Duchess Kate has fun with kids as she launches new Early Years initiative

Duchess Kate surprised everyone when she stepped out to the Birmingham Science Museum in the northern English city to launch an important new initiative for her Early Years work!
The mom of three visited MiniBrum, an interactive, child-sized world in the centre, and spent time with kids and staff as she unveiled "5 big questions on the under 5s," a survey that is intended to help UK residents sound off on what their children need and the best way to raise the next generation.
Scroll through the gallery (or click through if you're on desktop) to see the best photos from Kate's day!
Photo: © Eddie Keogh-WPA Pool/Getty Images

Kate was very pleased to meet some of the kids on the visit, which is part of a 24-hour tour of the UK! She's set to visit Cardiff, London and Surrey on Jan. 22!
Photo: © Eddie Keogh-WPA Pool/Getty Images

The children were super into hanging out with Kate, and she had a blast, too, since she's a natural with kids! This little one really enjoyed getting into construction worker gear as Kate helped!
Photo: © Eddie Keogh-WPA Pool/Getty Images

The duchess was also very willing to help the children make food in the make-believe kitchen!
Photo: © Eddie Keogh-WPA Pool/Getty Images

She also stood in as a cashier in the shop in the mini village!
Photo: © Eddie Keogh-WPA Pool/Getty Images

There was also a slide, and Kate, who is mom to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis got right into helping the children play with it!
Photo: © Eddie Keogh-WPA Pool/Getty Images

After spending time with the children, Kate sat down with staff to speak about the survey and her tour!
"The Early Years are more crucial for future health and happiness than any other moment in our lifetime," she said while there. "I want to hear the key issues affecting our families and communities so I can focus my work on where it is needed most."
Photo: © Eddie Keogh-WPA Pool/Getty Images