LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- One boat on the Ohio River is using a different kind of S.T.E.A.M. to keep kids learning during summer vacation.

"They're having so much fun that they don't realize they're learning," Heather Funk Gotlib, Belle of Louisville Communications and Content Manager, said.

Children and their families come to Louisville from places like Goshen, Kentucky and Sellersburg, Indiana, to set sail on the Mary M. Miller.

Creativity takes the wheel. The 90 minute cruise is packed with science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics at every turn.

"I've never been able to do something like that before," 11-year-old Jeremy Helton said. "We were both mind blown."

He rode the boat with his friend Trevor Frazier. They said they were both impressed with the S.T.E.A.M.boat cruise.

Kids watched model boat demonstrations, played with hula hoops, made music, and saw how the captain steers the ship. The cruise ended with an optional dance party.

Both Trevor and Jeremy agreed, their favorite activity was creating beats as a DJ.

"It felt like I was a professional," Frazier said.

This cruise gets students excited to learn while school is out.

"Learning through play is just such an important aspect of creating a really great educational experience," Funk Gotlib said.

Some children said they got opportunities they wouldn't have inside the classroom.

"I don't really have science class at school," eight-year-old Stasi Hart said.

These cruises run at least once a week until October 2nd. This leaves plenty of time for kids to learn and bond.

"I wouldn't have as much fun if I wasn't here with him," Trevor said about his friend Jeremy.

It costs $14.99 for anyone three years or older to ride the S.T.E.A.M.boat cruise. Infants ages two and younger get on for free. 

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