Temple Children’s Museum: Small in Size, Big on Charm
Fun day trip from Austin with kids idea: Temple, TX! It’s not too far (closer than Waco!) but just far enough that your kids will take a good nap on the drive back home. We had a great time exploring the Temple Children’s Museum and Ferguson Park.
Temple Children’s Museum
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.
The Vibe
The museum is set up with imaginative/pretend play in mind and is thoughtfully arranged and decorated. The staff was super friendly and everyone was happy to stop and play with and interact with my son and show him how things worked (like the scarf blowing exhibit). The attention to detail and arrangement is so charming and you can tell much time and effort was put into the space. It isn’t big, but there’s plenty to do to fill a couple of hours. Best for ages 1-5. I would recommend getting there right when they open at 10 a.m. and staying til noon, then go have lunch at Hat Creek or a picnic at Ferguson Park around the corner, then head home (the kids will definitely nap in the car!), or come back and play til they close at 3 p.m.
Camping/Outdoor Exhibit
My son stayed and played in this section the longest. He loved wearing the backpack he found in here for the entire time we were at the museum. They have an adorable camper, a tent, a cave, a campfire with s’mores, a fishing pond, a grill, and more.
Food Play
There is an entire food exhibit with a lemonade stand, a grocery store, and a pizzeria.
Animals
There were chickens laying eggs, pigs, goats, cows, etc. All the farm animals and even a veterinary clinic.
Babies & Toddlers
The whole museum is geared towards younger kids, and they also have a little exhibit that’s just for ages 2 and under with soft play mats, a slide, and one of these fidget boards that little kids love.
Scarves and Balls
You could play with scarves and balls going through tubes forever, couldn’t you?
Ferguson Park
Ferguson Park is right around the corner from Tempe Children’s Museum and is the perfect place to go for lunch. Pack a picnic and eat in the shady pavilion. If you go on a hot summer day, there is a splash pad for the kids to cool down at. Bring swim suits, towels, and sunscreen!
If you didn’t pack a lunch and want to grab food in Temple before heading back to Austin, there is a Hat Creek you could stop at that has a playground and great kids menu.
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