School’s officially out for summer and — if you’re anything like those of us with kids — you’re probably wondering how to keep your them entertained + educated without constant screen time. The good news? In addition to some wacky museums, WNC also has a number of kids museums dedicated to expanding young minds. We recommend bookmarking this page so you can refer back to it all summer-long.

Photo courtesy of Asheville Museum of Science

Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave.

This small-but-mighty museum offers kids opportunities to explore astronomy, climate, ecology, geology + more. Activities and exhibits include a mineral collection and a hands-on paleontology display that lets kids uncover fossils, Also cool? There’s still space available in some of AMOS’ summer camps.

Photo courtesy of Catawba Science Center

Catawba Science Center, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory

Looking for a place to entertain the kids all day long? With hands-on exhibits, fresh and saltwater aquarium galleries, a naturalist center, a digital planetarium theater with laser shows, a greenhouse, and other attractions, this 35,000 sqft. spot fits the bill.

Hands On! Children’s Museum, 318 N Main St., Hendersonville.

Here, kids can learn emotional + social development skills, as well as practice cognitive, fine, and gross motor skill development through educational and interactive exhibits that feature art, STEM + beyond. The museum also reopens today after completing the first phase of its expansion, which will include the new People’s Museum and Walk of Fame, a 1,000 sqft addition with cultural area artifacts and more.

KidSenses Children’s InterACTIVE Museum, 172 N Main St., Rutherfordton

This 11,000 sqft kids museum offers 14 interactive exhibits, as well as programs + educational workshops that center engineering, arts, science + more. The museum’s new maker space — the 5,000 sqft The Factory — designed for kids ages 11+ features 3D printers, laser cutters, robotic technology, and computers.