Last Updated on October 25, 2020 by Natalie
One of the things I wanted to do before leaving the Columbus, Ohio area was to visit COSI (Center of Science and Industry). I’d heard great things about the COSI Kidspace. Would you believe I got my act together about a month before we moved? I was SO proud of myself. Until the parking lot exit incident.
Other than the parking lot issue, I liked the museum. As always, the big question: Did the kids like it?
Columbus children’s museum, Ohio aka COSI
COSI (co-sigh) or the Center of Science and Industry is more than just a children’s museum. There is enough there to interest people of all ages. However, they do excel at entertaining kids while also presenting them with opportunities for scientific exploration. It’s a great science museum for toddlers and preschoolers!
COSI, located in Columbus, Ohio, has been around for as long as I can remember. There was even another branch briefly in Toledo, Ohio. COSI opened in 1964 in Columbus and moved in 1999 to their current facility. Though I can’t find information about the Toledo COSI, I was there! I know it existed.
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Tickets
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COSI’s Address
333 West Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
I loved the “treehouse” in the COSI Kidspace. There are some interesting little surprises in and around it.
Visiting the Center of Science and Industry
Before visiting COSI with my little kids, I thought the museum was aimed more for ages 9 and up. I was mistaken and gladly so! It’s a huge place and there is a lot to do for people of all ages. Our favorite part was the Kidspace.
This is not meant to be a comprehensive review of the entire museum, as my kids and I visited the COSI Little Kidspace and pretty much stayed there. The COSI Kidspace is awesome. Since my kids hadn’t been there before, everything was new and exciting. It was also big! They have a variety of structures and toys, including a giant helicopter, an eye doctor’s office, a barn, a house, a farmer’s market, and a tree house. They also have a hands on water play area!
The little Eye Doctor’s office.
Hands down, my favorite part was the water play area. It was also the favorite of my 3 year old daughter. I love water play and how it intrigues my kids. My 4 year old son loved the giant Lego pieces.
I really liked how the COSI Kidspace was laid out and that there are so many different and interesting spaces for the kids to explore. We spent around two hours there and didn’t even thoroughly explore all of it. My kids wanted to walk around and see other areas. Since it’s a large building with many exhibits, we only saw a fraction of the space.
Ages for Kidspace
The Kidspace is for children up to 6 years old. During our second visit, we went again to the Kidspace. This time, my children were ages 4 and 5 and they still had a lot of fun. This time, the shadow area was a huge hit with them and they played in the water play area that time, too.
He didn’t want to leave this area.
The Parking Lot Incident
At the time of our visit, there were some areas with construction. We parked in the lot and hopped on the shuttle. By the way, the parking lot has a flow that isn’t really marked or apparent in anyway, so when I tried to leave, people shot me some dirty looks. Someone finally let me go. Sorry folks. I had no idea and saw no arrows directing me in any particular direction. Be aware when you go, so you don’t mess up, too. Or suffer the wrath of the other moms!*
* And I totally understand. I get miffed when people aren’t following the rules, especially when the rules are designed to alleviate congestion and/or aggravation. It just wasn’t well marked at the time. It should also be a non-issue now, since the underground parking is available (see below).
One of the cool things in the water play area.
Did My Kids like the COSI Kidspace?
Yes. They liked it so much, in fact, that they wanted to return the next day (and my now 4 year old just asked if we can go to COSI “next time”). During the time of the year we were visiting, COSI was closed the next day. We did visit again and we explored the COSI dinosaur exhibit! It’s a permanent exhibit and it’s worth some exploration.
COSI Hours & Prices
It’s usually open from 10 am – 5 pm daily. However, check their schedule because they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during most of the winter.
For more information on COSI’s prices and current hours, visit COSI.org. Parking is an additional cost, even with a membership.
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Where to Park at COSI 2021
Parking at the underground lot is usually the best option. The cost is $6 for the general public and $5 for COSI members.
There are other lots around COSI and the cost will vary.
Please note: When you park underground, you will receive a ticket. This ticket can be validated the membership (it means you pay a flat fee), and then pay at a kiosk on your way out. One of the days we went in December was so busy that the underground parking and most of the other lots were full. Be aware that you must look for a lot with an attendant to pay or park at a meter, because people won’t hesitate to tow or ticket your car.
Look into a membership, because it may be worth it to grab a membership instead of paying individual ticket prices. It’s even worthwhile if you are from out of town and want to plan for two or more days visiting the museum. There is plenty to do!
Do you have feedback about COSI in Columbus, Ohio? My best feedback comes from readers like you! Please share your thoughts in a comment.
