Whether you are looking for an indoor spot on a hot day or want to inject a bit of culture into your routine, this is the list for you. We found a slew of Austin, Texas museums that are perfect for kids as they offer hands-on learning, special exhibits and even kid-only art-making sessions. Get ready to explore!
Thinkery
Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. For over three decades this spot has been offering hands-on learning opportunities for kids and parents and today the space includes over 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor learning opportunities. When the weather is good, the Backyard is every kid's favorite spot with tons of climbing and exploring opportunities.
1830 Simond Ave
Austin, TX
Online: thinkeryaustin.org
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Opened in 2001 as the official history museum of the State of Texas, the Bullock Museum tells the story of Texas through hundreds of artifacts, family-centered programs and community events. Check out the museum for free on H-E-B Free First Sundays and enjoy special toddler programming on the second Thursday of the month.
1800 Congress Ave.
Austin, TX
Online: thestoryoftexas.com
Austin Nature and Science Center
Established in 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center's (ANSC) mission is to provide hands-on educational exhibits and recreational activities that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Centrally located on the western edge of Zilker Park in the Zilker Nature Preserve, the ANSC offers indoor and outdoor exhibits and provides environmental science education programs to schools and the community in and around Austin. Best of all, it's totally free!
2389 Stratford Drive
Austin, TX
Online: austintexas.gov
Texas Memorial Museum
Little dinosaur lovers, this spot is for you! Located on the UT campus, this museum houses over 500 dinosaur and fossil specimens including the Onion Creek Mosasaur, a 30 foot aquatic reptile that swam in the shallow seas of Texas during the Cretaceous Period. Check out their events page for community events, preschool programs and more.
Online: tmm.utexas.edu
The Contemporary Austin
Showcasing two renowned and architecturally unique locations, The Contemporary Austin brings multidisciplinary exhibitions, engaging programs and enticing special events to the city's visual arts landscape. Families will enjoy the monthly art-making workshop on the second Saturday of the month and kids can spend hours exploring the sculpture garden at the Laguna Gloria campus.
Jones Center: 700 Congress Ave.
Laguna Gloria: 3809 W. 35th St.
Austin, TX
Online: thecontemporaryaustin.org
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
This museum is dedicated to the preservation, creation, presentation, and promotion of the cultural arts of Mexican Americans and Latino cultures. They offer special community events and activities for families including a special program for fourth grade students.
600 River St.
Austin, TX
Online: austintexas.gov
—Kate Loweth
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