Thinkery is a non-profit children’s museum located in Austin, Texas, that aims to inspire children’s creativity, curiosity, and learning through hands-on exploration and play. It was founded in 1983 as the Austin Children’s Museum and was originally housed in a small, one-room space in downtown Austin. In 2013, the museum moved to a larger facility in the Mueller community, which was designed specifically to accommodate the museum’s mission and programming.
Thinkery’s mission is to create innovative learning experiences that equip and inspire the next generation of problem solvers. The museum’s interactive exhibits and programs are designed to encourage children to ask questions, make observations, and test out their own ideas. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from science and technology to art and culture, and are suitable for children of all ages.
One of the most notable features of Thinkery is its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. The museum is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified and was designed to minimize its impact on the environment. The building includes features such as rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and a green roof, which helps reduce the building’s energy consumption and carbon footprint.
The Thinkery’s exhibits and programs are organized around several key themes, including:
- Science and Technology: The Thinkery’s science and technology exhibits are designed to inspire children’s curiosity about the world around them. These exhibits cover topics such as electricity, physics, chemistry, and engineering and allow children to explore these concepts through hands-on experiments and activities.
- Creativity and Imagination: The museum’s creativity and imagination exhibits encourage children to explore their artistic side and express themselves through various mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital media.
- Health and Wellness: The Thinkery’s health and wellness exhibits focus on promoting healthy habits and behaviors in children. These exhibits cover topics such as nutrition, exercise, and hygiene and encourage children to take an active role in their own health and well-being.
- Culture and Diversity: The museum’s culture and diversity exhibits celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Austin and its diverse communities. These exhibits provide children with the opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives and to develop an appreciation for diversity and inclusion.
What Activities Can You Enjoy There?
There are many different activities that you can enjoy when you visit Thinkery in Austin, TX. Here are some examples:
- Science experiments: Thinkery has many interactive exhibits that allow children to conduct their own science experiments, learn about chemistry, physics, and biology.
- Art and design: The museum has many art and design exhibits where children can express their creativity, experiment with different materials, and explore various art techniques.
- Technology: Thinkery offers exhibits and activities that explore technology, including coding, robotics, and digital design.
- Sensory play: The museum has a sensory-friendly area for children with special needs where they can engage in sensory play activities and explore their senses.
- Outdoor play: The museum has an outdoor exhibit called “Let’s Grow” where children can engage in various outdoor activities like gardening, water play, and physical activity.
- Music: Thinkery offers exhibits and activities that explore the world of music, including sound waves and instrument design.
- Engineering and building: The museum offers exhibits and activities that allow children to experiment with engineering and building, including designing and constructing structures using various materials.
Overall, there are many different activities to enjoy at Thinkery, and visitors are sure to find something that interests them.
What Can You Expect When You Visit There?
Thinkery is a popular children’s museum located in Austin, TX. Here are some things you can expect when you visit:
- Interactive exhibits: Thinkery has over 40,000 square feet of exhibit space with hands-on activities that are designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
- Outdoor activities: In addition to the indoor exhibits, Thinkery has an outdoor play area called the “Let’s Grow” exhibit, which features a garden, a water play area, and a variety of interactive structures.
- Programs and events: Thinkery offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year, including workshops, classes, camps, and special events.
- Cafe and gift shop: The museum also has a cafe where you can purchase food and drinks and a gift shop where you can buy educational toys and other souvenirs.
- Accessibility: Thinkery is committed to making the museum accessible to all visitors. The building is wheelchair accessible, and the museum offers sensory-friendly hours for visitors with sensory processing differences.
Overall, Thinkery is a great place for families with young children to explore, learn, and have fun together.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Yes, Thinkery is definitely worth visiting, especially if you have young children who are interested in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The museum offers a wide range of hands-on exhibits and activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. It is a great place for families to spend time together, learn new things, and have fun.
Additionally, Thinkery offers various programs and events throughout the year, which can make your visit even more exciting and informative. Overall, Thinkery is a highly recommended destination for families with young children in Austin, TX.
Important Information You Need to Know
- Address: 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723, United States
- Website: http://www.thinkeryaustin.org/
- Contact: +15124696201
- Open Hours: Monday (Closed), Tuesday-Thursday (9 am-7 pm), Friday-Sunday (10 am-5 pm)