A fun museum for most kid ages. It has changed a little over the last 8years for the better. I used…read moreto come with my nanny charge and now I come with my 3 kids. We were there atleast 3 hours. We went at 1pm and it was NOT packed.

TLDR: STEM-focused kids' play center with a hefty admission fee ($19.95 for anyone 1 and up,…read moreincluding parents). Best for older kids who can utilize the majority of the exhibits. Easy parking in the garage directly behind building. They validate parking -- don't forget to ask. While I love the STEM focus of the Thinkery, I have to be honest -- I just did not find it worth the admission price. COST/VALUE: It's expensive to get in here. $19.95 for anyone 1 and up. Let's compare that to many other indoor play centers where parents/guardians are either free or merely a couple bucks. Additionally, let's say your child just turned 1 -- they're not getting that much out of this -- there are only a small number of play areas they can enjoy (pretty much the gated baby area upstairs and the enclosed baby area within the STEM area). Everything else is really geared toward older kids. So to pay $60.00 for that visit (assuming both parents are joining) is just silly. Ultimately, it's probably best for older kids who are able to interact with all the exhibits. Both my kids (almost 4 and almost 2) definitely skipped a few of the more complex exhibits (microscope, wiring, etc.). ACTIVITIES/EXHIBITS: There is a decent variety of activities here -- outdoor playground, light room, water room, and a main STEM room (which includes a painting area). The water room is pretty neat and they offer Crocs and smocks. My youngest refused the Crocs (he hates Crocs for some reason) and I was relieved. There was a really strong musty smell coming from the shoe shelves. I hope they sufficiently sanitize the wet shoes. Upstairs, there is a play area for younger kids -- a gated (shoeless) area for babies and toddlers and a play area for older toddlers and younger kids (grocery store, kitchen, chicken coop). This area was chaotic and overrun with kids (some of them older). I brought my almost 2-year-old into the baby area and we both found it underwhelming. There just wasn't a lot to do and there is way more they could have done with the space. I actually preferred the second smaller baby area (in the middle of the downstairs STEM room) since it was much more packed with interactive elements). Ultimately, for the cost (we paid $80 for a family of 4), it just didn't seem like enough activities to justify the price tag, especially since my kids are younger and weren't interested in and/or able to appreciate every exhibit. For reference, for $80, we could visit Mt. Playmore twice (it's $30 for our whole family to get in plus any arcades). Obviously it's not educational like this but toddlers don't really care, they just want to interact with objects and have fun. GIFT SHOP: Small but cute gift shop. Well-curated with a nice variety (games, science kits, puppets, etc.). PARKING: We parked in the garage directly behind building. They will validate. They won't tell you that so make sure you ask. The garage attendant was amazing -- he came out and explained everything in the friendliest way. I wouldn't have known about the parking validation if it wasn't for him.

Friendly service , wealth of knowledge if you need any advice and so much inventory to choose from…read more Def my first choice

Cool spot to bring the kids (on a budget). Also, nice activity to do on a rainy or cold day. The…read morefish were colorful and unique and fun for the kids to look at. There are also some turtles outside (back of parking lot). Located in an interesting dome structure (saltwater fish is on the second floor). Parents: I'd avoid a stroller, if possible. It's a bit cramped in here plus it can get crowded. Also, there are stairs to get to the top floor. Small parking lot in the back but also additional parking in the strip mall. Check out Uncommon Objects (interesting antique store) next door.

The Balloon Museum in Austin was a decent experience, but it didn't leave a huge impression on me…read more Some of the art installations were creative and visually striking, and it's definitely a great spot for families. There were a lot of interactive exhibits that kids seemed to love. The museum spans a couple of stories, starting on the upper level, with plenty of colorful and immersive spaces that make for great Instagram photos. It's very hands-on, though, so if germs are a concern, this might not be the best pick. Parking was somewhat limited. There's a small one-level garage and some outdoor parking behind the building. The staff were friendly and welcoming, which I appreciated. Admission felt a bit pricey for what you get. It might have been worth it to me if I had children in my group.

Overall good experience. Parking is limited however seems like spots open pretty frequently. Just…read moregive yourself extra time. Entry is kept to the time listed on your ticket. Bought mine online and they do sell them at the venue as well. Once inside there are three maybe four flights of stairs (elevator available too) as you start on the top floor then walk back down. The museum provided some interactive picture spots and stuff for kids. The main ball pit with the light show was pretty fun too. Be careful as the shoe covers make it slippery! They do have traction strips, just take large strides. The VR was my favorite thing, with the last part with the bubbles as second. Took me about 50 minutes to go through and again helped spend the day out of the house. I could see if you had kiddos this would be gunner.

My kid love dinosaurs and nature & science so when we're here visiting family and we found this and…read morewe got to checked it out, plus it's free too. Great place for kid to explore and be in exploring mood to get their hand dirty to discover things instead of iPads or iPhones. They can get wet and dirty (bring towels and xtra clothing for changing) since plenty of difference outdoor areas for them to discover and also inside there sessions or classes that they can sign up to lean things about nature & science. Really appreciated all this and especially the staff who are wonderfully patient with all type of kids and sometimes parents too. Thanks you.

I didn't know what to expect from this place. Some science centers are kids-only affairs (despite…read morenot being billed as such) while others have more to offer visitors of all ages. Fortunately, the Austin Nature & Science Center ended up falling in the latter category. The main building houses an assortment of bones, shells, and rocks (as well as an axolotl tank) and another building is home to various reptiles. Outside areas include a dino pit (where kids can dig for fossils) and several animal enclosures. What makes the latter unique is that the animals are rehab/rescue cases. They include everything from a bobcat to a porcupine to a 34-year-old one-eyed owl (!!) and more. Granted, Austin Nature & Science Center does offer more for a younger crowd, and it isn't particularly easy to get to by bus, but it's hard to argue with a chance to take in flora and fauna for free.

lost creek park is fully enclosed. we have two boys, one of which loves to run toward the street…read more this park allows us to enjoy park time without worry or non-stop chasing our little runner. the play structures are great. there's plenty to do for all ages and places to sit and enjoy lunch. there are restrooms and a water fountain inside the enclosure too. this is our favorite park.

Awesome spot but beware that we were there yesterday and there are orange worms that bite - maybe…read moreleeches? The kids said they'll never go back haha

My son loved this place, its huge and so much fun, will come back if possible, nice to have it in…read moreAustin!

Came out to Funbox with the kids today and we all had a blast! I can't believe it's still 100…read moredegrees this late in September but the snow-cones and ice cold drinks helped cool us down. Despite the heat, I had a hard time getting the kids out of the bounce house. The park has several different areas with multiple slides, climbing towers, and a competition obstacle course. Would def recommend!

Absolutely incredible weekend at Blue Hills Ranch. We were fortunate to stay in the stunning…read moreGiraffe Villa... a hefty price, but worth it if you can afford it. The Giraffe barn is attached to one side of the house, and their pasture is on the other side. It is the most fabulous "Barndominium" with incredible finishes and clearly thoughtfully designed. That experience alone was mind-blowing.... however we also had the Gold Packages and were able to experience everything the ranch had to offer! Zebras, Capybaras, Kangaroos, Otters, Deer, Homer the Dromedary!!! Everywhere you turned there were more animals and more experiences offered. My children and I were in absolute animal heaven and will be thrilled to return. I will say, our vacation was expensive and it did not disappoint. However, I do believe you can absolutely visit this ranch on a budget.... Probably one of the best experiences was their ranch safari and that is a nominal price and totally worth it! You can see the entire property and all of the animals on the safari trip. Additionally they have fantastic cabins that are themed, and if you have children under the age of 10, the pirate themed cabins are beyond your wildest imagination.... as far as I am aware all of the sleeping accommodations include kitchens so you can absolutely cook for your family instead of paying for the delicious ranch food. That said... Chef Alan is phenomenal and out of this world excellent chef. Each meal was made with love and artistry. The staff at Blue Hills Ranch all go above and beyond to create lasting memories for you. I absolutely recommend this experience as a NOT TO BE MISSED event! We are already planning a return in October/November depending on availability . Cannot wait. Looking forward to being among these amazing staff members (shout-out to Jen, Anne, Shelby, Emily, Chesney, Alan...) the guard dogs, and all of the incredible exotic animals. Thank you, Matt!

All I can say is WOW! This ranch was an unbelievable experience from the moment we booked our stay…read moreuntil the moment we left. The entire staff was absolutely amazing--so accommodating, personable, welcoming, and attentive to every detail. The chef was incredible! Not only was the food delicious, but he was also so personable. He would come out and sit with us, talk with us, and make sure we were happy with everything. That personal touch made the experience even more special. The staff truly went above and beyond to make sure my husband and I had one of the most memorable weekends of our lives. We felt genuinely cared for throughout our entire stay. I cannot recommend this ranch enough. If you're looking for a special getaway with wonderful people, amazing food, and exceptional hospitality, this is the place. We had such an incredible experience and will definitely be back!

I absolutely love coming here with my family. My daughter is able to get her energy out and is able…read moreto relax her nerves and have fun. Don't ask me to jump with since I'm getting up there in age but it's a really positive place for families.

Enrique provides excellent service. He is always willing to help, has a great personality, and…read moremakes every interaction feel welcoming and positive. His professionalism and genuine willingness to assist are greatly appreciated.

I discovered the Alliance Children's Garden while attending a conference at the Palmer Events…read moreCenter as they are situated right next to each other on Barton Springs Road in Austin. We visited the Garden and had lunch there while taking in all the unique and beautiful installations. The Alliance Children's Garden is pristine and appealing to all age ranges. We saw from small children to senior citizens in the garden. You can find a range of areas to interact in from swings to wooden structures to cave tunnel installations. Covered overhangs provide shade and welcomed seating. A blue honey comb looking structure is the focal point for the garden. This garden is super convenient to downtown Austin. Importantly, one downside of the garden was parking. With very limited parking, it made the garden less accessible.

TLDR: Great park for all ages, with unique playscapes, climbing structures, and a splash pad…read more Limited parking in paid lot. Awesome park with a variety of playscapes. Large space -- spread out. You've got climbing structures, slides, tunnels, swings. What I really loved was how they incorporated the playscapes into the terrain (e.g. slides and tunnels were built into hills). I also appreciated that they had activities for various ages -- my 3.5-year-old daughter enjoyed the complex climbing structure while my 1.5-year-old son liked the simple tree stump climbing structure. Splash pad nearby and ample green space to run around. Downtown is nearby so you've got a beautiful view of the skyscrapers. You've also got some less pleasant aspects. When we were parking, there was a disheveled looking man being arrested. No idea how much of a disturbance he created but the cops were taking care of it. There's a paid parking lot that fills up quickly. Terry Black's BBQ is right across the street if you got a good parking spot and want to snag some meat as well (their line moves fast).

I thought this place was awesome since I watched the TV show American ninja Warrior and it cost $20…read morean hour

Had my 5 year old's party here recently. It was fine overall, but a few things would make me pause…read morebefore recommending it for young kid's parties: (1) Cost for value: The Little Ninja party is for ages 5 and below and only lasts 1 hour. Then 30 min in a very small room eating. There was a larger room available, so not sure why 15 kids plus parents needed to squeeze into that tight space. Consider the add on costs: It's $50 for the basic party leader option (guiding the kids through 30 min of activities on the floor--which is a good value IMO), and $50 to bring your own food. Or if you use their food, it's $25 per pizza. So the $450 party is really at least $550, unless you just have the little kids run around the space (no leader) for 1 hour and not eat anything except cake. In that simpler case, you're probably looking at about $500 (with tax). (2) Activities: About 70% of the activities the led activities could have been done in any safe space (think variations of chase, like sharks and minnows, etc.), no need to be at Octo Ninja. One activity stood out and was fun, but not for all the kids, since it took courage and muscles. My kid and several others absolutely loved that part, but it was also a one-person-at-a-time thing so it was mostly waiting in line for that. If we'd gone with the cheaper party package that is $299 for ages 5-12, you get 30 extra minutes on the floor, but younger siblings wouldn't have been allowed on the floor (bc of the time of the party) and quite a few of our guests have siblings. But I do think that version of the party is a better value and worth it. But the Little Ninja version/package is a different story, though maybe still worth it for some. The staff was very nice and everyone had a good time overall. Hot tip: Know that your Party Host is the only one allowed to bring you things like forks and plates. So get that stuff sorted out before they start to lead the kids, otherwise, you're kind of stuck, waiting for them to be done with the kids, even if that's also when all the people come into the party room to eat. The front desk will not be allowed to help you, even though forks and plates are part of what they always provide and you confirmed it on the phone ahead of time.