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At Intelligent Journeys, we wish to share with you the Coolest Learning Experiences For Kids in the world!
Why take an educational holiday? Inspiring, stimulating, and deeply rewarding, educational travel is the ultimate way to expose your children to the world and educate them in the process. Intelligent Journeys believes that learning outside the classroom is an essential part of education which children should be exposed to as early as possible. It is a stepping stone in cultivating a new generation of global citizens who, as children, will learn that curiosity and exploration are as much a part of learning as books and classrooms.
Educational tourism targets parents who want to broaden their children’s horizons by developing an active interest in various subjects and learning while on holiday. The key is to provide exploration through immersion: spending time with a gaucho in the Argentinian Pampas, exploring the glaciers of Alaska or volunteering in a Mayan village in the jungles of Mexico for example.
We rounded up the 12 Coolest Learning Experiences For Kids where you can enjoy a holiday while wising up your children on subjects such as Literature, History, Art, Music, Geography and Geology amongst others.
This list is not about finance or bucket lists as some of the most amazing experiences can come for free. It is about enhancing your children’s lives through experiences that inspire. By no means is it a complete list, but it is one that our children have personally tried and rated. These Coolest Learning Experiences For Children will hopefully encourage you to start planning some exciting adventures for your children.
Happy Travels!
Contents
1) NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre Astronaut Training Camp
Florida USA
Educational Opportunities: Science, Engineering, Maths
This is the real deal. Astronaut training camp at Kennedy Space Centre in Florida offers up a stellar educational experience with a lifelong impact. Those interested in space or astronaut wannabes can be trained in space flight history, experience a microgravity chair and multi-axis trainer, train on full-motion simulators and even build and launch a real rocket. The focus is on learning that specialises in STEM at its best, offering hands-on science, technology, engineering and maths activities for children ages 7-16 yrs old. Where else can you come nose to nose with a space shuttle or meet a real astronaut? Only at NASA!
This is by far our top choice of Coolest Learning Experiences For Kids which we recommend through personal experience. It still tops the list of one of the best things our child has ever done. This is truly a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
2) Learning to Dive in Lost Chambers Aquarium Atlantis
Dubai UAE
Educational Opportunities: Marine Biology
This isn’t just any diving experience. Give your child a chance to achieve their PADI Junior Open Water qualification in the most spectacular and unusual place to learn in the world, the Lost Chambers Aquarium at the Atlantis in Dubai. Children will go through all practical training as well as confined and open water dives in a huge aquarium teaming with hundreds of sharks, stingrays and tropical fish of various sizes.
Fresh from having completed his qualification here, our son can attest this is one of the best experiences he has ever had. We are certain this experience will certainly remain a firm favourite.
If this doesn’t awe them, we don’t know what will!
3) Discover A Frozen Kingdom Of Ice
British Columbia or Iceland
Educational Opportunities: Geology, Glaciology
Exploring frosty subterranean caverns reveal a secret kingdom beneath the ice very few have seen. From enchanting natural ice sculptures framed by razor sharp icicles to frozen waterfalls, you would be forgiven in thinking this is Elsa’s domain.
Whether you choose to explore the ice caves in the Pemberton Ice Cap in British Columbia or underneath the Vatnajökull Glacier in Iceland, each and every cave is a real showstopper. It is an experience you and your child will never forget.
Traversing through snow tunnels, climbing over ice and searching for ice worms are just some of the activities they will encounter in one of the Coolest Learning Experiences For Kids. Check out Headline Mountain Holidays or Squamish Adventure for ice cave expeditions in British Columbia.
Not only will children experience the most memorable crash course on geology and glaciology far exceeding anything a book or classroom can offer, but they will also take a journey through the ice ages. Examining layer upon layer of ice containing thousands of years of history is an experience that will stay engrained in their minds well into adulthood.
Read about our exciting adventure
Exploring An Ice Cave In British Columbia!
4) Explore Deep Inside A Volcano
Iceland
Educational Opportunities: Geology, Vulcanology, Literature
Who hasn’t read Jules Verne’s Journey To The Centre of The Earth and not fantasied about the protagonists’ subterranean adventures? Cement this imaginative piece of literature in your child’s mind by taking them down into the depths of a volcano in Iceland. The only place in the world where you can be taken into the heart of a volcano, this is one spectacular downward trip that will certainly never be forgotten.
With Inside The Volcano experience, hike to base camp, kit up, and traverse to the rim of the volcano itself. Climb into a rope lift and be lowered down past swirling fossilised lava-encrusted walls into the great magma chamber itself. Witness the rainbow of colours left behind as the once red hot magma tunnelled its way through the surrounding rocks and learn about the processes which created this unique and magnificent structure.
Sure your child can read about it in science books and look at the pictures. Taking them there, however, not only creates an interest in literature but cements the science behind it all. Let their imaginations run wild in a place most can only dream of!
5) Train As A Gladiator
Rome
Educational Opportunties: History, Culture, Literature
There isn’t a single syllabus that doesn’t cover Romans and their gladiators at some point. Far beyond school, these stories have captured the imaginations of children around the world with their displays of bravery, sacrifice and even treachery. What child doesn’t dream of being a gladiator?
Here is the chance to make their dreams come true and encourage their IQ to soar at the same time. With Gruppo Storico Romano, they will train as a gladiator in Rome, learning the same techniques which were taught millennia ago to the gladiators themselves. Armed with specially padded weapons, historically accurate combat techniques and skills are taught while discussing the history and the way of life of the gladiators. A unique and specially constructed training course offers children the opportunity to train and engage in further combat with instructors and other students while wearing traditional costume. Afterwards, a stroll through the on-site museum offers an inside into a gladiator’s way of life. In this interactive museum visit, children will try on genuine gladiator helmets and shields, if only to experience the reality associated with the weight and size of the weaponry.
The combination of history and imagination on this experience is a real winner. As one of the Coolest Learning Experiences For Kids, this will bring the Roman world to life and it will grow their knowledge of history tenfold.
6) Sail the Greek Islands like mythical heroes.
Greece
Educational Opportunities: History, Mythology, Geography, Geology,
Archaeology, Literature
Homer’s epic Iliad and Odyssey has long captured the imaginations of children around the world. Tales of gods and goddesses, abominable monsters and denizens of the deep have kept Greek history and culture alive in the minds of children.
Why not take your child to see the locations of some of these myths? Follow Jason and Odysseus as they sailed the Greek islands in search of adventures. Charter a boat and visit numerous islands mentioned in the myths and maybe even spot Cyclops’s lair. Educate as you go along, learning about all the monsters, mythical beasts and heroes that once claimed these isles as their own.
This perfect magical adventure is sure to delight any child. They will certainly come away with more knowledge than they could ever learn from any classroom or book!
Read more about our
Dreamy 8-Day Cyclades Sailing Adventure.
7) Cattle Herding With Cowboys
Wyoming, USA
Educational Opportunities: History, Culture, Geography, Geology
You either played cowboys and Indians as a child or you didn’t. If you did, this is the place for you. If you didn’t, this still is the place for you!
Bring both your child and your inner child to Wyoming to experience the cowboy way of life on a ranch. Discover the history of the Wild West, learn lassoing techniques and go horseback riding. The highlight of it all is the chance to get on a horse and herd cattle to the backdrop of the Grand Tetons. We challenge any child not to think they are on the set of a cowboy film. Round off their education with a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon experience over the mountains while discussing the local geology and geography or a visit to the nearby Yellowstone National Park to see Old Faithful geyser and some pretty incredible hot springs.
Often we are asked about our favourite holiday. Cattle herding in Wyoming remains a firm favourite as one of the Coolest Learning Experiences For Kids. There is a wealth of educational opportunities here waiting to be discovered with tremendous fun mixed in.
8) Searching For Father Christmas
Lapland, Finland
Educational Opportunities: Culture, Folklore, Geography
Remember the anticipation of an annual visit from Santa? The fervour, the excitement, the magic of it all made childhood a very special experience for little ones. Their imaginations going into overdrive created a magical experience that continues as long as possible, not wanting to let go and grow up. Even as adults, we appreciate and love the idea of Santa and all that he symbolises.
Search for the man himself by going north of the Arctic Circle to Lapland. Travelling to a winter wonderland filled with jaw dropping scenery interspersed with frolicking elves is a dream come true for any child. The chance to go tobogganing with elves, learn about and feed Santa’s reindeer, and search for Santa’s cabin on a husky pulled sleigh is the most magical experience to ever happen to any child. To complete the experience, stay in a charming log cabin and get cosy in front of a log fire. Why not add on some skiing or a visit to an amethyst mine? Or perhaps the Northern Lights can tempt you away? Check out Canterbury Travel for an incredible adventure.
No matter what you choose to do, a visit to Lapland is one of life’s greatest adventures for any child. As the magic rubs off on them and you, they will come away with food for their imaginations and knowledge that only comes from experience.
Check out our Family Travel Guide To Finnish Lapland before you go!
9) Hiking Lower Antelope Canyon
Utah, USA
Educational Opportunities: Nature, Culture, Geology, Geography
These special rock formations have graced countless images and are so incredible that one can hardly believe they are real. This very unique slot canyon looks as if it has been sculpted by an invisible hand even though a more simple geological explanation of erosion does not limit the magic of this phenomenal place.
Frequently topping the world’s most desirable bucket list destinations, Antelope Canyon is found on Navajo territory in Utah. Considered by the Navajo as sacred, these unique rock formations are a very special place to visit for a child to learn about geology along with Navajo history and culture. Climbing amongst the undulating curves of the canyon will showcase a spectacular spectrum of colours in the formations, with each bend unveiling more jaw dropping creations from Mother Nature.
Any child will adore hiking around the narrow curves and constrained spaces, bringing out the Indian Jones within them. Grow their love of exploring and hiking in one of the world’s most beautiful locations while they learn about the nature around them. Check out Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours for an unforgettable tour.
Put off by the ladders and stairs to climb up and down with small children? Don’t be! We did it with a one year old who surprised us and loved every moment.
10) Encounter A Bird’s EyeView Of Iguazu Falls
Brazil & Argentina
Educational Opportunities: Nature, Geography
What child doesn’t love the idea of a helicopter ride? Top this off with a ride over one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls on the border of Brazil and Argentina and you have an educational experience worthy of an Oscar.
Seeing the Amazon rainforest spread out below is a sight to behold while the mighty power of Iguazu Falls cuts a sensational path through the verdant canopy.
But don’t limit your child with just an aerial view. Get down close to let them experience the thundering power of the falls. Surrounded by thousands of fluttering butterflies, this is an experience straight out of the pages of a fairytale. See numerous exotic birds and maybe even jaguars as you walk through the rainforest in both countries.
This trip showcases nature at its best. Your child will be left with a wealth of knowledge and in complete awe of earth’s natural wonders.
11) Experiencing White Nights
St. Petersburg, Russia
Educational Opportunities: History, Culture, Folklore, Music, Art, Geography
A sun that never sets, is a city that never sleeps. Music and dance filling the streets against a backdrop of fairytale onion domes. A visit to St. Petersburg is special, but a visit during White Nights is magical.
Expose your child to a completely different culture through reading about Russian folklore before you visit. Tales of Baba Yaga will enthral them. The history of Imperial Russia will delight them, especially topped off with a visit to the Hermitage Museum and maybe even the Peterhof State Museum. As the splendour of the city rubs off on them, they will experience a unique phenomenon where night remains as day and the magical party atmosphere of the city continues round the clock. A concert is a delight and a ballet at the Mariinski Theatre is a must.
For a really special experience, jump on an overnight train to Moscow. Together you can discover the history of Red Square and the stunning chandelier-encrusted metro stations the city is famous for.
12) Pretend To Be Indiana Jones In Petra
Jordan
Educational Opportunities; History, Geology, Geography, Culture, Nature, Archaeology
We all remember the scene where Indiana Jones comes upon the Treasury in Petra. For a child this experience is the stuff of dreams, a chance to live out their Indiana Jones fantasies.
Petra is one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sights and it does not disappoint. Children will learn about how the Nabateans carved phenomenal structures out of the surrounding rock to suit their way of life. They will learn about the Roman occupation and even come across broken pieces of Roman pots in the surrounding earth. Our son’s obsession with Roman history and archaeology began here. Visiting Petra will also give them the chance to learn about nature and how the canyons were naturally formed.
Final Thoughts
The opportunities to explore, discover and learn are endless. These incredible experiences are ones they are likely to remember for the rest of their lives.
We hope you have enjoyed reading the Coolest Learning Experiences For Kids! Let us know if there are any that we should add to our ever-growing list!
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