Thinkery in Austin, TX

Located in the vibrant Mueller neighborhood of Austin, Texas, Thinkery is an innovative children’s museum dedicated to fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in children and their families. With its interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and engaging programs, Thinkery provides a fun and stimulating environment where young minds can explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Top Hat Chimney Sweeps is a nearby chimney sweep expert in the area.

Thinkery was established in 2013 as a successor to the Austin Children’s Museum, which had been serving the community since 1983. The new facility was designed with the goal of creating a more immersive and interactive experience for visitors, focusing on STEAM concepts and promoting 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

The museum’s 40,000-square-foot space features a variety of exhibit galleries, each designed to engage children and their families in hands-on learning experiences. Some of the most popular exhibit areas include:

• Innovators’ Workshop: This creative space encourages visitors to tinker, experiment, and invent using a wide array of tools and materials. From circuit building to stop-motion animation, the Innovators’ Workshop offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
• Spark Shop: Designed for budding engineers and architects, the Spark Shop challenges visitors to design, build, and test their own structures and machines using real-world materials and tools.
• Kitchen Lab: In this interactive space, children can learn about the science behind everyday cooking and food preparation through hands-on activities and experiments, such as making ice cream with liquid nitrogen or exploring the properties of yeast.
• Our Backyard: This outdoor exhibit area invites children to connect with nature and learn about the importance of environmental stewardship through activities like water play, gardening, and wildlife exploration.
  
  
  

In addition to its permanent exhibits, Thinkery offers a wide range of educational programs and events designed to further enrich the museum experience. These offerings include:

• Camps and Workshops: Throughout the year, Thinkery hosts a variety of camps and workshops that provide in-depth exploration of specific STEAM topics, such as robotics, coding, or digital art.
• Early Learners Program: For the youngest visitors, Thinkery offers age-appropriate programs designed to support early childhood development and foster a love of learning from an early age.
• Community Nights and Special Events: To ensure that all families have access to the museum’s resources, Thinkery hosts regular Community Nights with free or reduced-price admission, as well as special events that celebrate diverse cultures and traditions.
  
  
  

Thinkery is located at 1830 Simond Ave., Austin, TX, and is easily accessible by car, bus, or bike. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays, with extended hours on Wednesdays. Admission fees vary based on age, with discounts available for military personnel and teachers. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance through the Thinkery website, especially during peak times and weekends.

Visitors should plan to spend at least two to three hours exploring the various exhibits and participating in hands-on activities. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as many exhibits involve physical movement and active play.

Whether you’re a local family or visiting Austin with children, Thinkery is a must-visit destination that offers endless opportunities for fun, learning, and discovery. With its interactive exhibits, engaging programs, and focus on STEAM concepts, Thinkery provides an unforgettable experience that will inspire young minds and ignite their passion for lifelong learning.