Children’s Day is a celebration of childhood, joy, imagination, and the limitless potential of every child. Around the world, it’s a moment to recognize the importance of giving children the space, support, and opportunities they need to grow, learn, and dream.
At Thinkery, we celebrated Children’s Day through what we know best: play.
“Play is essential for children because it removes pressure and expectations. It isn’t about being the ‘best’ or doing something perfectly. What matters is joy, laughter, curiosity, and freedom. Through play, kids can explore on their own terms, make their own choices, and engage in ways that feel natural and meaningful to them.” – Alexa, Thinkery Play and Learning Senior Manager
On April 27, in partnership with AVANCE-Austin and other community organizations across Austin, we welcomed over 400 children and their grown-ups for a joyful afternoon centered on exploration, creativity, and connection.
Throughout the museum, activities were designed with one goal in mind: helping children explore possibilities. Through art, storytelling, building, and coding, children explored their interests, expressed who they are, and imagined who they might become.
Powered by Partnership
Children’s Day at Thinkery is made possible through collaboration. Partners like AVANCE-Austin, Austin FC, H-E-B, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, CapMetro, and the Austin Spurs help create experiences that feel meaningful, inclusive, and reflective of the community we serve.
At the heart of this work is our deep partnership with AVANCE-Austin. We work side by side to build a welcoming, community experience for more than 200 AVACNE families to enjoy Thinkery, many for the first time.
“Sometimes our families don’t get the chance to come to Thinkery, and this way they get to come, enjoy, and get to know.” – AVANCE Team Member
Partnerships Help Create Belonging
At Thinkery, belonging is one of our core values. We believe children and families should feel welcomed, represented, and connected the moment they walk through our doors. Events like Children’s Day help bring that value to life by creating opportunities for families from across our community to gather, explore, and learn together.
Partnerships help make that sense of belonging possible. When community organizations, local businesses, and families come together with a shared commitment to children, we can create experiences that are not only joyful but deeply meaningful. Together, we help children feel seen, supported, and encouraged to imagine a future full of possibility.
We are grateful to every family, partner, volunteer, and staff member who helped make this celebration possible. Most of all, we are grateful to the children whose curiosity, imagination, and joy filled Thinkery with energy all afternoon long.
Because every child deserves the chance to play, explore, dream big, and feel like they belong.
For more information about our pay-what-you-can Family Nights, click here.
Special thanks to our Children’s Day Sponsor:
