Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

★★★★★Brenda Bretz

Coming over from Pennsylvania. We expected to be bored at COSI because we've been to what was the Carnegie science center four times but we were definitely not bored. We did not see the whole thing in one day and we did regret leaving early to go to the North Market because we could have just eaten there and seen the rest of the museum. Maybe not. Not sure how much we had left but it is attached to a natural history museum as well. I think our favorite part was this little outdoor area they had with a granite sphere sitting on water so you could roll it and a car on a pulley system so you could lift it..... We also enjoyed the Poseidon area with all the water and the progress or progression area, whatever it was which shows historical technology sort of. I don't know how to describe it. You have to walk through it but it's like walking through small areas that were part of a town way back when and you're walking through the years. Oh somehow I almost forgot one of our other favorite things rat basketball. You heard me right. They have rats playing basketball!

★★Jenna Miller

As someone who visited as a kid in the 90's, it's definitely not at all the same and extremely disappointing. After maybe 30 minutes an alarm went off and everyone had to evacuate the building, into the rain, with zero explanation. The "water exhibit" if you can even call it that, nothing worked! Nothing! And it was my mistake not checking the planetarium schedule, so instead of the solar system had to watch something about coral reefs, which i personally did not enjoy for many reasons. The seats squeak so loud that its at times louder than the video, if one person in the row moves the slightest bit everyone does and finally they don't close the doors, so not only do you have the light from the hallway but people constantly coming in and out. A lot of things in the exhibits didn't work. If you are over the age of 10 don't waste an extra $20 on the Pixar experience, not at all worth it! The only thing we actually enjoyed was the progress exhibit, I think that's what it was called. Had a lot of historical pieces that were interesting. The very small NASA exhibit was kind of ok. Overall, I would not go back.

★★★★★Dominique B

This is my family's absolute favorite museum. We have been here several times and enjoy it each and every time. Our favorite room is the Ocean room. We enjoy the water on the Posideon room, but also the submarine and ocean drawing in the other. Each floor just has so much good stuff! There is a ton to touch and play with. I make sure to give the kids at least 4-5 hours in this museum and we walk out talking about how we missed a few things this time. The virtual reality (near ocean) was a fun treat for my 8 year old. She really enjoyed it. Personally I wasnt entirely impressed with the Pixar room, for an additional fee, but it was hands on and my kids enjoyed it (that's what counts right). We normally go during the week, but have been on a weekend and during spreak break. It gets crowded. But there is plenty of street parking. Overall, always a great time.

★★★★★Jenn Johnson

If you're in the area and you have children..... Or maybe you're just a kid at heart, this is somewhere you absolutely need to go. There are always exhibits rotating through so checking the website is definitely advisable. There's also some exhibits by favorite style of consistently there, like Poseidon and the energy room. We I've spent the entire day there and left feeling like we could have spent more time but we have run out of energy. There is food on site and while it is not the most budget-friendly option it is quality food and the funds are going to a source that you can definitely feel good about. If you have a membership at another museum or similar organization, you might be able to get general admission for free. Another reason to look at the website. Some local libraries even have memberships you can check out so it may be worth looking at your local library is budget is super important. Parking in the garage underneath is generally the easiest place to park unless it is a super busy day for you visit. There are plenty of bathrooms in the entire space is handicapped accessible. There are also plenty of benches place all around the facility. The staff are all friendly and helpful and amazing and kind. Seriously, I cannot say enough good things about this place. I just ask the group of 4 kiddos I took today, ages six to eleven, the only complaints were tired feet and that they had to leave because they closed at five.

★★★★Alicia

We went to COSI on a Sunday, and it was definitely pretty busy — lots of families and kids running around (which makes sense!). We don’t have kids ourselves; we were just looking for something different and fun to do for the day. There are some really cool exhibits, and our favorite was the little town area — it was so detailed and fun to walk through. You can tell a lot of thought went into making it interactive and engaging. 😊 Overall, it was still a fun experience, especially if you enjoy hands-on exhibits and don’t mind the lively atmosphere!