Tired of dreaming up new ideas to keep kids busy and entertained? It's time to try out a trip to themuseum– a cheap, fun, educational way to spend time and learn together.

When you think of amuseum, the first word that often springs to mind is "boring". Rest assured there are many wonderful options available to keep kids entertained – and begging for more. Many museums offer special programmes for kids that will keep them busy for hours at minimal cost, helping them learn in an interesting, interactive way.

With many kids often struggling with subjects like maths and science, a trip to a science museum can be a wonderful option to get them interested in an unpopular subject. In Johannesburg, the Sci-bono centre in Newtown offers a collection of interactive exhibits that let kids (and adults) play, learn about and have fun with science and technology. Cape Town and Durban have similar dedicated science museums.

During school holidays, many museums have programmes designed to keep kids busy and entertained in a productive way.

Many museums also offer facilities for kids' birthday parties. The museum of medicine at Wits medical school, for example, allows kids to dress up and play roles, imitating medical staff from centuries ago.

There are much more on offer than science and medicine, however. With topics ranging from history and culture to transport, there is bound to be a museum that will interest you and your kids and provide an opportunity to learn and have fun.

Not everything has to happen in stuffy old buildings, either. One of the most popular museum outings for kids is the Sterkfontein caves, about an hour outside Johannesburg. Located in the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site, these ancient fossil caves have yielded many fossils dating millions of years ago – just the place to take that little dinosaur lover!