Adults make visits possible but children often take the lead once inside the science centre or museum, directing the visit and acting as experts for the rest of their group. This session explores the role of children as experts in museums and science centres. To guide our discussions, Amy will begin with an overview of learning theory and research around children as museum/science experts. Rooske will then describe how parents might facilitate a visit whilst still enabling children to be the leaders. Claudia will discuss a project where children are supported to run activities as explainers. Sarah will present longitudinal work on the lasting impacts of these types of programmes. Each presentation examines what child as “expert” means in each context and the relevant practical implications.