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Average ratingExcellent
4.7/ 5

Based on 1,857 reviews

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What reviewers say about Thinkery

Generated with AI from 1,857 reviews on Trustburn · updated 27 days ago

Customers describe it as a fun and fabulous place for children and adults of all ages, though some note that the facility is showing wear and lacks maintenance.
What does Thinkery do?

Thinkery is an evolution of the Austin Children's Museum and serves as Austin’s home for "why" and "how," providing a place where science and families play side by side.

Are there any complaints about Thinkery?

The critical reviewers wrote that the venue is crowded, has broken doors, lacks staff communication, and has safety concerns, while others noted it is expensive with not enough to do for the price.

AI-generated from reviews on this page. Verify anything important with the company directly.

Udai Pratap Singh
Reviews 1

Loved this place and especially the best time to spend with kids where they are engaged with various activities. I just took Bank Of America card and my entry was free since BofA provides free entry to thinkery and many other places on the first weekend of any month.

Matthew Allen
Reviews 1

We were visiting family from out of town and brought our 3 year old, 2 year old, and 11 month old. This place is amazing. They have thought of everything. The kids were fully entertained, the staff was excellent, and the facility was very clean. I loved the infant area. Most kid friendly places don't have a baby area and this one rules. If you haven't been there, you need to check it out. I would love to have one in our city.

Kristina Boshernitzan
Reviews 1

There are three children's museums I visited that work worthwhile. The St Louis, the Indianapolis, and the thinkery. of all of the children's museums I've ever visited, the thinkery is far and away the best one. we bought a membership to it before we even lived in Austin because every time we came to town to visit we would go. they're also part of the collaborative that allows you free access to other museums across the country. If you have kids or you're just a kid at heart who likes to explore, you'll find something here that will keep your attention all day.

Marco Panama
Reviews 1

The Thinkery is a great experience for anyone who has children that love to explore. The exhibits have very little explanation which motivates you to have those cherished moment with your kids to figure it out. Leading them to use their minds, and create in a way they may not be accustomed to. If you have a day off, and want something new to do then stop on by. You will not regret your experience, and neither will your children.

Jennifer Johnston
Reviews 1

Each section offers kids a different experience from the previous. We've been going since my toddler was 12 months old. He's always entertained, bathrooms are easily accessible for washing hands but toilets are all adults sized, with no stools (difficult for potty training). There's a mother's room set up to nurse comfortably, equipped with a toddler play table, changing station, & sink.

Kim Buck
Reviews 1

My son loves this place, kids friendly. I really like the way employees handle the situation. One time we saw a little boy yelling for his Daddy but i did not see anyone come to him, so i let the staff know, they came to the boy and approach as a friend, asking about his Daddy and let's go find his Daddy, turned out the father was just too busy with other thing and didn't hear the boy. That was pretty well handle. It feel like a great place for children to be there.

ANIL OLIVERA
Reviews 1

It s a good place for kids to be busy for 2-3 hours while exploring things . Young parents can spend time while kids can play .Parents tickets should be free because the tickets are very expensive for kids . There are not much things to do on the 2nd floor . They should add more stuff on the large space they have upstairs .

T L
Reviews 1

Baby bloomers for little ones 3 & under on Saturday morning was fun for my 2 yr old nephew. It was a nice way to experience the Thinkery without the extra traffic. Wear water shoes or risk soggy socks from the water room. The staff is friendly and energetic. If you forget snacks the vending machines are stocked with healthier foods than usual.

Daniel Laitinen
Reviews 1

The Thinkery has two floors of fun learning experiences. We ve been members for two years now and it s a great place if it s too cold or hot to stay outside. The kids love going back again and again. They recently changed some attractions which is good because some stations were getting old after awhile. Highly recommend for families with young children.

Axy inspire
Reviews 1

I love the Thinkery it s family and kid friendly they highly encourage and engage in active play with your children, The facility itself is very clean and there are workers constantly picking up after the kids. If your child injures in self they do offer an ice pack, band aids etc. Wednesday nights are community nights and admission is free from 4 PM to 8 PM. Normally it s around $12 a person to get in that s a little steep for me for a place that I live so close and frequent often, I will look into a membership for the year.
There s also a park across the street from the Thinkery that s amazing kids can play and watch ducks .

Britney Webster
Reviews 1

We took our 2 year old and she had the best time. There are activities for all ages but she enjoyed the upstairs labs the best. We were concerned at first because there were multiple school field trips on the day we went but there was plenty of room for everyone and we never had to wait to have something to do.

Rachel Hanses
Reviews 1

We already love the Thinkery because it's incredible. Seriously one of the best kids museums out there. BUT we just held our daughters 4th birthday here and I cannot say enough how much we love this place. The guy running the party and his co-worker engaged the kids, sang with them, kept them all happy, helped the kids catch up who came in late and really went above and beyond.

I've heard from multiple parents that this was the best party ever. It wasn't too over stimulating so the kids still got to relax and enjoy their surroundings.

Love this place!

Laura Muncy
Reviews 1

Just what we needed after days of being tourist in San Antonio, Waco and Austin. Our 16 month old was clearly done being in the car and needed some play time. The weather with lightning etc we were desperately looking for a play space. Best thing ever! Water room we spent close to an hour in. The rest of the place is just great! Can t recommend enough!

Sebastian Ponce
Reviews 1

The coolest place for our 11 month old and we can't wait for him to discover all the other things he can do here as he gets older! Mondays it's 5 dollars and for children under 3 and Wednesdays is free from 4 to 8 pm. The annual memberships are really good too, definitely worth it.

Peter Gregg
Reviews 1

Recently went to the Thinkery with my 8 year old, wife and some friends - also went for a Google City Experts event. As long standing attendees of the old Austin Children's Museum, I was thrilled with the new site! The kids who were with us were also. It is a vast upgrade not only in size, but also in the breadth and depth of activities available. They walked in and didnt know where to start! Each area [the giant litebrite, the water/music area, the farm store +++] was a new fave. Smiles abound. There were many teaching and learning opportunities throughout. Austin's children deserve to have a "real" children's museum and they have one now! We will be back often

Caleb A Smith
Reviews 1

The thinkery is an awesome resource for kids and parents to engage all sorts of scientific phenomena in simple and fun activities. About six months ago our family bought the annual family pass and we've been several times. It allows us to take a grandmother or a friend and it's really easy to check in with just our name even if we forget the card.

They have many toys and building options to let kids experiment with creative play. Each area has displays or toys or environments that allow kids to see and touch and engage concept from weather patterns to water mechanics, from electricity to engineering, from magnetism to momentum. They frequently have events and times or classes about food and nutrition and other things that are age-appropriate for toddlers through Elementary School and even parents. There's also a large outdoor playground that helps burn off some energy and satisfy the quest to reach to the sky. Take advantage of the free parking garage across the street oh, just make sure to have your parking stub validated at the front desk.

Ciera Alva
Reviews 1

Great place for kids and parents alike! We had our daughter's 5th bday party here and brought a cake, pb&j sammies, and snacks. They have an area to eat indoors with tables, chairs, rolling highchairs, sinks to wash hands or small containers if needed, and lots of sanitizer lol the outside play area is a great way for kids to let out their energy. We've been to the Thinkery since our 5yo was a toddler. It really has something for people of all ages.

The parking garage is free to use for 2 hours with validation. The staff located at the admissions desk can help validate the parking ticket, so don't leave it in your car! Make sure to bring the ticket inside!

They also provide complimentary admission to families (up to 4 people) who show a SNAP or WIC card (maybe even Medicaid). I 100% support this so everyone (regardless of income) can enjoy this amazing place

Ames Brown
Reviews 1

Great place for kids to learn and explore. During the busiest hours it can be a little much for smaller kids (0-3), but as long as you're not there during peak hours there is plenty space for them to play. Our favorite area is the water area on the second floor. Also, don't miss the Adult Nights, which are a blast as well!

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About Thinkery

An evolution of the Austin Children's Museum, Thinkery is Austin’s home for “why” and “how.” It's a place where science and families play side by side.

Thinkery: Austin's Home for Science and Family Fun

Thinkery is a unique museum located in Austin, Texas that offers an interactive and educational experience for children and families. Formerly known as the Austin Children's Museum, Thinkery has evolved into a place where science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) come together to inspire curiosity and creativity.

At Thinkery, visitors can explore over 40 hands-on exhibits that encourage learning through play. From the "Spark Shop" where kids can tinker with tools to create their own inventions to the "Kitchen Lab" where they can experiment with food science, there is something for everyone at this innovative museum.

One of the most popular exhibits at Thinkery is the "Currents" exhibit which allows visitors to create their own circuits using wires and batteries. This exhibit teaches children about electricity in a fun and engaging way. Another favorite exhibit is "Innovators' Workshop" which encourages creativity by providing materials such as cardboard boxes, tape, scissors etc., allowing kids to build whatever they imagine.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, Thinkery also hosts special events throughout the year such as summer camps for kids of all ages. These camps offer hands-on activities that focus on STEAM subjects like robotics or coding.

Thinkery also offers programs specifically designed for toddlers called “Little Thinkers”. These programs are designed to introduce young children (ages 0-3) to STEAM concepts through play-based activities like sensory exploration or music-making.

The museum’s mission is not only about providing fun experiences but also about promoting education in STEAM fields. The staff at Thinkery believes that by exposing children early on in life to these subjects it will help them develop critical thinking skills necessary for success later on in life.

Thinkery has received numerous awards including being named one of Forbes’ Top 12 Children’s Museums in America. It has also been recognized by local publications such as Austin Monthly who named it “Best Place To Take Kids” multiple times.

Overall, if you're looking for a fun-filled day out with your family while learning something new along the way then look no further than Thinkery! With its interactive exhibits and engaging programs catering from toddlers up until teenagers - there's truly something here for everyone!

Address
1830 simond avenue