Each child is unique and their learning processes are complex. Furthermore, children in their early years vary widely in their stages of growth and development. How can we create situations and environments that address childrens’ unique physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs? How can we facilitate carers’ to optimally support exploration and learning during a visit to our institution? We use the lenses of academic research and practice to answer these questions and discuss recent scientific literature on the impact of adult guidance. For example, which child-parent conversations support or impede a child’s exploration and learning? Also, from special events to exhibits, we look at what has been done for young children in different places to scaffold their learning journeys as they develop.