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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free community hours!
Thinkery
Best Time
Free community hours!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Austin's premier children's museum, sparking curiosity through interactive STEAM exhibits and imaginative play for all ages.
"Our daughter had an absolutely amazing time here! The interactive activities could easily keep kids busy for hours."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Toddler and Baby Zones
Dedicated Indoor Areas
Safe and engaging spaces designed for the youngest visitors, with age-appropriate activities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.💧 Water Play Essentials
Bring a change of clothes and a towel for the outdoor water area.
Kids love it, but they get wet!🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Reserve your spot in advance to avoid long waits and ensure entry.
Especially crucial for busy days.Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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.💧 Water Play Essentials
Bring a change of clothes and a towel for the outdoor water area.
Kids love it, but they get wet!🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Reserve your spot in advance to avoid long waits and ensure entry.
Especially crucial for busy days.💡 Membership Value
If you plan multiple visits, a membership pays for itself quickly.
Consider upgrading day tickets.What Travellers Say
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.
[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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
This is a great perk for families.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.
Driving and utilizing the validated parking in the McBee St Garage is often the easiest with young children.
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.
It's recommended to reserve your spot online in advance.Yes! The Thinkery offers free general admission during community hours on Sundays and Tuesdays between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Keep an eye out for special free days or events as well.It is highly recommended to reserve your spot online before visiting to avoid long lines and ensure entry, especially during peak times.
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.
Check their official website for current pricing.Look out for community hours for free admission
and consider a membership for frequent visits. Some local passes or programs might also offer discounts.🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Thinkery is designed for children from infancy through elementary school age, with dedicated areas for babies, toddlers, and older kids.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use.
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.
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.
Just be respectful of other families' space.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
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. [Review] The convenience of validated parking in the McBee St Garage also makes navigating with strollers and multiple children much smoother. Consider visiting during weekday mornings for a less crowded experience, allowing your little ones ample space to explore and discover.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Exhibits: A World of Wonder
For the littlest visitors, the Thinkery provides dedicated spaces like Baby Bloomers (for ages 0-3 years) that cater to their developmental stages. These areas offer safe opportunities for babies to explore textures, sounds, and simple cause-and-effect activities. 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.
Making the Most of Your Visit: Tips from the Community
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. [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. This makes the Thinkery a sustainable source of entertainment and education throughout the year.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit