5 STEM Experiences to Gift Curious Kids

As the season of giving quickly approaches, the National Inventors Hall of Fame^® is here to provide ideas for gifts that will ignite children’s creativity and innovative spirit. We’ve gathered a fun selection of five STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) experiences sure to brighten up the holidays.

From toddlers to preteens, we’ve thought of everyone on your holiday list! Keep reading to discover holiday inspiration that is sure to build future family memories.

Take a Trip to a Children’s Museum or Science Center

Allow your child to harness the power of play and make new observations of the world around them! Museums and science centers designed especially for children encourage thoughtful exploration and hands-on learning, often with a variety of sensory experiences to accommodate children of all ages. With options all across the United States, you can use these tools to Find a Children’s Museum or Find a Science Center in a location that works best for your family.

Get Tickets to a Zoo or Aquarium

Visiting unfamiliar and family-favorite animals alike allows children to come face to face with science. Exhibits often mimic animals’ natural environments, and many zoos have educational signs, shows and centers to help boost your child’s knowledge of the natural world! This fun family activity appeals to children and adults of all ages. With 238 accredited institutions in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, you may want to use this tool to explore all the options within your area.

Subscribe to a Kid-Friendly Baking Kit

Did you know that spending quality time in the kitchen with your child not only builds valuable life skills but also teaches them important STEM connections? As they mix, measure and count, children are finding out how to apply what they’ve learned to real-world examples. For minimal mess and planning, try a subscription kit like Baketivity with a new recipe each month to keep the excitement going all year round!

Plan a Family Camping Getaway

For a truly customizable gifting experience, you might want to put together a family camping trip. Whether you go right down the road or venture across the country, spending time in nature is a great way to practice STEM learning and boost observation skills. If you would like a small surprise to wrap when announcing the trip, you can get your child’s imagination going and build excitement for your family’s adventure with these campfire story creation cards!

Give the Gift of Camp Invention

If you’re looking for an idea that is sure to inspire young innovators, give the gift of Camp Invention^®. Led by qualified local educators, this nationally acclaimed summer camp invites children to explore and collaborate while building important skills like confidence and creative problem solving. Campers learn fundamental STEM concepts through four all-new experiences full of hands-on fun. Learn more about the 2024 program and register your child for an unforgettable summer adventure today!

Learn More

Stay tuned to our blog for new and exciting ways to bring STEM learning to life for your child!