COSI is back with a new exhibit, RACE: Are We Really So Different. Visitors will be treated to a thought-provoking look at the cultural phenomenon of race. Early on, the exhibit shows there is no scientific basis for race, but that the effect of race are pervasive. The visually arresting photographs of Wing Young Huie demonstrate individuals’ very personal experiences with race, in a world where it’s illogical to classify people into categories.

You can look at your own skin under a microscope, put yourself into the shoes of people from different background to see how everyday life may be different, see the journey our species has taken from our common ancestor in Africa less than 150,000 years ago, and learn about the pseudoscientific methods people in eras gone by gauged race in a way that persists to the present day.

COSI’s education department has localized the exhibition by bringing in area high school students to talk about how race affects them. The students used their own backgrounds, feelings and points of view on race to design a locker. The Locker Project is on view in the corridor leading to the exhibition.

RACE will be on view at COSI through May 6.

With a little extra time during the holidays, you have the perfect opportunity to visit the nation’s #1 science center and keep your kids minds stimulated by fun, hands-on experiments. Dora the Explorer is even making an appearance through Jan. 8.

This post is written by Jaclyn Reynolds, public relations and social media manager for COSI.

Can you believe we’re almost halfway through the summer? For me, Labor Day seems to signal the official end of summer, and for COSI , it signals the end of Dinosaurs: Explore. Survive Escape.. It seems like just yesterday the animatronic dinosaurs were being loaded off the truck and we were anticipating the opening of the exhibit. Now, with just about four weeks left, it’s amazing to think our unique summer exhibit will be loading back onto trucks and going their separate ways to their next destinations.

When COSI was on the lookout to bring a summer exhibitions, thoughts were all about dinosaurs. But nothing out there really seemed like the perfect fit for what we wanted. We were thinking big and unique, kind of like dinosaurs themselves. We found three different exhibits, each, while good would not be enough to stand alone, so we decided to combine them into one truly dino sized experience. And Dinosaurs: Explore. Escape. Survive. was born. When I first saw the animatronic dinosaurs I couldn’t believe how real those robot-like beasts looked! I was standing alone in the exhibit during an early morning television shoot and T.Rex seemed to be sizing me up. I thought he was going to jump out of his enclosure for a Jaclyn snack! My poor triceratops didn’t stand a chance when I was playing the computerized simulation pods – I was eaten by a T.Rex just minutes after sitting down. I did much better in the maze, answering questions that tested my prehistoric knowledge in order to wind my way through but it may have taken me a little longer than the average dinosaur buff.

All in all I think the dinosaur exhibit is really cool and something to be seen, but you don’t have to take my word on it. Amy Donaldson, a Columbus parent and blogger at livelovemom.com , got a chance to see the exhibit recently with her little ones.

"Exploring the Dinosaur exhibit at COSI was amazing from start to finish. My kids love Dinosaurs and this exhibit is truly wonderful. I love how we can learn so much while having so much fun too."

"The kids loved the 3000 sq. ft. maze and being able to make Dinosaur tracks, climb the rock wall and dig for Dinosaur bones while learning something new every step of the way."

"The Dinosaur T-Rex head was fun to pose with for funny pictures, after all that is what being a kid is all about."

"We all enjoyed playing the "Be the Dinosaur" video game where you could walk around like a Dino and do Dino things like eating and drinking water and even go to the bathroom, the kids got a big laugh out of that feature."

Dinosaurs: Explore. Escape. Survive. will become extinct after September 5, 2011. Come in and check out the massive exhibit before they become prehistoric history. And let us know what you think, we would love to hear about your experience!

This post is written by Anthony Cordo, visitor services manager, at Experience Columbus.
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We’ve got a three-day vacation package for your entire family to check out the hottest attractions in Columbus; all starting at $375 for a family of four.

Day 1
Play at COSI , the number one science center in the nation. Their newest exhibit is Dinosaurs - a massive experience of animatronic dinos, a maze, and simulators that let you be a dinosaur!

Day 2
Get wet at the Zoombezi Bay waterpark with activities including two all-new slides: Anaconda Falls, a fast, curvy slide and the Python Plunge a thrilling water coaster!

Day 3
Experience the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium , the number one zoo in the nation. Stay cool in the new Polar Frontier and check out over eight thousand animals throughout the zoo!

A two night stay is included in the package at your choice of hotel. The preferred hotel, Drury Inn , includes complimentary breakfast and evening snacks and indoor/outdoor pools.

So, get on it and plan your family fun weekend in Columbus.

Photo: bixentro on Flickr

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and there are plenty of things to do in Columbus to celebrate - whether you spend it with a special someone, your dearest friends or with your family.  I started to research for my own plans, and thought I’d share a few of the things that sounded unique and fun.

Unique Dining

Valentine’s Day at White Castle
Feb. 14 from 5-8 p.m.
This is an annual tradition for many couples across America and I must say, it’s on my bucket list! Bring your valentine to White Castle to enjoy a juicy slider or two. Call 614-294-3753 ext. 24 for reservations.

Valentines by Candlelight
Feb. 11-12 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
For a more elegant feel, take your date to the Ohio Historical Center. After a romantic dinner, you will be treated to Ohio Village Singers singing beautiful ballads and reciting romantic poetry. Cost is $60 per person or $50 for an Ohio Historical Society member. Call 800-686-6124 by Feb. 7 to make reservations.

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Holidays at the Ohio Statehouse

This post is part four in a four part series about the holiday season in Columbus. For craft shows and shopping fairs, check out part one here . For holiday light displays., check out part two here . And for places to catch a holiday performance, check out part three here .

Sure the holiday season brings cold weather, crowded shopping malls and endless errands, but it also brings exciting new activities to our favorite Columbus attractions. And a lot of the usual suspects get in the holiday spirit by turning their offerings up a notch. Whether they put up festive decorations, introduce a seasonal workshop or offer a special performance to their patrons, the mood is irresistibly merry. So take a break from your busy schedule and enjoy all the Columbus has to offer this December. (more…)

COSI

This post is part 5 of a 6 part series featuring Experience Columbus Days , which takes place Oct. 8-11. During that time, Columbus attractions offer 50% off (or in some cases, BOGO or free admission). Plus, the restaurants of Dine Originals Columbus offer 25% off your food bill for two people.

In this post, Cathe features things to do that are fun for the entire family during Experience Columbus Days. You can also check out previous posts that feature delicious dining options , plus outings that are great for groups , great for dates and perfect for art fans . Stay tuned for the last post in the series - we’ll feature Experience Columbus Days activities that are recommended for history buffs.

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With 50% off admission (or BOGO) at so many attractions, it’s crazy not to take the entire family—kids and all—out and about during Experience Columbus Days.

It looks like we’re in for good weather this weekend but regardless of how it shapes up, there are both indoor and outdoor options. (more…)

There are lots of ways to get a great deal while you’re out and about in Columbus. Being a self proclaimed “coupon queen,” I have compiled a list of three Columbus organizations that not only help you save money, but also support local businesses:

Columbus Insiders Club - monthly deals you can use to explore the city and still keep some money in the bank.

The Columbus Insider’s Club, brought to you by the team here at Experience Columbus, highlights Columbus’ finest places to play, dine and shop.  Insiders receive a monthly e-newsletter with exclusive discounts and special offers.  Click here to register - there is no cost to join and the only information needed is your email and zip code. Past Insiders Club offers have included free tickets to COSI’s newest exhibit Titanic, a Broadway Across America Wicked pre-sale opportunity and discounts to great restaurants like Pistacia Vera and Donatos pizza.

Dine Originals Columbus – quarterly discounted certificates you can use to experience unique dining in Columbus.

Dine Originals Columbus is a community of independently owned and operated restaurants. Comprised of over 40 of Central Ohio’s favorite eateries, this group’s mission is to celebrate and support local restaurants. Each quarter Dine Originals Columbus releases a certain amount of discounted certificates that equal 30% off. The certificates range from $7 for a $10 certificate to $17.50 for a $25 certificate. The catch: When they are gone, they are gone! By signing up for their mailing list, you will receive a reminder email each quarter of when the next batch of certificates will be posted. Click here to sign up. At the time I write this, there are still a few certificates available from last quarter including Cotters, Spinelli’s Deli, The Refectory and more - click here to check them out.

Small Business Beanstalk (SBB) – money saving offers you can use 365 days a year.

The  SBB connects local businesses to neighbors in the community. Much like one of those grocery cards you have on your key chain, the SBB has their own version.  Using this card will get you fabulous discounts at independent retailers, restaurants and bars all throughout Central Ohio.  Participating neighborhoods include the Short North, Worthington, Grandview Heights, Downtown, Clintonville, Dublin and Gahanna.  To sign up for your very own free SBB card, click here .  Current offers include 20% off to The Candle Lab, 15% off food at The Worthington Inn and 10% off Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties.

Happy saving!

Win a Columbus experience!

Do the dates May 8-16 ring a bell? No? Well, I’ll fill you in…it’s National Travel and Tourism Week!

Now, you may be thinking “Why should I care?” Here’s why: Visitors spend $7.23 billion annually in Central Ohio. And 62,000 people are employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. Pretty impressive, huh?

Some of you cynics out there may still be asking “Why should I care?” And I say to you this: You can win some really cool stuff! Experience Columbus is celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week by offering a chance to win one of three amazing packages.

With the first package, you and three others can:

• Cheer on the 2008 MLS Champs at a Columbus Crew game
• Enjoy the May flowers at Franklin Park Conservatory
• View historic motorcycles at AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
• See an Austrian M47 tank driven by Arnold Schwarzenegger at Motts Military Museum

Or you may be more enticed by the second package, where you and three others can:

• Learn through hands-on science interaction at COSI (voted #1 science center in the nation by Parents magazine)
• Cruise through Columbus with SegAway Tours of Columbus
• Watch a timeless film in the beautiful Ohio Theatre with the CAPA Summer Movie Series
• Shop at your favorite local merchant with your $20 North Market gift card.

And last but not least is the third package, which allows you and three others to:

• Eat your peanuts and crackerjacks at a Columbus Clippers game at Huntington Park (named ballpark of the year by Ballpark Digest and BaseballParks.com)
• View the new polar bear exhibit at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (#1 zoo in America by USA Travel Guide)
• Lean back and enjoy a movie at the sophisticated Arena Grand Theatre
• Go on a shopping spree with your $50 gift card for Easton Town Center

You can enter to win by stopping in one of the Experience Columbus Visitor Centers (Easton or Arena District locations) or by visiting this link . The winners will be drawn and notified on May 17.

Best of luck and Happy National Travel and Tourism Week!

The Titanic Exhibit at COSI is so much more than just artifacts and information. It transports you back in time, it tells a story, and it evokes real emotion.

Prior to entering the exhibit, each person is assigned an identity of an actual passenger that was aboard the Titanic. The passenger name, age, city of origin, class (first, second, or third), names of any family members, traveling companions, reason for being on the Titanic and a passenger fact are listed.

When I approached the first artifact, a pair of glasses, I was immediately struck by what great condition they were in! It was truly amazing to think that these very spectacles were on the ship that sunk in 1912 and were submerged under water for at least another 73 years before they were resurrected (Titanic remains weren’t discovered until 1985).

However, it was not the artifacts alone that really impressed me. (more…)