Courtesy COSI
Center of Science and Industry
Columbus, Ohio
You’ll feel like you’ve landed inside an Indiana Jones movie when you walk into “Adventure! In the Valley of the Unknown” at Columbus’ Center of Science and Industry (COSI). “Adventure” isn’t just an exhibit; it’s a whole wing of the museum that has been transformed into an immersive intellectual and physical experience.
The surroundings at “Adventure” plunge visitors into ancient temples and structures of a remote wilderness island. Participants must solve a number of puzzles and accomplish physical challenges to navigate this maze and unlock the secrets of the island. The experience is entertaining for children and enthralling for adults and can take hours to complete.
Groups should request an “Adventure” session in advance for their COSI visit.
U.S. Space and Rocket Center
Huntsville, Alabama
Many young people have dreamed of attending Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, but astronaut experiences at this museum aren’t limited to a certain age group. The center has a range of interactive programs to give day visitors a firsthand look at the wonder of space travel.
The museum has devised a trio of Constellation packages for adult groups that combine museum admission and movies with access to numerous space simulators throughout the facility. For a more immersive option, the Scuba Experience outfits participants with underwater gear and walks them through some of the same microgravity training that NASA astronauts receive. Outdoors, the Area 51 ropes course gives adventurous groups an opportunity to try their physical strength and teamwork in a variety of aerial challenges.
Groups should arrange activities in advance; group size is limited for some programs.
