If you’ve ever wished that more science museums required bathing suits, have I got a spot for you! And — bonus! — it’s less than five minutes from some of the best baked goods you will ever find.

The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont, has everything you expect in a kid’s science center, executed with more charisma. There are massive foam blocks to build with, of course, but more space and more pieces than you’ll often find. And the hands-on bubble center had probably a half-dozen experiments instead of a single vat of soap suds.

From physics to biology, meteorology to human anatomy, there’s something for every interest. And I particularly appreciated the dedicated area for the littlest explorers, where toddlers could play and learn without anything sharp or wet or otherwise parental-anxiety-inducing.

But what really set Montshire apart was its outdoor space. When I read the museum’s recommendation to bring a bathing suit and towel, and prepare to spent at least 3 hours, I was skeptical. I now admit how wrong I was! We easily spent that time on the grounds (and wished we had more: we didn’t even set foot on the many miles of nature trails) and came away absolutely soaked.

At first glance, many of the elements looked like a traditional splash pad, but they had bells and whistles that were both fun and STEM-y. A waterfall had several places upstream where small dams could impede — then unleash — the flow. Floating balls in a meandering river clearly showed currents and channels. Fountains sprayed increasingly complex patterns. Interchangeable pipes attached to spigots demonstrated pressure changes. And on a beautiful warm day, it all added up to possibly the perfect children’s museum.

(Oh! And that other nearby site I mentioned? The King Arthur Flour Bakery, Cafe and Store. I dream of someday taking a class there, but for now, I will just enjoy a delicious brunch and take home a few treats to make later.)

Verdict: If you are anywhere remotely in the vicinity of this museum in the warmer months, you must go. A waterpark and a museum in one? What’s not to love!