A Family Adventure at The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art, and Technology

The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art, and Technology is one of central Ohio’s best destinations for an interactive, educational experience. Located in Downtown Newark, it’s an easy 40-minute drive from North Columbus, making it a perfect day trip for families. Our recent visit was an absolute blast, perfect for the age the girls are right now (5.5) and we’re excited to share our experience with you!

First Floor Fun: Science and Engineering Labs

The Works is all about hands-on exploration. The first floor is packed with discovery stations, each focusing on different aspects of science and engineering. Whether you’re building a racecar, experimenting with coding, learning how our bodies work or creating something entirely new, there’s something for everyone.

Our Favorites:

• Light and Color Lab: Send your imagination soaring with color and light! Learn how color affects mood, and explore moving light and prisms. The girls loved the light tables and the cool reflective wall installations.

• Tyke Lab: Perfect for kids under 6, this lab lets little ones sort and weigh vegetables, dress up and play “What will I be when I grow up?”, and put on puppet shows. It’s a playful space that helps foster skills like sorting, matching, and career exploration. I love watching the girls play “make-believe” and how creative they get!

Upstairs: Licking County’s Rich History

The second floor offers a fascinating journey through Licking County’s history, from pre-historic times to modern achievements. The exhibits cover a range of topics, including Paleo-Indians, early settlements and transportation, industry giants like Heisey and Owens Corning, the evolution of communication, and Jerrie Mock, the first woman to fly solo around the world. You can even step onto a real plane and experience a flight simulator! Our girls particularly enjoyed the Land of Legend Village, especially the store in the back, where they could explore and play.

Additional Activities for Young Explorers

Don’t miss the room geared towards younger kids outside the main two floors. Here, you’ll find a variety of activities including building with magnets, exploring globes, space toys, coloring, and more. The girls loved meeting Leonard, the cutest turtle, and discovering so many new things to do!

• Make sure to mark your calendars for Curious Kids. Create, discover, and get hands-on with a different art or science themed-activity each week on Friday, drop-in style. It is FREE with admission and geared towards ages 3-6. However, during June, July, & August, kids up to age 12 are invited to join in on the fun.

SciDome Planetarium

Included with your admission is access to the SciDome Planetarium. The SciDome is a 30-ft, 4K projection planetarium launched by The Works and The Ohio State University. Shows are scheduled daily and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check their calendar for showtimes and be sure to reserve your spot upon arrival.

Glassblowing Demonstrations

One unique feature of The Works is its working hot shop, where you can watch glassblowing demonstrations and even participate in creating your own glass pieces. We were fascinated by the glassblowing process and highly recommend attending a demonstration during your visit.

Glassblowing Demonstration Times:

• Tuesday: 11:30 am
• Wednesday – Friday: 11:30 am & 2:00 pm
• Saturday: 1:00 pm

Outdoor Exploration

Be sure to explore the outdoor area, which includes an Interurban Railway Car, Canal Lock, a fountain, pollinator area, murals and more. It’s a great space to let the kids run around and enjoy the fresh air.

Plan Your Visit

Location:

• 55 S. 1st Street, Newark, Ohio 43055

Hours:

• Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Sunday – Monday: Closed
• Check this calendar of events to see what is happening the day of your visit.

Admission:

• Children (Ages 3-17): $8 (Under 3 Free)
• Adults (Ages 18-54): $12
• Seniors (Ages 55+): $10

Discounts:

• 50% off with a COSI membership
• Free with Ohio History Membership with the NARM sticker
• Members of AAA, Smithsonian Affiliates, ASTC, Time Travelers, military, and active teachers. Get more details here.

Parking:

• Convenient free parking is available on East Canal Street and East Market Street between 1st Street (Canal Exhibit) and 2nd Street (Steam Engine Exhibit). The visitor lot is equipped with handicap spaces, and you can enter the building through the covered walkway leading to the front doors.

We had an unforgettable day at The Works and highly recommend it for families with children of all ages. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from, making it a perfect destination for a fun and educational outing.