Thinkery for the Summer
Your Season of Play Starts Here
Create Joyful Summer Memories
Thinkery is Austin’s children’s museum — a vibrant, welcoming space where families can learn, play, and grow together. Our hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) exhibits spark imagination and nurture confident, creative thinkers. Every visit is an opportunity to connect, wonder, and discover the power of play
Choose Your Summer Adventure
Whether you have an hour or a full day, Thinkery makes it easy to fit play into your summer.
Been Here Before?
No two visits are ever the same. This summer, discover something new with seasonal STEAM activities in Spark Shop and interactive story times in Story Nook.
There’s Always More to Explore
What’s Fresh This Summer:
- A museum buzzing with creativity from campers and visitors.
- Extended hours, including Friday evenings. – View summer hours.
- Daily story times in Story Nook.
- Thinkery Live performances during general admission every month!
- Special family events and member-only mornings.
Just Around the Corner?
Live nearby? Thinkery is the perfect place for weekday drop-ins, Saturday morning playdates, or spontaneous adventures. Every visit offers fresh ideas, playful surprises, and hands-on discovery.
Big Joy in Small Moments
Plan like a Local:
- Come in the afternoons for fewer crowds (Thinkery hosts field trips Tuesday-Friday in the morning)
- Squeeze an hour of play into your daily routine or stay as long as you like.
- Walk or bike from nearby neighborhoods, or there is easy parking available in the McBee garage, just steps away. We validate up to 3 hours!
- Memberships offer unlimited visits all summer long.
Visiting from Outside Austin?
Make a day of it! If you’re visiting from Round Rock, Buda, or beyond, Thinkery is worth the drive for a full day of play.
Road Trip Worthy Fun
Make the Most of Your Visit:
- Arrive early for play, enjoy lunch at a nearby spot, and return for more fun in the afternoon.
- Pack a change of clothes for the water exhibit in Currents.
- Bring lunch or visit one of Mueller’s family-friendly restaurants
- Combine your visit with a walk, picnic, or visit to the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller on Sundays.
Planning a Visit with Grandkids?
Whether it’s a special treat or a Summer tradition, Thinkery is a joyful space for grandparents and grandkids to connect through creativity and joyful learning.
Play Across Generations
Helpful to Know:
- Seating areas throughout for comfortable breaks
- Interactive exhibits spark exploration
- Staff are on hand to assist and answer questions
- Toy Joy at Thinkery, our gift shop, features STEAM kits, books, and playful souvenirs
Visiting from Out of Town?
Make Thinkery part of your trip! Just minutes from downtown, we’re in the heart of Mueller — close to parks, coffee shops, and family-friendly dining.
Add Play to Your Austin Stay
Tips for Travelers:
- Kid-approved highlight that fits into your itinerary — plan for 2–3 hours to explore
- Explore our fan-favorite exhibits: Currents, Light Lab, and Spark Shop
- Cool AC inside, then explore Mueller Lake Park
- Plenty of food options nearby for lunch
- Parking available in the McBee parking garage (we validate up to 3 hours!)
Ready to Visit?
Thinkery is open all summer long! Explore our current hours, admission details, and more to plan your perfect visit.
Bonus Fun: Bring Thinkery Home
Bring the Play Beyond the Museum
Download your free STEAM activity and keep the creativity going wherever you are.
End of Summer Bash
Saturday, August 9 | 11 AM – 1 PM & 3 PM – 5 PM
Join us for a bright, bubbly celebration packed with music, movement, and messy, magical fun. Enjoy STEAM activities, surprise pop-ups, and sunshiny vibes to send summer off in true Thinkery style.
Plan your next trip to Thinkery
Learn more about the new Thinkery experience and review Thinkery’s health and safety information.