Austin Children’s Museum – Austin, Texas
This museum is focused on creating an enjoyable learning environment for children and families that equip and inspire the next generation to solve future problems. There are over 12,500 square feet of gallery space where kids can learn, explore and play.
Some of the exhibits at the museum are things such as the Play it By Ear which gives the kids a chance to touch, experiment, and interact with musical works of art. There is the "All Systems Go" which teaches the kids whey transportation is so important. The "Maker Kids" is an interactive experience where kids tinker, make and craft. The "Cyberchase" is a hands-on exploration with math and problem solving.
The museum has over 7,000 square feet of permanent exhibit space. Included in this area are the following exhibits: "Austin Kiddie Limits", giving kids a chance to be a rock star and take control of the stage in the music gallery. The "Dairy Cow" shows were milk comes from and answers other questions. "Funstruction Zone" allows for the ground up building with blocks and other things in this three level exhibit. "Global City" shows kids how people work, live and play together in a global city. "In My Family/En Mi Familia" is an interactive family exhibit with art. "Kid Metro" gives kids an imaginary ride on a child-sized version of a Capital Metro bus. "Rising Star Ranch" is especially designed for kids under 2 along with their parents. "Tinkerer’s Workshop" is an area that encourages problem solving skills through the engineering design process.
An average visit to the Museum is 1.5 to 2 hours. There is an area designated for parking strollers. The nearest ATM is at 100 Congress building, 1 block south of the Museum.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10 – 5
Community Night Wednesdays: 5 – 8
Sunday: Noon – 5
Summer hours begin in early June, check with the museum for exact date. The museum will be open on Mondays Noon – 5 for the summer. The museum is closed New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.
Museum hours occasionally change due to special events. Call for confirmation of hours: 472-2499 ext 201.
Admission: Adults: $6.50; Children 2 yrs and up: $5; Children 12 -23 months: $4.50 Children under 12 months Free.
Phone: 512-472-2499
Tips:
For less crowding you amy want to visit in the afternoon and No Tour Tuesdays. The first Tuesday of every month (No Tour Tuesdays) is reserved for family visitors. There are no book school or group visits on the first Tuesday of every month.
The museum has one small area where they allow snacks and drinks. There are many restaurants and cafes in the 2nd Street District for you to get food outside of the museum.
There are no lockers or areas to store personal belongings so please plan accordingly.
The main entrance to the museum, 2nd & Colorado, is wheelchair accessible. There is elevator access on both floors. A TTY is available for visitors and staff.
The Museum has a Family bathroom for visitor convenience, in addition to Men’s and Women’s bathrooms.
Location: 201 Colorado Street, Austin, Texas.
Parking: AMLI garage on Lavaca Street, between 2nd & 3rd Streets is available at a reduced rate. Available Monday – Friday, 10 – 5 on a space available basis. Visitors may also pay to park in area lots, or use city-metered street parking where on Saturday and Sunday the meters are fee. There is also paid parking available in the City Hall garage (entrance off Lavaca). Handicapped guests may park in any available city meter – meter parking is free with your handicapped tag.