You might think a visit to a museum, zoo or a concert in the park is just a pleasant way to spend a summer day.
While that’s true, it’s also an opportunity for young people to have “informal learning” experiences that expose them to new ideas, spark their talents or interests, or broaden their horizons – all important factors in a young person’s overall cognitive and social development.
There are so many places to visit and things to do in Saint Paul. Some are well-known, like a stroll through the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, while others, like the Bruce Vento Nature Center just waiting to be discovered.
“4 New Places to Visit” provides a terrific incentive to involve the whole family in planning your summer learning activities. Check out the list below, build upon your kids’ existing interests by adding their ideas, and have each family member choose one or two that they’d most like to do. Take a family vote, or take turns choosing an activity, and go!
Ask Questions to Stimulate Curiosity.
While you are there, make the most of your outing by asking open-ended questions to stimulate kids’ curiosity and critical thinking skills. For example:
- What did you like most/least? Why?
- What surprised you?
- If you were in charge of that place, what would you do differently? Why?
- If you could be one animal/person/thing we saw today, what would you choose? Why?
- What do you think someone who lived 100 years ago (or 100 years in the future) would think of this place?