The-Press-News.com - COSI of Columbus is named the number one science center in country

COSI in Columbus was named the number one science center in the country for families according to Parents magazine.

Part of Parents' ongoing series of 10-Best articles, the survey in the September issue reveals that about 50 of the nation's 150-plus science centers have special exhibit areas exclusively for young children and their families.

"The science centers we profiled make learning fun for young children," says Sally Lee, editor-in-chief of Parents magazine. "So when kids begin studying the subject in school, they'll be enthusiastic about it."

"COSI has worked very hard to make a more significant impact on Early Childhood education and become a more valuable community resource for families," said COSI President and Chief Executive Officer David Chesebrough. "The fact that COSI was chosen as an early childhood education leader from among the best science centers in the country means our efforts are paying off."

To figure out the rankings, Parents sent an extensive survey, asking for details about the exhibits as well as science demonstrations, special events, camps, and classes. The magazine also says they considered the stroller-friendliness of the facility; dining options; the quality of the staff; conveniences like family restrooms; and whether the center was a good value based on the admission price in relation to the number of exhibits. Parents analyzed all those factors to compile its report.

According to the Parents survey, the 10 Best Science Centers for Families in order of their ranking are:

1. Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Columbus;

2. Exploratorium, San Francisco, Calif.;

3. Museum of Science, Boston, Mass.;

4. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, N.J.;

5. St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis, Mo.;

6. New York Hall of Science, Flushing, N.Y.;

7. California Science Center, Los Angeles

8. Sci-Port Discovery Center, Shreveport, La.;

9. The Franklin (formerly The Franklin Institute), Philadelphia, Pa.;

10. Maryland Science Center, Baltimore, Md.

Go to COSI.org for current hours of operation. Admission to COSI and CSI: The Experience is $17.50 for adults, $12.50 for youth (2 - 12 years old), $15.50 for senior citizens and free to children under 24 months. Extreme Screen movies are additional. For more information, visit www.cosi.org or call 614-228-COSI.