Birthday Parties
Celebrate your child’s special day at Thinkery!
Ready to get the party started?
Birthday Parties at Thinkery provides play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences for all ages! Your party crew will enjoy nonstop fun, discovery, and learning with full access to museum exhibits, a private party space, and a self-guided scavenger hunt!
Birthday party support staff will also be available to assist with questions, set up, and—here’s the best part—handle all of the cleanups..
Choose from two exclusive experiences and leave the rest to us!
Indoor Parties
Accommodates up to 30 people.
Day and Time: Saturday & Sunday
10:30-11:30 AM , 12-1 PM, 2-3 PM and 3:30-4:30 PM
What’s included:
- 60 minutes in Kitchen Lab, your private party space.
- A Thinkery accessory and crown for the birthday child.
- Thinkery photo backdrop for memorable group pictures.
- Unlimited FREE, same-day admission to the museum for 30 people.
- Dedicated party support staff to help with set up, clean up, and everything in between.
Members $270 | Standard $300
Outdoor Parties
Ideal for more than 25 guests and up to 50 people.
Day and Time: Saturday & Sunday
10 AM-12 PM and 1:30-3:30 PM
What’s included:
- 2 hours in Little Thinkers Preschool Play yard, your private outdoor party space with a sun shade.
- A Thinkery birthday accessory and crown for the birthday child.
- FREE same-day admission to the museum for 50 people.
- Dedicated party support staff to help with set up, clean up, and everything in between.
Member: $450 | Standard: $500
FAQ
Payment and Cancellation Policy
Requests to cancel or reschedule must be made no less than two weeks in advance and will incur a $50 administrative fee. Refunds (minus the $50 fee) will be offered in response to requests made up to two weeks before the party date.
Refunds are not available for cancellations requested less than two weeks from the reserved event date.
Birthday Party Information
How many people are included in the price of my birthday party?
The party space can accommodate 30 people total for indoor parties and 50 people total for outdoor parties. This includes all adults, children and the birthday family. Any additional guest will be required to purchase admission to the museum and will not be admitted into the party space, as per fire code regulations.
What kind of decorations can I bring?
You can bring any decorations to make your special day enjoyable and fun! However, due to safety reasons, we do not allow pinatas. Due to the layout of your party space, decorations can only be hung up on the wall with painter’s tape. While we are happy to help you set up any decorations for your party, please be mindful of our setup and clean up time. If you are bringing a lot of decorations, please make sure you have adequate support to keep our party schedule on track.
Can we bring outside entertainment for the party?
The host family is welcome to bring their own activities; parents are responsible for setting up and running their activities. We do not offer activities facilitated by Thinkery staff as part of your party package. If you are interested in a party with additional entertainment, please consider a venue rental.
When can the host family arrive to set up the party space?
Hosts may enter the party space 10 minutes in advance to check in with the party support staff and set up. A cart will be provided to carry party items in from your car and to stow items before or after your party time. The cart will remain in a private locked space when not in use for the party.
What should I wear to the party?
Our exhibits are very hands on; your guests may climb on our rope Climber outside or get wet in Currents. When choosing an outfit for your special day, please select something comfortable to make exploration easy.
When should guests arrive?
To be sure that guests don’t miss out on any of the fun, we encourage them to arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the party start time. Early party guests can enjoy playing in the museum until the party starts. Guests will not be admitted to the birthday space until the start time.
Can we bring cake and other foods?
You are welcome to bring in your own snacks and cake or have them delivered. Thinkery does not provide food service. We are excited to announce that we are partnering with a local business – Lady Quackenbush’s Cakery—as our Preferred Birthday Caterer. You can find more details here.
Do I need to clean up afterward?
Thinkery staff members will assist you with cleaning up once your party has ended. We remove trash, clear tables, sweep, and wipe the space after your celebration. We appreciate any assistance in maintaining a clean atmosphere and resetting the space.
Safety Information
Can we have open flames in the party space?
Thinkery fire safety regulations prohibit the use of open flame Sternos in party spaces. Birthday candles on cakes are allowed, but must be supervised by Thinkery staff. Trick candles and sparklers of any kind are prohibited.
Is alcohol permitted for parents at birthday parties?
No. Alcohol consumption is not allowed anywhere on the premises during regular operating hours.
Book a private event today!
Thinkery is one of the most dynamic (and popular!) venues in Austin, providing play-based fun for kids and adults alike. Learn more about our Private Party and Venue Rental options.