Thinkery changes the way Austin families learn and play.
Thinkery strives to equip and inspire the next generation
of creative problem solvers by focusing its efforts on
science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).
Here kids learn the answers to “why?”, develop the tools
to explore “how?” and gain the confidence to continue
asking questions.
Numerous dedicated spaces throughout the facility
offer a range of daily activities. Our Backyard features a
gentle stream, native elms and a one-of-a-kind climber
designed to take kids’ sense of adventure to new heights.
In Innovators’ Workshop, dedicated Thinkery staff facilitates
hands-on, multidisciplinary activities that change daily,
so no two visits play out the same. Next door, Spark Shop
sends curiosity soaring with hot wax painting, ferrofluid and
a projectile range.
Elsewhere the luminous Light Lab allows visitors to manipulate a giant, colorful peg board and hula-hoop against
a shadow wall, while the Cur rents exhibit offers splashy,
musical introductions to fluid dynamics. Kitchen Lab caters
to budding culinary artists and scientists alike, hosting
everything from chromatography to dry ice cream making.
Let’s Grow evokes the farmer’s market by promoting healthy
living and awareness of food sources. For those approaching
teenage years, Space 8 equips them with the tools and
know-how to tackle advanced STEAM projects and turn
ideas into tangible objects. Workshops also pepper the
events calendar and offer children and adults the opportu-
nity to collaborate in exploring complex processes, tools and
materials—from computer programming and soap making
to soldering and organic dissections.
And for those young ones still new to the world (0-3 years
old), Baby Bloomers is a special program series that fosters
the early stages of exploration and learning on Saturday and
Monday mornings.
The Thinkery also offers seriously fun birthday parties with
various themes and activities. A popular field trip destination,
the Guided Tours program provides interactive demonstrations and activities relevant to K- 5th grade state and national
school standards. And once the school break begins, the
learning doesn’t stop – many families rely on the Thinkery for
its innovative spring break and summer camp options.
Although the Thinkery is geared towards children and
families, adults can get in on the fun as well. Thinkery21 is a
recurring after-hours series exclusively for adults 21 and over.
Featuring a new guiding theme every event, Thinkery21 lets
adults grab a drink and mingle with makers, scientists, artists,
and other interesting folks while exploring and tinkering in
the museum.
As a nonprofit organization, the Thinkery is committed to
being an inclusive and accessible destination for all in
the Central Texas region. Offering several membership
packages, affordable daily admissions and weekly
pay-by-donation Community Nights, everyone is
welcome to experience just what goes on in that big red
building in Mueller.
