You never know when a child playing doctor might grow up to be a physician who serves the world’s most needy countries on humanitarian missions. That’s because children’s values are formed long before they turn 18, says Esther Netter, CEO of the Zimmer Children’s Museum, which uses interactive learning to help children develop into responsible and socially aware adults.

“Our mission is teaching kids, young people and their families about the big ideas of global citizenship, community, responsibility and becoming a leader,” says Netter. “Each of us is connected to one another by virtue of living on this planet right now, and our action — and inaction — have consequences.”

If introducing your kids to big ideas doesn’t sound as fun as a day at the park, think again. “We give families the opportunity to explore these big ideas in a positive and fun environment,” says Netter. For toddlers, one of the Zimmer’s main exhibits is an ambulance and rescue center. “Kids play rescue and saving lives and responding to crisis,” says Netter. “And the exhibit functions when they work together.”

The Zimmer’s other exhibits include a giant tzedakah pinball machine that teaches kids about giving, and a water table to educate them about environmental issues. Music Island, the museum’s newest attraction, uses interactive technology to introduce children to music, and even allows them to compose their own.

Located on Wilshire Boulevard on L.A.’s Museum Row, the Zimmer Children’s Museum is aimed at children aged zero to eight (the Zimmer also sponsors school-based programs aimed at youths aged nine to 18). In addition to the main museum and exhibits, there are also regular programs devoted to art and other learning activities.

Parents tell Netter that conversation during the ride home from the museum achieves a kind of “loftiness.” Instead of saying they wished their parents had bought them a new toy, “Kids will say that they didn’t want to leave because they hadn’t finished rescuing people.”

Browse the Zimmer Museum’s class offerings on Two Smart Dogs. GO!