Thinkery – Del Valle

Where can I park? 
Limited parking is available in the main parking lot at the Child Development Center, which is in front of the Thinkery at Del Valle. Overflow parking is available in the gravel lot across the street by the athletic facility. Additional parking is available further down near the DVISD Admin building.  

Do you offer free or discounted admission? 
Yes, we offer free admission to Del Valle residents and a suggested donation of $8 for non-Del Valle residents. 

How long does it take to go through the museum? 
Most visitors spend between 1-1.5 hours exploring the museum. You are welcome to explore the museum at your own pace, but it’s a good idea to plan for at least 90 minutes for your visit. 

Where can we keep our stroller and belongings while we play? 
We encourage guests to leave their strollers in your vehicle if possible. 

Can I drop off my child at the museum? 
A guardian must accompany a child throughout the museum. Guardians must be 18 years of age or older. Parents/Caregivers are responsible for supervising their children. You are your child’s best advocate for staying safe. Thinkery – Del Valle is a place for adults and kids to play and learn together.

Do you have a Lost and Found? 
For the time being, only valuables (wallet, keys, phone, etc.) will be held for claim. All other items will be disposed of if not claimed within 36 hours. Please reach out to gadv@thinkeryaustin.org.  

Is food available? Can we bring snacks? 
Currently, food services are not available. However, you are welcome to bring your own snacks. In order to help us keep the space clean and allergen-free, please enjoy your snacks in the outdoor pavilion only. 

Do I have to wear shoes? 
Yes. Shoes must be worn at all times. 

Is smoking allowed? 
The Museum is a non-smoking facility, including e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco. 

What is your adult-to-child ratio? 
We require a 1:5 adult-to-child ratio. Children must be supervised, and no security can replace adult supervision. 

Are weapons or firearms allowed at Thinkery? 
Thinkery- Del Valle is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our visitors. In accordance with the laws of the State of Texas—for the safety of our children, no weapons (including concealed or open carry) are allowed. Except law enforcement, anyone with a weapon will be asked to remove it from our premises immediately.  

Is Thinkery-Del Valle wheelchair accessible?  
Thinkery – Del Valle is fully wheelchair accessible.  

Do you have sound-reducing earmuffs? 
A limited number of sound-reducing earmuffs may be borrowed at the Admissions door on a first-come, first-served basis.  

May I bring my service animal? 
Thinkery – Del Valle welcomes service animals – other animals or pets are not allowed except as part of museum programs. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. 

When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, Thinkery staff will ask two questions: (1) is the animal a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work, or task has the animal been trained to perform. 

The animal must be housebroken, non-threatening, and under the handler’s control. If the animal becomes aggressive or threatens the health and safety of others, Thinkery staff will require the removal of the animal from the museum.  According to ADA, dogs, or therapy animals whose function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals, even with a doctor’s note, and will not be allowed in the museum. 

If a child (or adult) in my group is sick, can we still visit the museum? 
For the health and safety of all our guests, we ask that any child or adult with an elevated temperature or a contagious illness (such as pink eye, a cold, or the flu) not visit Thinkery—Del Valle until they are fully recovered. 

A good rule of thumb is that if you’re too sick to go to school (or work), you should plan to visit Thinkery—Del Valle another time. 

What are your cleaning procedures? How do you prevent the spread of germs? 
We are committed to keeping the museum clean and safe for guests.  

Our primary play spaces are all outside and are exposed to the elements of rain, wind and heat.  They may also have insects or other creatures that live on or visit them from time to time. If you see one, say hi! 

It is developmentally appropriate that babies and toddlers put things in their mouths. Thinkery provides bins for these props and objects to be placed for disinfecting before being cycled back out for play.  

Visitors are welcome to notify Thinkery staff if an area or object needs attention. 

The Sustainable Springs water exhibit is filtered, yet has no chemical treatment.  As such, it has fresh water that is filled and drained daily. 

Thinkery disinfects museum exhibits at the end of museum hours as part of our process.  This is done at the end of the day when the museum has opening hours.