more than a day trip to Columbus.
To learn more about all COSI has to offer, or plan your visit, click here.
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