It can be hard to find a place where kids can play and learn in today’s world. But there are some amazing spots out there for your youngsters to have fun while learning at the same time! One of those is a kids science museum. Here are five reasons you should schedule the next playdate at a kids science museum.

1. They Make Learning Fun

Kids science museums don’t just teach abstract information. They make learning fun. Kids will be so engrossed by the exhibits and the challenges that they won’t even realize they’re learning! Hands-on activities with real-life applications are incredibly effective at teaching your kids because they allows kids to see how the subjects relate to their daily lives.

2. They Use the Tools That Interest Your Kids

Kids science museums can help kids learn how to think critically and solve problems. For a lot of adults, it’s easy to forget what it was like to be a kid with so many questions unanswered. But these locations have activities that will elicit those big “aha!” moments from your children. What’s more, they often use the latest technology, which will captivate your kids even further.

3. They Teach Problem Solving

Kids science museums teach kids in a way that makes them feel safe while exploring. Even if your youngster gets something wrong, they will be able to figure out why in a way that encourages, rather than shames. This can help them like the process of problem-solving and keep them curious throughout their lives. At kids science museums, children are free to explore the world around them and use what they’ve learned to make new discoveries.

4. They Encourage Creative Thinking

Kids science museums encourage creative thinking. Kids will be able to explore their surroundings and create new ways to approach the same old problems. Creative thinking is a lot more important than people realize, and it’s a skill that plays a huge role in tech development today. Instead of forcing your children to solve an equation in one specific way, they can arrive at an answer in a fashion that makes sense to them and that helps them think outside the box.

5. They Teach Collaboration

Kids science museums also teach your children to collaborate with others toward a common goal. Museum employees are constantly coming up with fun ways to get kids working together. Kids learn that they can accomplish much more when they work together than alone. This is a valuable life lesson that has amazing implications for the future.

According to the Cultural and Heritage Traveler Report, 60% of all leisure tourists in the United States participate in cultural or historical activities like visiting museums. So if you’re in the market for a new place to bring your children next time there’s a playdate, consider visiting your local kids science museum.