Where can your kids make a mess, giggle endlessly and expend all their energy with little to no effort on your part? Children’s museums, of course!

There are few things more fun than watching your kid go wild at places like this. Bringing a camera is a must so you can capture them doing what they do best- exploring, learning and laughing.

So, what kinds of shots should you try to get at a children’s museum? Here are seven to get you started:

(Let me first say that these definitely aren’t the best photos I’ve ever taken. But they capture the moments and that’s really what matters.)

1. Go Under the Action.

Most children’s museums have some sort of climbing structure. Whether they climb ropes, scale a rock wall or something else, get under your child and snap a picture while looking up.

While I didn’t get a visible face in this one, I like the silhouette effect, especially since Big Roo is climbing on these really cool, clear platforms.

2. Use the Mirrors.

My favorite trick is using any and every mirror you can. Children’s museums are full of interesting mirrors so make good use of them.

3. Get Down on their Level.

It’s so much easier to stand up and take pictures of your kids. But you can rarely get to the heart of the fun that way. Squat down to their level. Heck, get on your belly if the moment calls for it. Capture their curiosity, their excitement, their amusement.

4. Dress Them Up.

Children’s museums are all about role playing – hats, uniforms and a lot of accessories. Like Halloween but better ’cause they aren’t getting hopped up on sugar.

Don’t forget the little ones, too. They may not be able to dress themselves but it doesn’t mean they won’t get a smile out of them.

5. Close In on Cool Stuff.

Every children’s museum I’ve been to has some exhibit that knocks your socks off. Capture the details of something really nifty, like this creature made from all sorts of recycled kids’ toys.

6. Take Their Point-of-View

It’s one thing to take pictures of the kids. But what about the way they see the world? Get behind them and get a sense of how they are experiencing the moment. I love how Big Roo is curiously peeking over the edge of this car ramp.

Although my next picture is as blurry as can be, this ramp is what kept my son entertained for over 20 minutes that day so I’m glad I captured it.

7. Don’t Forget the In-Between Time

Sometimes it’s fun to just get a picture of in-between time – the time between the car and getting inside (I’m sure they’re excited), grabbing a snack to refuel or even walking from exhibit to exhibit.

So what are your favorite shots to take?

These shots were taken at Raleigh’s Marbles Kid’s Museum and Greenville, SC’s The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. To find a museum in your area, visit the Association of Children’s Museums.

By the way, this post is part of a sorta-series of Must Have Photography Shots. I say “sorta-series” but I’ve only done like three of them but maybe I’ll do more. Or maybe I’ll be too lazy. How’s THAT for dedication? Regardless, here are the others: Five Must Have Shots to Take on Your Next Beach Trip, Five Must Have Shots to Take on Your Next Family Hike and Seven Great Moments to Capture This Easter.