Membership Resources

Why should I become a Thinkery Member? 
Thinkery Members receive free general admission for a year, plus a host of other benefits. 

We also like to say “Membership Means More” — not only are you gaining access to hands-on, play-based STEAM education for your family, your investment in Thinkery through membership makes it possible for more kiddos in our community to play & learn via Thinkery’s Open Door Initiative programs. 

Interested in deepening your relationship with Thinkery? Contact development@thinkeryaustin.org

How long does a membership last? 
Memberships provide outstanding benefits like free general admission, special discounts and exclusive access for a full year from the month purchased — and they always expire on the last day of the month! We will send you a series of notices when it’s time to renew your membership for another year. 

I received a renewal notice asking me to renew my membership before it expires. Will I lose any time off my current membership? 
No way! By renewing early, you are helping us to defer much-needed funds to special programs, exhibit development, and other exciting projects. We will never deduct time from your membership year! Your membership will be extended by twelve months from your current expiration date. 

I am interested in joining Thinkery as a Member, but I’d like to visit first. What can I do? 
After visiting Thinkery for a day, many guests decide to become Members! It’s very easy to turn a day of play into a year of play—visitors who purchase general admission tickets may apply some of the cost towards an annual membership. Applying general admission ticket value toward membership is limited to the number of admissions allowed by the membership. Ticket cost can only be applied during your visit or over the phone with your order number, up to two days after your visit. 

Who should I list on my membership? Can I put the membership in my child’s name? 
You may list up to two adults within the same household on your membership card. Named Members must be at least 18 years old. 

Can I share a membership with my friend or relative’s family? 
Memberships are non-transferable and are meant to be used by your immediate family/household/guests. 

As a nonprofit organization, Thinkery relies on membership and admission support to continue providing innovative exhibits, outstanding programs and fun learning opportunities for Central Texas families. This policy is intended to prevent any misuse of memberships, which result in the loss of revenue for our community programs. Thank you for your understanding. 

I’d like to upgrade my membership, but it’s not yet time to renew. What can I do? 
You can upgrade to a higher level of membership at any time simply by paying the difference between the two membership levels.  Your membership expiration date will not change. 

However, if you choose to renew at the higher level by paying the full price of your desired membership level, your membership renewal will take effect immediately. This will give you the benefits of the higher membership level for the remainder of your membership year—plus another twelve months! 

To upgrade your membership, please call our Membership team at (512) 469-6225. 

Can I use my Thinkery membership at other museums? 
All Members levels may receive free or discounted admission through the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) networks.  

In order to redeem these benefits, you must present a valid Thinkery membership card with the logos for ACM and ASTC. 

Please note: Because they fall within a 90-mile radius, The DoSeum in San Antonio does not provide free reciprocal admission to Thinkery Members via the ASTC program. However, as a participating museum in the ACM network, The DoSeum will provide half-priced admission to Thinkery Members.

My family is moving, can I give my membership to someone else? 
Memberships are non-transferable and non-refundable. you can continue to use it for reciprocal admission benefits at participating ACM and ASTC institutions for the remainder of your membership period. 

Will my membership automatically renew?  

Thinkery offers yearly auto-renewal options for all membership levels. These convenient options help ensure that your membership benefits continue seamlessly. Choosing auto-renew saves you time and helps reduce the Museum’s carbon footprint by using less paper on future renewals. 

Assuming the payment card on file is current and you have not opted out, Thinkery Memberships renew on an annual basis. Information on the auto-renewal program, inclusive of details on how to opt-out, is included throughout the membership registration process, including the online registration page and in the welcome email. To ensure that there is no lapse in your benefits, Thinkery Memberships are auto-renewed on the day of expiration unless the member has opted out at least 3 days before the membership expiration.  

How do I opt out of auto-renewal? 

To opt out of the auto-renewal program, fill out this opt-out form at least 3 days before your membership expiration to ensure that you are not charged. Opting out will cancel your participation in our auto-renewal program. You will still receive regular renewal reminders via mail and email. 

Can I still be a Thinkery Member in the future if I opt out of auto-renewal?  

Yes! Members are a core part of our Thinkery community. If you are not currently enrolled in our auto-renewal program, you can renew anytime online at thinkeryaustin.org/renew, by phone at 512-469-6201, or in person on your next visit. If you choose to renew early, your membership will be extended by 12 months from your current expiration date.  

Will I be notified before my auto-renewal payment is processed?  

Yes, we will send a reminder of your upcoming auto-renewal to the email on file 7 days before your renewal date. We will also promptly notify you when your card on file has been charged.  

Under Gift Membership & Voucher FAQ (also add the FAQ on the gift membership page) 

Will my gift membership be auto-renewed?  

No, gift memberships are not part of the auto-renewal program. You will receive a renewal reminder via mail and email and at that time can join the auto-renewal program.  
 

Can I use a voucher to renew my membership?  
 
Absolutely! If you are not part of the auto-renewal program, you can renew online by using the voucher code you provided at checkout. If renewing by mail, include the membership voucher with your renewal slip. 

If you are part of the auto-renewal program, please reach out to the Membership Team at membership@thinkeryaustin.org or 512-469-6200 for assistance. 

Please note: Receiving your digital card may take up to 72 hours. 

Install your new digital membership card: iPhone & Android 

How do I add the membership card to my iPhone? 
Access the email from your smartphone and click the “Download” button, then click “Add to Wallet” and “Add.” The card will automatically go to your iPhone’s Apple Wallet. It can be accessed in Wallet at any time! 

How do I add the membership card to my Android phone? 
Android users need to download Wallet Passes from Google Play. After you have the app, access the email from your smartphone and click “Download.” The card will automatically go to your Wallet Passes app, where you can access it at any time. 

How do I see full card details in Apple Wallet?
1. Open your Wallet App and select your Thinkery digital card.
2. select the (i) icon in the bottom right corner.
3. Scroll through your digital card to stay informed on updated hours and promotions.

I don’t have a mobile phone or smartphone; what can I do? 
Just let us know, and we can talk to you about options for physical cards. 

My name is spelled incorrectly, or my membership level is incorrect; how can I fix it? 
We’re sorry about that! Please email us so we can update it for you right away. 

Update your membership card by following these steps: 

1.    Check your email for the initial message and click on the “Download Card” link. 

2.     Open the link, scroll down to the yellow box, and tap “Regenerate.” 

3.     Confirm via the email link you’ll receive. 

4.     Follow the prompts; your digital card will be generated in about 15 minutes. 

5.     Add it to your Apple Wallet. 

Can I give a membership to someone as a gift? 
Yes! Our gift membership vouchers are a fantastic way to give the gift of hands-on exploration and STEAM-based learning experiences. Your purchase also supports Thinkery’s mission to equip and inspire the next generation of creative problem-solvers. 

How do gift membership vouchers work? 
Membership vouchers can be applied to any current membership price.  Recipients may redeem their gift voucher any time before its expiration date.  Their full year of membership benefits will begin on the day they redeem their voucher (not the day you give it to them).  

Where do I purchase a gift membership voucher? 
The easiest way to purchase a gift membership voucher is through our website. You can also purchase one by speaking to our friendly Admission staff during your in-person visit or by calling our Membership team at (512) 469-6225. 

How is the membership voucher delivered? 
After purchasing a gift membership voucher, you’ll receive a receipt via email that has a customizable PDF template, as well as instructions on how to fill it out. When you are ready to share the gift, you can either print the voucher or save it and email it as an attachment to your intended recipient! If you need assistance, please feel free to reach out by email. 
 
I received a gift membership voucher; how do I redeem it? 
You can redeem your voucher any time prior to its expiration by following the steps outlined here. You can also redeem your voucher in-person during your first visit, or activate by phone at (512) 469-6225. Just make sure to have your voucher handy! 

Can I use a voucher toward my membership renewal? 
Absolutely! If renewing online, just use the provided voucher code at checkout. If renewing by mail, include the membership voucher with your renewal slip. 

What if I want to purchase a different membership level? 
Go for it! You’ll just pay the difference between the two levels. For example: if you received a membership voucher for the Family of 4 plan ($195) but want a Family of 5 plan ($230), you’ll use your voucher and then pay the difference of $35.