COSI
Hands-on science on the Scioto riverfront, built for curious kids and adults who still like to push buttons. It is the indoor Columbus plan when weather turns, school breaks hit, or you want a downtown day that is not another restaurant reservation.
COSI (Center of Science and Industry) anchors the western edge of downtown along the Scioto. It is a large, interactive science center where exhibits invite touching, climbing, and experimenting instead of quiet hallway browsing.
Families come for rainy days and birthday weekends. Adults without kids still enjoy traveling exhibitions, planetarium-style programming when offered, and the simple pleasure of a well-run museum that does not feel dusty.
How to plan a visit
Give yourselves two to three hours minimum. Start upstairs or in the loudest hands-on zones while energy is high, then cool down with quieter galleries. Parking garages nearby fill on event nights in the Arena District, so build in a short walk.
Practical tips
Check cosi.org for special exhibitions and member hours. Pack a light layer; big halls run cool. If you are pairing COSI with Scioto Mile, do the museum first, then walk the river for fresh air.
FAQ
What is COSI in Columbus?
COSI is Columbus's downtown science center on West Broad Street, known for hands-on exhibits aimed at kids and curious adults.
Is COSI good for toddlers?
Yes. COSI includes areas scaled for younger children, though older kids usually get the most out of the full exhibit floor.
Where do you park for COSI?
Use nearby downtown garages or lots along West Broad and the Arena District, then walk a few blocks; street spaces go quickly on busy weekends.
It sits in the Downtown area on our neighborhood map.
Pair it with a picnic at Columbus Commons across the street when the weather holds.
Know before you go
COSI posts hours on its calendar because open days and special programs change through the year. Use the City of Columbus and LAZ garages west of the building or other downtown lots within a short walk; rates rise when Arena District events overlap. Online adult tickets run about $30 in 2026, with youth lower and under-2 free. Midweek mornings beat weekend midday for hands-on exhibits without the crush of school groups.
More Family Friendly
Powell
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Central Ohio's big-day zoo about 25 minutes north of downtown, with habitats you can wander for hours and an aquarium that still surprises first-timers. Pack snacks, wear walking shoes, and treat it like a full outing rather than a quick stop.
Downtown
COSI
Hands-on science on the Scioto riverfront, built for curious kids and adults who still like to push buttons. It is the indoor Columbus plan when weather turns, school breaks hit, or you want a downtown day that is not another restaurant reservation.
Powell
Zoombezi Bay
Ohio's big zoo-adjacent waterpark in Powell, where summer tickets usually include Columbus Zoo admission too. Slides, rivers, and kid zones make it the splash-day plan when the humidity wins.
Downtown
Columbus Commons
Nine acres of downtown lawn, carousel days, and free summer programming in the middle of the city grid. Bring a blanket, chase kids across the grass, and treat it as the easiest family reset between museum stops.
