Top 5 Museums in Austin (And Ways to Keep Your Child Engaged while There)
Trips to the museum shouldn’t be a chore or limited to school field trips. In fact, we’ve created a list of our top 5 museums in Austin that have programs and interactive activities specifically for children. Not only do these museums provide a fun day for your children, but the programs and hands-on activities will help them remember their experiences and what they’ve learned.
Texas Museum of Science & Technology
The Texas Museum of Science and Technology is one of the newer museums, built in 2015. Their current exhibitions include the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun and Timewalk, a walk through 4 billion years of history. If your child love dinosaurs and any other prehistoric creature, this museum will definitely keep their attention.
The museum also has programs catered toward specific age groups including:
Wee-Searchers, which lasts for one hour and is for children under 5 years old.
Science Saturdays is on the last Saturday of every month, is for all ages, and has hands-on activities and demos
Star Parties is for all ages, so you and your family can take a look through the telescope at night and ask astronomers questions
Bullock Texas State History Museum
The Bullock Texas State History Museum features new exhibitions year-round, has an IMAX theater where your family can watch the latest movies, and hosts free outdoor concerts throughout July. Also, the museum has three floors, so there’s always something new to see and do. They even offer 45-minute Family Workshop sessions and preschool programs for your younger children.
If you’re looking to save some money, there is free admission on H-E-B Free Sundays, which is every first Sunday of the month. The museum offers fun activities such as art creation, performances, and gallery activities to keep your children engaged from 12-3 p.m.
Thinkery
Thinkery combines learning, fun, and adventure all in one setting. If your child is interested in STEM, this museum should definitely be on your “To Go” list. Thinkery also offers memberships to families, so on their next visit, they can get in free. Military families get $2 off per person (up to a family of 5).
The best part is, you don’t have to worry about keeping your children engaged or paying attention. Thinkery has several programs for the entire family that fosters hands-on learning and constant engagement. Their Think Labs program caters to a child’s art and science interests, and Baby Bloomers provides toddlers with learning through consistent play and storytime.
LBJ (Lyndon Baines Johnson) Presidential Library
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library is more than the typical museum that classrooms go to for field trips. With innovative activities that help children, pre-teens, and teens keep their interest while learning, the LBJ Presidential Library could be your next stop.
One of the best things about the LBJ Presidential Library is that it has free parking! No longer will you have to drive around the block five times to find an open space. The museum also offers activities and tours (for adults as well) catered to various age groups to ensure that everyone is engaged and interested.
The “Mini Presidential Tour” is for 4-9 year olds and lasts for one hour; the tour features the Oval Office, LBJ’s limousine, and a hands-on activity at the end. “The Spy’s Dilemma/LBJ and the Cold War Tour” is for ages 10 and up, and includes an interactive activity where students take on the role of a Soviet Spy and learn about the importance of primary sources.
Their other fun events include Summer Storytime and free admission for LBJ’s birthday (August 27) with complimentary birthday cake and refreshments.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
If your child loves nature and art, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is the perfect place for them to explore those interests.
This museum even has a summer camp for children! The sessions are broken down by grades, where children in Kindergarten through second grade are in one group, and third through fifth graders are in another group. Kids Kraft, which is a monthly workshop in the fall, is for grades K through 5 and includes art-making using recycled and natural materials.
Umlauf also hosts Family Day, which is free and open to the public. On the second Sunday of each month, you and your family can participate in fun activities such as sculpture safaris, family tours, yoga in the garden, story time, and music and dance performances. You also have the opportunity to become a member and get discounts on their classes, programs, and events.
Children love to have fun, so why not provide them the opportunity to have fun and learn at the same time?
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