Welcome to Curiosity Club!

Curiosity Club is a drop-in program at the Virginia Discovery Museum hosted by us here at the Research in Education and Learning (REAL) Lab, and is designed to spark your child’s natural sense of wonder and excitement about learning. Aimed at children ages 4–8, but open to all ages, each session introduces a new theme that invites children to explore the world around them through hands-on, engaging activities. The sessions are intentionally unstructured, allowing children to move at their own pace as they investigate, ask questions, and make discoveries driven by their own curiosity. 

At Curiosity Club, your child will have opportunities to wonder, test ideas, and think in new ways. Activities are designed to encourage children to observe closely, make predictions, and try out their own ideas, all while having fun. The focus is not on getting to the “correct” answer, but on enjoying the process of figuring things out. This approach can help children build important skills such as critical thinking, persistence, and creativity, which can be influential in learning. 

Grown-ups and younger siblings are encouraged to join in, helping to create a joyful and collaborative learning environment where curiosity can flourish. Parents and caregivers can discover alongside their children, modeling curiosity by asking questions, wondering aloud, and exploring possibilities together. These shared moments help can help strengthen children’s confidence as learners and show them that curiosity is something people of all ages enjoy. 

Whether your child stops by for a few minutes or stays for the entire session, Curiosity Club activities invite open-ended exploration, giving children the freedom to follow their interests and make discoveries that are uniquely their own. 

Curiosity Club was developed to support children’s natural drive to learn in a fun, low-pressure environment. When children are given the space to explore freely and take the lead in their own learning, they not only gain new knowledge but also learn how to approach the unknown with confidence and enthusiasm. Through this process, they begin to see themselves as curious individuals who are excited to keep asking questions and discovering more about the world around them. 

Stay tuned for future blog posts highlighting each of our Curiosity Club sessions, including photos, reflections, and ideas for continuing curiosity-driven learning at home. We can’t wait to share more moments of wonder with you and your families!