6 Children’s Museums Close To Austin That Are Worth Checking Out
If you’re getting tired of going to the Thinkery over and over again, it’s time to branch out! The rest of these children’s museums are a bit of a drive, but would make a fun day trip. Here are 6 children’s museums close to Austin that are worth checking out.
6 Children’s Museums Close To Austin That Are Worth Checking Out
Closest to Austin: The Thinkery
The Thinkery is Austin’s only children’s museum. They are fairly small, but my kids always seem to love it and have a good time there. Toddlers and younger kids will love the water room, grocery/cooking area, and painting wall. They have a sweet baby room that safe to crawl around it as well. There are interesting exhibits for older kids to get in to. The outside part is fun for brave kids to crawl around inside.
Hours & Admission
Monday: Baby Bloomers from 8-10 a.m. $9 (for ages 36 months and younger only)
Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Community Hours – 3-7 p.m. (FREE ADMISSION! Reserve online to guarantee a spot.)
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: Baby Bloomers is only $9 (ages 36 months and younger only) from 8-10 a.m. General Admission – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Community Hours – 3-5 p.m. (FREE ADMISSION! Reserve your spot online.)
The Thinkery has two free times: Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m. and Sunday from 3-5 p.m. Making reservations online for free tickets before you go is highly encouraged to ensure a spot.
Ages 0-23 months are free. 24 months and up $18.
Best For Older Kids: The Science Mill
The Science Mill is a great day trip destination for older kids, ages 5 and up. There is some, but not a lot, for younger kids at this spot. They have interactive science exhibits, a VR “ride”, a 3D movie, and a whole outside section to explore.
Hours & Admission
The hours change seasonally. The current winter hours are Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 12-4 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Check here for updates on hours.
Admission is $9-11 (babies 2 and under are free). You can buy tickets online or at the front desk.
Best For Toddlers: Temple Children’s Museum
I brought my 5 year old to the Temple Children’s Museum and he had a great time. Toddlers through age 5 would have a lot of fun here. It’s small, but worth the hour or so drive to Temple, especially if you make a day of it and hit up the Temple Hat Creek or a park for lunch.
Hours & Admission
The Temple Children’s Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is $6 for ages 13 months and up. You only have to pay once daily, so if you leave for lunch you can come back and play some more. Food and drink are not allowed at Temple Children’s Museum, so we recommend Temple Hat Creek, or packing a picnic lunch and eating at Ferguson Park. Reserve your spot before you go because they are small and will limit the capacity.
Best for preschoolers: Mayborn Museum (Waco)
I wouldn’t drive all the way to Waco just for this children’s museum, but it’s fun to tack it on to a day trip with another Waco attraction like the Cameron Park Zoo or the Dr Pepper Museum. It’s good for younger kids.
Hours & Admission
Open daily Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Adults are $10 and kids 2-12 are $8
Best for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers:
McKenna Children’s Museum (New Braunfels)
Hours & Admission
Open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Closed Sunday. Tickets are $8 for ages 12 months and up. Parking is free.
My Favorite: The DoSeum (San Antonio)
The DoSeum is super fun and is probably my favorite of the whole list. It’s big and there’s so much to do- you could really spend a whole day here in the ball room alone. It has exhibits that appeal to all ages and a fantastic outside area too.
Hours & Admission
Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday from 12-5 p.m.
Tickets are $18 (kids under 1 are free).
More Fun Day Trips From Austin
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