How the Museum of Natural Curiosity Sparks Curiosity in Kids—At the Museum and at Home

Curiosity helps children become lifelong learners. When kids feel safe to ask questions, experiment, and try new things, they develop important skills like creativity, problem-solving, resilience, and confidence.

The key is creating environments where children feel encouraged to explore instead of being afraid of getting something “wrong.”

One of the best ways parents can support curiosity is by asking open-ended questions that invite exploration and wonder.

Instead of immediately giving answers, try asking:

• “What do you think might be happening?”
• “Why do you think it works that way?”
• “What would happen if we tried this?”
• “I wonder why the water flows like that?”

Questions like these help children think critically, make discoveries for themselves, and feel confident sharing ideas. Curiosity grows when kids know their thoughts and ideas matter.

One of the most popular exhibits inside the Museum of Natural Curiosity is Water Works, an interactive space designed to help kids explore how water moves, flows, and shapes the world around us.

Water Works introduces children to important STEM concepts while connecting learning to Utah’s unique relationship with water. Kids can experiment with water pressure, dams, currents, and flow systems while learning how rain forms and how water impacts everyday life.

The best part? The exhibit naturally encourages questions.

As your child explores, pause and ask:

• “Why do you think the water moves faster here?”
• “What happens when we block the stream?”
• “How do you think rain forms in the clouds?”
• “What do you think would happen during a flood?”

These types of conversations turn play into discovery.

Curiosity starts with asking the right kinds of questions—questions that spark wonder, invite exploration, and help children discover answers on their own. When kids are encouraged to think through ideas instead of simply being told the answer, they begin developing confidence in their own thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Come explore Water Works and discover how hands-on STEM learning can turn everyday questions into exciting discoveries.

At Kidopolis, children step into a city built just for them. This imaginative exhibit allows kids to explore different careers and pretend to become everything from auto mechanics and musicians to film directors, dancers, and more.

Kidopolis is all about playful learning.

Play may look simple on the surface, but it plays a major role in childhood development. Through imaginative play, children practice communication, creativity, collaboration, and emotional growth.

One of the best ways parents can support this learning is by joining in.

Kids want you to play with them. When adults participate, children feel encouraged, seen, and supported in their creativity. Sometimes all it takes is one playful moment to spark an entire adventure.

Try jumping into their imagination with phrases like:

• “Hurry, we need to finish the song before tonight’s big show!”
• “What should our movie be about?”
• “What happens if we try this?”
• “Can you teach me how to do your job?”

Then follow their lead.

Being playful invites kids to be playful too. It helps children feel curious, engaged, and confident enough to share ideas and explore new possibilities. Play is where creativity and learning meet—and when children see adults enjoying it too, the experience becomes even more meaningful.

Step into Kidopolis and watch your child’s imagination take the lead through creativity, role play, and hands-on exploration.

The Rainforest exhibit is full of adventure. With massive climbing structures, rope bridges, bridge-building activities, and the Curiosity Chambers, it encourages children to move, explore, and challenge themselves in new ways.

For some kids, though, these experiences can feel intimidating at first.

Climbing high above the ground or crossing a shaky rope bridge may bring feelings of uncertainty or fear. But these moments are also opportunities for growth.

Confidence grows when children feel safe enough to try something new—even when they are unsure of the outcome.

Instead of pushing children past fear, try talking through it with them:

• “What part feels tricky or scary?”
• “What could make it feel a little easier?”
• “Should we try it together?”
• “Do you want to watch first and then try when you’re ready?”

These conversations help children process emotions while building resilience.

Taking risks—whether physical, emotional, or social—helps kids discover what they are capable of. When children are given safe spaces to try, fail, and try again, they develop courage, confidence, and perseverance.

The Rainforest reminds children that growth doesn’t happen by staying comfortable all the time. Sometimes growth happens one careful step across a rope bridge at a time.

Ready to climb, explore, and build confidence together? The Rainforest is waiting for your next adventure.

The learning doesn’t have to stop after leaving the museum. Small moments at home can continue building curiosity every day.

Here are a few easy ways to encourage curiosity outside the museum:

• Ask more “what do you think?” questions
• Encourage imaginative play
• Let children experiment and make mistakes
• Explore nature together
• Read books about topics they’re interested in
• Give them opportunities to solve problems independently
• Celebrate effort and exploration instead of perfection

Most importantly, stay curious alongside them.

Children learn best when they see adults wondering, exploring, and discovering too.