Why young visitors learn more from playing than from reading

Learning with your whole body

Children naturally learn by doing. Even before they can read, they discover the world by touching, tasting, and moving. That way of learning often fades as they grow older, even though it is so powerful. When something becomes tangible, it sticks better.

That is exactly what happens at the Gouda Cheese Experience. Here, learning turns into experiencing. From virtual milking to scent games, every element sparks curiosity and activates different senses. Where a textbook explains what milk is, this interactive world shows how milk transforms into cheese.

An experience that stays with you from cow to cheese

A visit to the Gouda Cheese Experience takes children step by step through the story from farm to cheese board. They can “milk” a cow themselves, see how curd is formed, and discover how important aging and salt are for flavor. This way, they not only understand how Gouda cheese is made but also why craftsmanship plays such an important role in Dutch food culture.

The great thing is that the experience appeals to all the senses. Children hear the cows mooing, smell the different scents of young and aged cheese, feel the shapes and textures of the cheeses, and see history come to life up close. Where a book or video is often quickly forgotten, an experience like this stays in their memory much longer.

Why playing works better than reading

The difference between reading and experiencing lies in engagement. When reading, the brain takes in information, but it remains distant. An interactive game, on the other hand, requires action: you make choices, use your hands, cooperate, and respond to what happens. That leads to concentration and enjoyment, two ingredients that are essential for effective learning.

Psychologists call this “experiential learning”: knowledge is created through doing, feeling, and reflecting. When a child experiences something, memories are stored more firmly. That is precisely why children who virtually milk a cow or play handclap games at the cheese market can retell the steps of the process much better than if they had only read about them.

The power of experiencing together

The Gouda Cheese Experience is not only educational but also social. Younger children help each other with the milking, older students explain what they have discovered, and families share laughs during the scent game. Learning happens together, without feeling like studying.

Parents often notice that children are full of stories afterwards. At home, they talk about the cows, the smell of fresh cheese, and the people behind it all. That enthusiasm is exactly what strengthens good education. It gives words to experience, making knowledge come alive.

An educational day out in Gouda

For schools and families looking for an educational outing, the Gouda Cheese Experience is a perfect choice. The route is well-organized, varied, and suitable for different ages. Everything is in Dutch and also internationally accessible, which makes it attractive for tourists as well.

The experience is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by craft and history. Combine it, for example, with a visit to the Syrup Waffle Factory or a walk around the market, and you have a complete day full of culture, flavor, and fun.

Schools especially appreciate that the program connects with themes such as nutrition, sustainability, and heritage. The interactive setup makes it easy to link educational goals to what children experience on-site.

More than a museum: An experience that lasts

As you walk through the halls, you notice that the Gouda Cheese Experience is more than a museum. It is a place where curiosity is awakened and where children learn through play. Everything is designed to stimulate the senses – seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting.

That makes the outing not only enjoyable but also valuable. Because what you experience yourself, you do not forget. Young visitors learn not only about cows and cheese in Gouda but also about the traditions, people, and flavors that made the city famous.

The experience is made possible by our partners, who contribute local products, stories, and craftsmanship to the authentic character of the route.

Ready to Learn Through Play?

Parents and schools looking for an activity that truly teaches children something need look no further. The Gouda Cheese Experience proves that learning does not have to be boring. Here, books are replaced by experiences and words by wonder.

Book your tickets for the Gouda Cheese Experience now and discover for yourself why this interactive outing makes such a lasting impression on kids. If you have any questions,  you will probably find an answer among the frequently asked questions about the Gouda Cheese Experience on our website. See you soon in Gouda!