Thinkery - Think Outside The Box
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Thinkery

4.6
·5k reviews·Austin, United States

Austin's premier children's museum, sparking curiosity through interactive STEAM exhibits and imaginative play for all ages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesdays & Sundays, 3-7 PM

Free community hours!

CrowdMedium
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Thinkery - Think Outside The Box

Thinkery

Best Time

Tuesdays & Sundays, 3-7 PM

Free community hours!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Austin's premier children's museum, sparking curiosity through interactive STEAM exhibits and imaginative play for all ages.

4.6
(5k reviews)

"Our daughter had an absolutely amazing time here! The interactive activities could easily keep kids busy for hours."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Community Hours

Score free general admission on Sundays and Tuesdays from 3-7 PM. Great for budget-friendly fun!

🚗 Smart Parking Strategy

Park in the McBee St Garage and get your ticket validated for 3 hours free! Essential for easy access.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Outdoor River System

Outdoor River System

Outdoor Play Area

An interactive water play zone perfect for cooling off and imaginative fun. Bring a change of clothes!

STEAM Exhibits

STEAM Exhibits

Various Indoor Galleries

Hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math exhibits that spark curiosity and learning.

Toddler and Baby Zones

Toddler and Baby Zones

Dedicated Indoor Areas

Safe and engaging spaces designed for the youngest visitors, with age-appropriate activities.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Texas summers are intense! The Thinkery offers fantastic indoor fun, but it can get crowded. Consider visiting during community hours for free admission or booking tickets online in advance to skip lines and ensure entry, especially on weekends. Instagram+1

Parking and Accessibility

Parking can be a breeze if you use the McBee St Garage, as the Thinkery validates tickets for up to 3 hours. Instagram This makes navigating with little ones much easier. The museum is generally well-equipped for various ages, from crawlers to older kids. Instagram

Best Times

When
Tuesdays & Sundays, 3-7 PM
Why
Free community hours!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Afternoons
Why
Beat the Texas heat
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the thinkery has NOTHING on the downtown children’s museum 🥲 #austintx #austinchildrensmuseum #tiktok #fyp
@ch3rrybombp0p
10.9K likes • 52.3K views

🎯 Free Community Hours

Score free general admission on Sundays and Tuesdays from 3-7 PM. Instagram Great for budget-friendly fun!

🚗 Smart Parking Strategy

Park in the McBee St Garage and get your ticket validated for 3 hours free! Instagram Essential for easy access.

Mama can’t do outdoor activities in this Texas summer heat 🥵🥵🥵 #atx #thingstodoinaustin #childrensmuseum #kidactivities #texassummer
@corrine_benandi
1.3K likes • 22.3K views
The Thinkery children's museum in Austin, Texas has FREE general admission during community hours between 3:00-7:00 on Sundays and Tuesdays My family and I had a blast and stayed there for around 2 1/2 hours and they were giving out snack bags as we were leaving. @thinkeryatx #austin #tx #texas #free #familyfun #family #activitiesforkids #kids #toddlers #thinkery
taylorleanor
45 likes • 2K views

💧 Water Play Essentials

Bring a change of clothes and a towel for the outdoor water area. Instagram Kids love it, but they get wet!

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Reserve your spot in advance to avoid long waits and ensure entry. Instagram Especially crucial for busy days.

❤️ The Thinkery is Austin’s Children’s Museum! 📍 @thinkeryatx 1830 Simond Ave, Austin 🚗 park in the McBee St Garage and the Thinkery will validate your parking ticket! You get 3 hours free! 🙌 ⏰ Hours are: Mon 10am-5pm, Tues 9am-7pm, Wed & Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri-Sun 10am-5pm 🎟️ Reserve your spot online before you go to avoid a long line wait. You can purchase tickets there as well, but will have to...
austinfunforkids
266 likes • 23.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Community Hours

Score free general admission on Sundays and Tuesdays from 3-7 PM. Instagram Great for budget-friendly fun!

🚗 Smart Parking Strategy

Park in the McBee St Garage and get your ticket validated for 3 hours free! Instagram Essential for easy access.

💧 Water Play Essentials

Bring a change of clothes and a towel for the outdoor water area. Instagram Kids love it, but they get wet!

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Reserve your spot in advance to avoid long waits and ensure entry. Instagram Especially crucial for busy days.

💡 Membership Value

If you plan multiple visits, a membership pays for itself quickly. Instagram Consider upgrading day tickets.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Thinkery for its engaging and interactive exhibits that captivate children for hours, particularly highlighting the outdoor water play area and dedicated zones for younger kids. While some find the admission price a bit steep for larger families, the educational value and sheer fun factor make it a highly recommended destination for families visiting Austin. TikTok [Review]

"While the price for three was a bit steeper than we expected, our daughter had an absolutely amazing time here! The interactive activities could easily keep kids busy for hours, and we even had fun playing alongside her at the various displays. Her favorite spot was definitely the outdoor river system and play area. A pro tip: bring a water bottle for that section, as it can get hot even with the shade!"

DeeAnna Lodzeischi

"Our children were just outside the range of perfection. Our son is 11 and found some of the activities interesting but not for too long, and our daughter is 7 months old and enjoyed grabbing everything and putting it in her mouth. Still a great experience"

Kenny Stuart

"We had a wonderful time at Thinkery! Our 1.5-year-old daughter absolutely loved it—so many hands-on activities and interactive spaces perfect for little ones. It’s a fun, engaging, and educational spot for kids. Highly recommend for families visiting Austin!"

Laurene O

What People Like

Interactive STEAM exhibits
Outdoor water play area
Dedicated toddler zones

What People Dislike

Admission price can be high
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Thinkery is located at 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX. It's in the Mueller area. You can drive and park in the validated McBee St Garage for up to 3 hours. Instagram Public transportation options are also available within Austin.

The most convenient parking is in the McBee St Garage, where your ticket will be validated for 3 hours of free parking. Instagram This is a great perk for families. Instagram

Yes, Austin has a public transportation system that can get you to the Mueller area where the Thinkery is located. Check Capital Metro for specific routes and schedules.

Yes, there is a Thinkery – Del Valle location offering play sessions and STEAM exhibits. Instagram+1

Driving and utilizing the validated parking in the McBee St Garage is often the easiest with young children. Instagram Alternatively, ride-sharing services are readily available in Austin.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission prices vary, but a great way to save is during community hours on Sundays and Tuesdays from 3-7 PM, when admission is free. Instagram It's recommended to reserve your spot online in advance. Instagram

Yes! The Thinkery offers free general admission during community hours on Sundays and Tuesdays between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Instagram Keep an eye out for special free days or events as well. Instagram

It is highly recommended to reserve your spot online before visiting to avoid long lines and ensure entry, especially during peak times. Instagram

A Thinkery membership can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple times. You can often pay the difference from your day tickets towards a membership. Instagram Check their official website for current pricing.

Look out for community hours for free admission Instagram and consider a membership for frequent visits. Instagram Some local passes or programs might also offer discounts. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Thinkery is designed for children from infancy through elementary school age, with dedicated areas for babies, toddlers, and older kids. InstagramReddit

Typical hours are Monday 10 am-5 pm, Tuesday 9 am-7 pm, Wednesday-Thursday 9 am-5 pm, and Friday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Instagram It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.

The Thinkery features a wide range of interactive STEAM exhibits, art stations, a light room, a painting area, and outdoor play spaces including a water play area. Instagram+1

Yes, the Thinkery has specific areas for babies and crawlers, like the Baby Bloomers program, which are designed for infants with good head and trunk control. Reddit They can grab and mouth objects, making it engaging for them.

Definitely bring a change of clothes and a towel if you plan to use the water play area. Instagram A water bottle is also a good idea. [Review] Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring!

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the Thinkery doesn't have a full-service cafe, they sometimes offer snack bags during community hours. Instagram It's generally recommended to bring your own snacks or plan to eat before or after your visit. There are dining options nearby in the Mueller area.

Bringing your own water bottles is encouraged, especially for the water play area. [Review] Check their specific policy on outside food, but typically snacks are allowed in designated areas.

Yes, the Thinkery is located in the vibrant Mueller neighborhood, which has numerous restaurants, cafes, and food trucks offering a variety of cuisines. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. TikTokInstagram It's a great place to capture your kids' joyful exploration. Be mindful of other visitors' privacy.

The outdoor river system, the light room, and the painting area are popular and visually engaging spots. Instagram The colorful exhibits throughout the museum also make for great shots.

Absolutely! Capturing your child's engagement with the exhibits is a wonderful way to remember your visit. Instagram Just be respectful of other families' space.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

The Thinkery is a paradise for families with young children, offering a safe and stimulating environment. Dedicated toddler and baby zones ensure that even the littlest ones have age-appropriate activities to engage with. Instagram The Baby Bloomers program is specifically designed for infants, allowing them to explore and interact in a supportive setting. Reddit Parents rave about how their young children are captivated for hours by the interactive exhibits, making it a truly worthwhile outing. [Review]

Don't forget to pack a change of clothes for the popular water play area, as it's a guaranteed hit with kids looking to cool off. Instagram [Review] The convenience of validated parking in the McBee St Garage also makes navigating with strollers and multiple children much smoother. Instagram Consider visiting during weekday mornings for a less crowded experience, allowing your little ones ample space to explore and discover.

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

For travelers looking to experience the Thinkery without breaking the bank, community hours on Tuesdays and Sundays from 3-7 PM offer free general admission. Instagram This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the museum's offerings at no cost. If you find yourself visiting frequently, investing in a membership can be more economical in the long run, as the cost of day tickets can often be applied towards the membership fee. Instagram This makes the Thinkery a sustainable option for ongoing family fun.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Exhibits: A World of Wonder

The Thinkery is renowned for its hands-on STEAM exhibits that make learning an adventure. From the intricate outdoor river system where kids can manipulate water flow [Review] to the mesmerizing light room and vibrant painting area, there's something to ignite every child's curiosity. Instagram These exhibits are designed to encourage exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving in a fun, engaging environment. Many visitors note how their children's favorite areas change with each visit, highlighting the variety and depth of the offerings. TikTokInstagram

For the littlest visitors, the Thinkery provides dedicated spaces like Baby Bloomers (for ages 0-3 years) that cater to their developmental stages. Reddit These areas offer safe opportunities for babies to explore textures, sounds, and simple cause-and-effect activities. Instagram This thoughtful design ensures that children of all ages can find something to enjoy and learn from, making it a truly inclusive experience for families. Instagram

Making the Most of Your Visit: Tips from the Community

Planning your visit to the Thinkery can be enhanced by insights from fellow travelers and parents. Community hours on Tuesdays and Sundays from 3-7 PM offer free admission, making it an accessible option for many. Instagram However, these times can also be busier, so booking tickets online in advance is a smart move to guarantee entry and avoid queues. Instagram If you're driving, parking in the McBee St Garage is highly recommended, as the Thinkery validates tickets for three hours of free parking, simplifying arrival and departure. Instagram+1

Many visitors emphasize the importance of bringing a change of clothes and a towel, especially if your children are eager to explore the popular outdoor water play area. Instagram [Review] This is a highlight for many kids, offering a fun way to cool down. For families planning frequent visits, purchasing a membership can offer significant savings, often allowing you to convert your day ticket cost towards the membership. Instagram This makes the Thinkery a sustainable source of entertainment and education throughout the year.

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