Thinkery, Austin

The Thinkery, formerly known as The Austin Children's Museum, is a prominent center for creative and educational activities in Austin. It was founded in 1983 and has since transformed from a modest beginning into a dynamic center for play-based educational experiences, primarily targeting children and their families.

This institution began its operations in a small storefront on Fifth Street in 1987, which was its initial location. In 1997, a major fundraising campaign, significantly supported by a substantial donation from Michael and Susan Dell, facilitated its move to a larger facility at Colorado and Second Street. This site served the community until September 7, 2013, after which the Thinkery moved to its current modern premises in the Mueller Community, inaugurated on December 7, 2013.

Spanning 40,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor areas, the Thinkery is more than a children's museum; it is a realm of educational and entertaining experiences. It offers a variety of engaging exhibits and activities designed to appeal not only to its main audience, ranging from newborns to eleven-year-olds, but also to visitors of all ages. The museum features interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) exhibits, playgrounds, an oversized Tetris game, and a delightful railroad section, among other attractions.

The Thinkery aims to promote physical, emotional, and intellectual development in young learners, while cultivating a sense of enthusiastic curiosity. The museum is a space where creativity and critical thinking are fostered, allowing children and their families to discover and learn together in an engaging, interactive setting.