My kids are big fans of visiting museums and science centers and cultural exhibits. They love to learn and explore and it makes me proud to be their mom. But far and away their favorite things are always hands-on experiences. They will be polite about looking at art or historic displays, but after a while they want to actively create something. Our favorite places give them a chance to do that.
Our local science center here in Milwaukee is called Discovery World. It's a wonderful building right on the lake with an aquarium and a schooner and an area on the second floor where you can make things. The last time we visited you could sign up to make hats.