Kids need to get out and explore. Many great museums are nearby. Austin museums are in plenty, and they serve as fun and education for the kids and the family as a whole. There are at least ten museums for kids, and almost all locations are appealing, and it is suitable for parents or guardians to ensure the kids visit all the museums and have fun. Museums are great places for kids to learn and explore.
1. Casa Neverlandia
This colorful and very unique museum started as a one-story home in the early 1900s and later purchased by James Talbot where he started transforming it into what it has become today. This fantastic home/museum is open for private tours by the owner and is located at 305 W Milton Boldin Creek; you will be transported into different themed rooms and floors and textures and enjoy the many stories Mr. Talbot has related to how his home has transformed into the art is today and why. We strongly suggest you call ahead and book a tour and respect this space since this is a private residence. Very kid-friendly and a place your family will not forget.
2.Thinkery
This fantastic museum is geared towards helping children of all ages grow through hand-on play. Different areas throughout the building encourage different types of play like the water room gets children involved with water and how it flows, building dams and waterfalls or how it sounds as it hits different types of materials. There is also lightroom that shows children how shadows are made or the peg wall where yo7u can create your stained glass window picture with different colored plastic pegs; there is also a STEM room and outdoor play/climb area, toddler area, a store/farm area and much more. The Thinkery is located at 1830 Simond Avenue Austin, Texas 78723, and is open seven days a week with daily events.
3. Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata
Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata is an in-home, family-run museum. Their mission is to preserve endangered modes of different collections; there are exhibitions dedicated to things such as sleep, celebrities, snow globes, urban phantasmagoria, and much more. You’ll find the museum at 1808 Singleton Avenue. Austin, TX 78702 East Austin, donation-based tour and the public is welcome to share their objects and stories.
4. Museum of the Weird
If you’re looking to “Keep it weird” this is your place, this small but entertaining museum is home to freakshow oddities, like shrunken heads, bigfoot, a stuffed cyclops and if you’re lucky you will catch the resident professional human oddity who does some pretty strange things with nails, mouse traps, and swords. Museum of the Weird is located at 412 E 6th, Austin, TX, 78701.
5. The Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a history museum dedicated to telling the unfolding “Story of Texas. It was named after the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Texas Bob Bullock who campaigned for the preservation and exhibition of Texas history. You’ll find permanent exhibits about the Alamo, Nasa, Famous Native Texans, an IMax playing historical and current movies, and the first-floor host temporary exhibits. Take a break on the 2nd floor and grab lunch before you head up to the 3rd floor. You’ll find the museum at 1800 Congress Avenue; parking is available for a fee.
6. Texas Memorial Museum
The Texas Memorial Museum is located in the Texas Natural Science Center on the UT campus at 2400 Trinity Street Austin, Texas 78705. This museum features over 500 dinosaur and fossil specimens, many of which were found in Texas. You’ll also find gems and minerals, taxidermied Texas wildlife, and a small cave life exhibit and area exploring evolution.
7. Art of Ice Cream Experience
The Art of Ice Cream Experience isn’t your typical museum, but it is super cute and a great place for kids and adults to have photoshoots. Step into the world of ice cream with rooms brightly decorated and props available for some extra fun pictures. Make sure you jump into the ball pit, experience the confetti shower, and don’t forget to get your ice cream treat before you leave. Art of Ice Cream Experience has multiple locations throughout the country, but this one is located at 3210 S Congress Ave in 78104 (South Austin), call for tickets and times.
8. LBJ Presidential Library
The LBJ Presidential Library is a library and museum of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States and houses 45 millions of pages of historical documents. Explore multiple floors of historical events, documents, and items all from President Johnson’s life and presidential term. The museum is located in 2313 Red River at the University of St. Texas. Don’t forget to check out the world-class Motown exhibition and the top floor of the Library has a replica of the Oval Office decorated as it was during Johnson’s presidency.
9. Pioneer Farms
Pioneer Farms is a living history museum offering workshops and programs for both students and adults. Step back in time and experience Texas history while you explore six themed historic areas. Some of the workshops available are blacksmithing, woodworking, knitting/quilting, candlemaking, soapmaking, and cheese making. Make sure you visit the Scarborough Barn to get up and personal with your favorite farm animals. Pioneer Farms is located at 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr, Austin, TX 78754.
10. Austin Aquarium
The Austin Aquarium has brought the ocean sea life to your fingertips, you and your family will step into hands-on exhibits. Feed stingrays, tropical birds, fish, sharks, caiman, octopus, and much more. The aquarium is located at 13530 N Hwy 183 and is open seven days a week; tokens are needed to feed the animals and participate in other animal encounters.
Whether you are into learning more about the history of Austin TX, stepping back in time and learning how the pioneers lived, hang out with animals, or eat some yummy ice cream, there is sure to be a museum for you and your family to explore. We hope you have enjoyed this list and if you haven’t already explored these museums go out and check them out, you won’t be disappointed and don’t forget your camera for the great photo ops.
