5 Educational Museums That Show How Learning Can Be Fun

5 Engaging And Interactive Museums

Biplane Flights At Air Zoo

Where Were The Wright Brothers From?

Because of the fame they garnered from their historic 1903 flight, several states have laid claim to Orville and Wilbur Wright. Wilbur was born in Indiana in 1867, while Orville was born in Dayton, Ohio, where both eventually died. And of course, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina was the site of their famous flight. The result is that one could answer the question with Indiana, Ohio, or North Carolina, depending on where you're from. And of course, there are others who claimed to have flown before the Wright brothers, but no matter what, Orville and Wilbur will go down in history as pioneers of human flight.

Coke And Mentos Geysers At The Museum of Discovery's "Messtival"

In Depth

Aside from preserving old relics and showcasing the works of talented artists, museums also act as avenues of learning for people of all ages. Some of these non-profit organizations focus on specific subjects, such as science and technology, and they offer engaging exhibits and activities that encourage visitors to interact with their surroundings or ask questions. With that said, here, in no particular order, are five educational museums that show how learning can be fun.

First up, at #1, we have the Michigan Science Center. It boasts hundreds of hands-on exhibits, lab activities, and on-stage demonstrations that aim to inspire visitors of all ages and foster an appreciation for science and technology. Some of its permanent attractions include Kids Town, where children can play and learn about basic science concepts, and the DTE Sparks Theater, which provides insight on how electricity and magnetism work.

Included with general admission are its live educational shows where performers conduct exciting experiments on stage. Aside from that, educators and docents also facilitate activities about a variety of topics, such as chemistry and engineering, in the Centennial Lab. Those who wish to help the Michigan Science Center create memorable experiences for its guests may sign up as volunteers and become one of its many explainers.

Aside from that, educators and docents also facilitate activities about a variety of topics, such as chemistry and engineering, in the Centennial Lab.

Next, at #2, is the Museum of Discovery. Located in Little Rock and founded in 1927, it's one of the oldest museums in the state of Arkansas. Its mission is to ignite a passion for STEM and the arts through interactive galleries such as the Tinkering Studio, a workshop where visitors of all ages can experiment with various tools and materials, and Earth Journeys, which houses a collection of live animals.

The museum is also home to the largest musical bi-polar Tesla coil in the world, and shows where well-known songs are played on it are offered several times a day. If you'd like to support its mission of serving the people of Arkansas and help them continue to provide memberships to low-income families, you may send them a gift online or via check.

Taking the #3 spot is the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Also known as the Chicago Academy of Sciences, it's an establishment that aims to inspire and educate children of all ages about the wonders of nature. It boasts a plethora of entertaining exhibits that include a collection of both living and preserved animals, a tropical greenhouse filled with exotic birds and butterflies, and an interactive habitat that young children can explore.

It boasts a plethora of entertaining exhibits that include a collection of both living and preserved animals, a tropical greenhouse filled with exotic birds and butterflies, and an interactive habitat that young children can explore.

Learning also takes place outside of the museum walls as they have a short outdoor trail that showcases the abundance of nature around the establishment. It relies on generous contributions to continue its conservation efforts and research, and those who wish to help may apply to be volunteers or adopt one of their animals.

At #4 is the Air Zoo, a museum based in Michigan that focuses on aviation and space. Its attractions include immersive experiences, flight simulators, and indoor amusement park rides. A lot of its exhibits aim to educate guests about early aerospace innovations and the contributions of historical aviators, such as Amelia Earhart and Jacqueline Cochran, the founder of the Women Airforce Service Pilots organization.

Its collection covers decades of air and space history, with some pieces dating all the way back to the First World War. Every year, the museum partners with the Waldo Wright's Flying Service to offer guests of all ages the chance to ride vintage biplanes alongside an experienced instructor. If you want to support the Air Zoo, you may send a direct donation through their website.

Its collection covers decades of air and space history, with some pieces dating all the way back to the First World War.

Finally, at #5, we have the National Museum of Mathematics, or MoMath for short. It aims to increase public appreciation for mathematics and show visitors how it illuminates patterns that we encounter in our daily lives. Its interactive exhibits and fun activities, such as the Square-Wheeled Trike and the Structure Studio, are designed to help visitors of all ages garner a better understanding of math and its wonders.

Aside from its permanent attractions, MoMath also has an exhibition gallery known as Composite where temporary installations made by artists from around the world are featured. Those who want to support its mission may make a tribute online or become a member, which, depending on the chosen tier, grants several perks, such as a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum or a ticket to MoMath's annual gala.