A lot of kids dread going to museums because there’s no way they’re going to learn anything new or even stay interested in the exhibits for long. That’s not the case for these awesome museum options in Austin that were created with kids in mind!
What if kids had some museum trips where they could go outside and explore all sorts of new things? Or maybe one with really cool architecture that gives them interactive experiences? These are just a few examples of how awesome it would be if every kid had access to these museum trips instead – which is why we’ve compiled this handy list!
Where: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, Texas 78723, USA
Hours: Museum Hours: Monday: (Baby Bloomers), 9 AM – 12 PM ONLY | Tuesday: 10 AM–5 PM | Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM (Community Night from 4–8 PM—Admission by donation) | Thursday: 10 AM–5 PM | Friday: 10 AM–5 PM | Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM (Baby Bloomers, 9–10 AM) | Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM </b
Does this building sound familiar? Before becoming The Thinkery, this awesome kids’ destination was known as Austin’s Children Museum.
The Thinkery offers play-based, hands-on learning experiences for kids and parents with 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor activities for families that guarantee kids will have a great time while learning through play.
Where: 412 E 6th St, Austin, Texas, USA
Hours: Saturday 10 AM-7 PM | Sunday 10 AM-7 PM | Monday 10 AM-7 PM | Tuesday 10 AM-7 PM | Wednesday 10 AM-7 PM | Thursday10 AM-7 PM | Friday 10 AM-7 PM</b
In this not-so-regular museum, kids will find much uncommon and interesting stuff.
They will love the strange collection of oddities, strange animals, zombies, monsters, and more! Weird things are more fun! This museum is a great option to visit with the family.
Where: 1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Hours: Monday – Tuesday Closed | Wednesday – Sunday 10 AM- 5 PM
For kids and families who love history, the Bullock Museum located in downtown Austin is a great place to take a look at Texas history.
It features three floors of exhibits, special effect shows, an IMAX theatre, and more!
Where: 101 South Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City, TX 78636, USA
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM | Sunday: Noon – 4 PM | Closed Mondays, except for selected school holidays. Closed Tuesdays except for pre-registered school groups and private events
When we talk about museums for kids, we can’t leave the Science Mill aside.
This family destination offers fun, interactive learning exhibits, games, and programs! A perfect place for kids who love maths, science, and technology!
Where: 3809 West 35th Street, Austin, Texas 78703, USA
Hours: LAGUNA GLORIA: Thursday through Sunday, 9 AM-3 PM | JONES CENTER ON CONGRESS AVENUE: Thursday and Sunday, 12-5 PM | Friday and Saturday, 12-7 PM
The Contemporary has two amazing locations that combine urban and outdoor sites where you will find a great art collection and exhibitions, and hands-on programs to enjoy with the family: the historic Jones Center in downtown Austin and Laguna Gloria, a unique 14-acre art-in-nature site that includes the landmark Driscoll Villa, the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park, the Art School at Laguna Gloria, and the Moody Pavilion.
Where: 4831 FM2673, Canyon Lake, TX 78133, USA
Hours: Summer Hours (JUN 1 – AUG 15): Daily 10 AM – 4 PM | Winter Hours (AUG 16 – MAY 31): Daily 1 PM– 5 PM. Open on July 4th | Closed for the following Holidays: Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve/Day, New Years’ Eve/Day.
Little dinosaurs fans will love the Heritage Museum of Texas Hill Country!
Kids will find over 200 dinosaur tracks and separate trackways made 110 million years ago, in addition to model dinosaurs and real tracks. The museum features an antique collection with unique pieces, including fossil displays and much more!
Where: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739, USA
Hours: Open daily: 9 AM – 5 PM | Member Mornings: 8 – 9 AM | Holiday Closures: Thanksgiving Day – CLOSED | Dec. 24 – 25 – CLOSED | Dec. 31 – Jan 1 – CLOSED
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center serves as an outdoor natural museum with 284 acres of natural areas, cultivated gardens, an arboretum, and wildlands.
Kids will find many interactive and educational features of natural materials to learn tons and have fun in a unique educational environment.
Where: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX, USA
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 AM– 5 PM | Sunday Noon – 5 PM
Another great option for outdoor museums and educational spots for the little ones is the Austin Nature Center!
Kids will get to explore and learn all about the natural world through hands-on exhibits, education programs, and recreation activities for the whole family!
Where: 2400 Trinity St, Austin, TX, USA
Hours: 9 AM– 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday
Texas Memorial Museum is devoted to the natural sciences and it’s a great place for kids who love all things related to dinosaurs and prehistoric life!
Located on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin, visitors will get to see the university’s amazing biological and geological collections through great exhibits.
Where: 1910 Fortview Road, Austin, Texas, USA
When it comes to museums and educational spots for kids, fun is a must-have requirement.
At Snapology, kids will feel in paradise with all the LEGO-themed programs, classes, summer camps, and birthday parties offered! Children 1-14 will learn and have a blast by using LEGO bricks, K’Nex, and technology!
Where: 6001 West Parmer Lane, Austin, TX, USA
Hours: JANUARY – MAY: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – by appointment | Wednesday & Friday – 6 PM Escape Room bookings by appointment | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturdays from 6-10:30 PM for Arcade Time/Kids Night Outs | Saturdays & Sunday for Birthday Parties (available times on booking page) | JUNE – AUGUST: Monday-Friday from 8 AM-6 PM for Summer Camp. Camp activities begin at 8:30 AM and end at 5:30 PM. 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 6-10:30 PM for Arcade Time/Kids Night Outs | Saturdays at 1:30 PM for Birthday Parties (available times on booking page) | SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – by appointment | Wednesday & Friday – 6 PM Escape Room bookings by appointment. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturdays from 6-10:30 PM for Kids Night Out. Saturdays & Sundays for Birthday Parties (available times on booking page)
The Scholar Ship is the ultimate destination for kids who love educational fun!
From a science lab to an Xbox area, there are so many things to do! Kids will not know where to start.
Where: 6120 W Hwy 290, Austin, TX 78735, USA
Functioning as any kids’ museum, Mad Science offers hands-on experiences through summer camps, after-school programs, workshops, events, and birthday parties!
Kids will love the autonomous robots, secret coded messages, and more!
If you are interested in finding more awesome museums for kids throughout the state of Texas, take a look at our Top 20 Museums for Kids in Texas!
