Curiosity Kickstarts the Kid: How to Raise Creative Little Thinkers

By Olivia Barney

Few of us are scientists in a professional sense, but all of us engage in scientific thinking. It’s a process by which we ask questions, make observations, and test theories to gather information and form conclusions. We look for patterns that help us make sense of the world and ask questions big and small — from the personal, “Why am I so sleepy in the afternoon?” to the general, “Why did crocodiles survive extinction when dinosaurs didn’t?”

Jack Rodgers

We’re all scientists at heart, even if not by trade, but it’s children who demonstrate the most natural, enthusiastic curiosity for making sense of the world. Their curiosity starts early, with the development and exploration of the five senses. These senses are important tools that help us understand our surroundings, but they also help us make observations that can inspire new lines of questioning. This curious thinking also helps us identify gaps in our understanding and can even lead to “higher engagement in learning” (Saylor & Ganea, 2018) and “more exploration and information seeking” behavior (Jirout, 2020).

Because curiosity comes naturally to most kids, and because public school systems require core science education, it’s easy to think that your child’s curiosity is being satiated – their questions not only answered but encouraged. However, unless curiosity is promoted, or at the very least sustained, it diminishes with development (Jirout, 2020). Fortunately, you don’t have to be a scientific expert to raise little scientists and creative thinkers. Keep reading for five easy ways to fuel their curious spirits and kickstart your kid’s success!

Five Easy Ways to Encourage Curiosity & Creative Thinking in Kids  

1 | Emphasize the Value of “Figuring Things Out”

There’s a lot of value in working through problems. The process of figuring things out is often more helpful than the actual solution. Help your child move through the problem-solving process, and let them see you work through your own challenges. Verbalize questions and the things you’re curious about. These natural experiences are more effective than their simulated, practice lessons at school (Jirout, 2020). 

2 | Respond to Questions Positively

Kids are full of what seems to be millions of questions, and on long days, it can be hard to patiently answer the never-ending stream of inquiries. But negative responses to your child’s curious questions will only diminish their curiosity over time. It’s important to allow them the safety of asking questions without consequence — though if you’re having a hard day and aren’t up for an onslaught of questions, a response like, “That’s a great question! I don’t know the answer, and my brain is feeling like it needs a little rest, but let’s try to find the answer together tomorrow,” works great too.

Admitting that you don’t have all the answers isn’t just okay, it’s good! This shows your kids that we don’t stop learning once we reach a certain age, and it teaches them to keep a mindset of lifelong learning. If you don’t know the answers, however, do what you can to help them find the information they’re curious about. Consider taking them to a public library, visiting a local museum, or helping them find an expert they can ask. These experiences validate their curiosity and remind them that there are other people (of all ages and backgrounds) learning and seeking information about the world.

3 | Spend Time Observing Nature

Perhaps one of the simplest and easiest ways to encourage curiosity about the natural world is just by getting out of the house, unplugging from your devices, and observing nature. This tends to naturally lead to questions — there are so many cool plants and animals to look at — but you can also prompt your little one with questions and observations about squirrel behavior, the different shapes and colors of leaves, or by making a hypothesis about the purpose of tree bark (to give just a few examples). The purpose of these observations isn’t to “get the right answer,” rather start a conversation or get your little scientist thinking creatively about things outside of their day-to-day life.

4 | Follow Your Child’s Lead

Let your child’s interests, questions, and current obsessions lead your discussions and be the inspiration for your activities. By focusing on their interests, following the pace and path they set, they’ll be more engaged, more motivated, and more immersed in the moment. For example, if they’re hyper-focused on a specific kind of dinosaur, like Triceratops and its ceratopsid cousins, don’t try to change the subject. Find books you can read together or documentaries you can watch. Visit NHMU’s Past Worlds exhibition, which features the world’s largest display of horned dinosaurs. Very likely, in their exploration of ceratopsids, they’ll eventually latch on to another species that lived at the same time, or while returning their library books they’ll see one on an unrelated topic that catches their attention. Regardless, encourage their interests and follow their questions — you never know where they might lead!

Jack Rodgers

5 | Enroll them in Curiosity-Led Classes & Camps

If you like the idea of hands-on activities and supplemental learning opportunities but don’t want to pour the time or resources into preparing curriculum at home, consider registering your child for a curiosity-led class or camp through a trusted organization. You can find options year-round, including here at the Natural History Museum of Utah. 

In fact, NHMU’s newest Youth & Family program, the Curiosity Club, is designed so each experience is guided and informed by your child’s curiosity. The STEAM-based curriculum offers tactile learning experiences — encouraging kids to get their hands dirty, ask lots of questions, and embrace their curiosity without embarrassment. In just one, fun-packed 3-hour drop-off session, elementary aged kids will dive into a host of related topics and activities, drawing new conclusions along the way.

Jack Rodgers

These activities combine broader scientific skills with more specific session themes. For example, while there may be a general focus on practicing pattern recognition, a Curiosity Club session may focus specifically on recognizing patterns within nature, helping kids make seed mosaics or leaf rubbings that they’ll bring home with them. Curiosity Club kicks off on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Registration is now open, and Museum Members get a discount.

NHMU Supports Caregivers

Curiosity makes all of us better critical thinkers, and without it, we wouldn’t have scientists, engineers, inventors, or artists. But curiosity without encouragement fizzles out as we grow. So, to our readers who are parents, grandparents, and other guardians, encourage those brilliant, creative little thinkers each day. And if you need a little extra support, NHMU is in your corner. With award-winning Youth & Family programs, interactive exhibitions, and brilliant experts on staff who are eager to answer your kiddo’s burning questions, we’ve got the resources to fuel curiosity and creativity across every age and learning level. Plan your visit today for the smartest fun you’ll ever have!

References

Jirout, J. J. (2020, August 5). Supporting early scientific thinking through curiosity. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01717/full

Saylor, M. M., & Ganea, P. A. (Eds.). (2018, May 4). Active learning from infancy to childhood. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-77182-3