If you have been driving and need to get out and stretch... stop here. It's the perfect "break."…read moreLearn something new and give your little ones the opportunity to become a certified ranger! ;) There's a gift shop of souvenirs for memory sake.

As a National Park enthusiast, I was really excited to learn this site wasn't too far from my…read morefriend's house and so I was ecstatic to visit Waco Mammoth National Monument while in Texas. I'm also glad I happened to bring my National Park passport (you just never know!) Anyway, Waco Mammoth is definitely one of the more unusual units of the National Park System I've visited but also worth the visit!!! The history behind the site is fascinating. After two men discovered bones in 1978, researchers from Baylor University and other institutions began excavating the area and quickly realized they had uncovered something incredible! More and more fossils were found and in 2015 my guy President Obama established the site as an official unit of the National Park System. Though, one thing visitors should know ahead of time is that even though this is a National Park Service site, our America the Beautiful passes do NOT work here. General entry to the park grounds is free, but there is a separate fee to enter the dig shelter because it is operated in partnership with the City of Waco to help support preservation efforts. The actual dig shelter is absolutely the highlight of the experience, though you'll need to join a guided tour led by a docent. Hopefully you end up with one who is especially knowledgeable and enthusiastic because that really makes the experience come alive. I loved seeing the nation's first and only recorded evidence of a nursery herd of Colombian Mammoths from the Ice Age! So neat. At least 19 mammoths were discovered and the jury (err, scientists) are still out on how exactly these mammoths came to be trapped at this site/the reasoning for their passing. Anyway, this is a fascinating stop and absolutely worth visiting if you're in the Waco area, especially if you enjoy history, science, paleontology, or just visiting National Park units. It's not a full-day destination by any means, but it's definitely educational, memorable, and offers something very different from the typical national park experience!

It's pretty nice here. Came for a mother's day outing and they had some extras going on. You can…read morepretty much see the whole museum in an afternoon. Everyone was friendly too

Wouldn't recommend. Even on a free Tuesday…read more Saw about 3 paintings I liked. The rest.... was either that vulgar style of European art; or modern crap. Disappointing. Not worth going to. But you can get a $275 leather bag, or a $25 tea towel in the gift shop!.........

We are a great experience at Mayborn Science Theater. We brought our 3 young boys. The ticket…read moreprices are very reasonable. We loved learned about space. It isn't traditional, as you have to buy tickets in person. There are no food or drinks aloud in the theater. And you want to sit near the top, or in the last three rows for the best views. The 360 degree theater was a fun, educational, and memorable outing.

We did the Queen laser light show! It was fun! We really enjoy the show! I plan on returning…read moreagain.

This is my second visit to the Mayborn Museum. It is an excellent museum for children of all ages…read more My earlier visit was about 4 years ago. Many of the interactive exhibits that would interest younger folks has been updated. Interactive exhibits is a big part of the museum exhibits. Very educational and fun. There is a room for Space X rocket technology and the relationship of Baylor University and Space X. Well worth a visit for all!

A nice natural and cultural museum located on the campus of Baylor University. The size is not as…read morebig as major city museums. The exhibits and collections are not as extensive as major city museums. But the exhibits were informative and nicely presented. There was also a gallery devoted to the history of Baylor University, very interesting. Also there was a small model village located on green space behind the museum, very cool. The family enjoyed our afternoon at the museum. The admission cost was $10 per adult, $9 per Senor. Parking was free.

This was a fantastic stop, unplanned, but thanks to Yelp for the recommendation…read more First of all, admission is free. How, I don't know. It would be worth admission. It took about a solid hour to tour the exhibits. Parking in the area was free. There was a Bob Hope traveling exhibit that was wonderful. There's no coffee shop inside, but plenty in the area. There's employees were so friendly!

Check out this cool museum located downtown…read more It takes an hour or so to tour, if you read the placards. Much less if you breeze through. The history of the area is portrayed. I would definitely return here, the price is right!

Amazing experience! Great Friday Night Spook Day with my girlfriends! We will be back to book the…read moreovernight stay in October!

Oct 28 is Emma's Birthday... so Magnolia Hotel decided to open the doors to celebrate! Free tours…read morefrom 10am-2pm! I just happened to see something come through my newsfeed over Fb, I bookmarked it, found my schedule open, so headed east to check it out. Emma likes to play in her room... and who doesn't like to play with little spirits?! I didn't know the history of the Magnolia Hotel so was totally clueless walking in the door... Magnolia Hotel has been on Ghost Adventures on Travel Channel. Also, Magnolia Hotel is ~not~ a hotel, it is now a personal residence. To my delight, I was able to hear stories of the old hotel, tales of it's past residents many of which have never left, and how Magnolia Hotel was discovered by the owners. Jim & Erin saved the Magnolia from being demolished... they single handedly have saved a part of Seguin history!... and some haunted history at that! I spent about two hours just hanging out, looking around, and people watching... talked to some interesting people, listening to questions and answers... all very interesting. Did I have an experience? I had something creepy go up the back of my left neck and skull as I was talking to a ghost hunter in the original dining area where the owner was sitting. I also felt some weird things around the house... but something I brushed off at first until I started listening to others talk about it... when you first come up the stairs, it feels really heavy. I originally brushed it off as I just walked up the stairs... but no, go back and you feel it... and everyone was feeling it!!! Emma was playing in her room. One of the guides said just a few minutes earlier, a little girl got scratched. Then someone told her that they saw the door knob in the pink bathroom turn back and forth. The owner, Erin, said this house is more active during the day than at night. Wow! The owners Jim & Erin host a ghost tour in their home on occasion, which books up months in advance. The tour last about 2 hours with in-depth stories which might also include a spiritual reading from the Erin at the end (but only if deceased wish to come forward). Erin has written Haunted New Braunfels, Haunted Seguin, and soon to be released Haunted Magnolia House. All proceeds go towards restoring the Magnolia Hotel. I can not wait to go on their ghost tour!

Right away I will say we enjoyed it here more than in The thinkery! I am referring to a toddler…read more I think the set up and various stations are just perfect for safe and fun play time. For 1,5 hours we were able to go through entire place without any rush and issues. The fun part that register has scanning light and makes beeping noise. And they use reusable bags for shopping. Musical instruments are also available and they even have x-ray machine in doctors cabinet. 3 clean bathrooms on site and diaper changing room are available. My little one cried, she did not want to leave. I let her explore outside in outdoor kitchen. Toys are in a good condition and all is well organized and in order. Ticket cost is only $6 per person, makes it affordable to come as often as possible. Staff was very nice and helpful. I will definitely go back. For someone who gave only 1 star just for parking, I was able to park easily right in front of entrance on Wednesday afternoon. No problem. Even though plenty parking around the area. For someone who mentioned that staff was reminding to keep toys organized and in order, I was told only once when purchasing tickets and no reminders. Maybe because I was constantly behind kids and helping them to put everything back. Perfect time to teach them to clean up after themselves. If anything the mother who's kid was quite loud did not take any actions.

We came here for a birthday party and had a lot of fun! I was surprised how much they had for a…read moresmaller town! Lots of different sections to pretend play (grocery, doctor, vet, camping, etc). My girls really enjoyed it.

Amazing...simply awesome! Been wanting to visit for quite some time and only now was able to do…read moreso. After walking around for about half an hour, I was informed about a tour starting at 10 a.m. Of course I couldn't pass that up. Rachel, the tour guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly. Her passion for the library and the Brownings showed through the information she gave. Lots of positive energy! In addition to the collection and ambiance/architecture of the library, the grounds are worth checking out. I will have to come visit again in order to really soak in all that the place has to offer. Please don't wait as long as I have to visit.

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." OK-I'm not…read morereally going to count the ways I love the library, but I figured most people would recognize that quote. It's not Shakespeare; it's Elizabeth Barrett Browning. This library/museum includes a wide array of artwork, personal effects, and manuscripts by Robert Browning and his wife Elizabeth. If you're a scholar of Victorian poetry, researching here would be a dream come true. Even if you're not a fan of Victorian poetry, the Armstrong Browning Library is worth a visit. The beautiful building, which frequently hosts weddings and special events, contains the largest collection of secular stained glass in the world. You might also enjoy the unique and fascinating architectural details throughout the interior of the building. If pottery or porcelain is your thing, check out the Wedgwood and pottery collections, too. Upstairs, the curators have recreated the Browning's home, complete with their authentic furniture and decor. If you ever wondered about life in the mid-1800s, this could give you a pretty accurate picture of it. Admission is free, so check this place out next time you're in the heart of Texas!

I was so lucky we found this place. Just when you think you know a lot, you come across a cotton…read moregin and your mind explodes. I never know what went into cotton ginning....heck, I didn't know what it was. the museum admission is free, but there is small fee for guided gin tours. Stormee is very knowledgeable and helpful. She showed us a short film depicting the history of the gin and the wonderful folks that ran it There is a little store where you can purchase items - we bought some homemade cinnamon honey. There is a small cotton patch and a path that leads to the gin. You can peak in the see the "Lady B" engine. If you can make it for the 3rd Saturday in April, that's when they have the annual Burton Cotton Gin festival. I bet that is awesome.

A total hidden gem that's absolutely worth a stop--whether you're in the area or not…read more Stormee, our tour guide, was incredibly kind and brought the history to life with stories and insight that made the experience unforgettable. It's a rare chance to see the oldest operating cotton gin in America, and the whole visit feels like stepping back in time.

If I could bottle the feeling of being a weird little kid who just wandered into something magical,…read moreMuseum of the Weird would be it. This place might honestly be my favorite spot I've ever visited. I love oddities, and they are surprisingly hard to find all together like this. Walking through here felt like running away to the circus in the best way. Every room has something that makes you stop and stare. Shrunken heads, two-headed specimens, medical oddities, freak show history, UFO lore, Movie props and replicas! and so much more. I appreciated that it felt more like a cabinet of curiosities than a haunted house vibe. The exhibits are thoughtfully laid out, and there's a genuine feeling of love for weird history here. It doesn't feel cheesy. You can take your time, read signs, and really soak it all in if you want, or just wander around wide eyed and delighted like me. If you're into oddities, curiosities, circus history, strange science, or just being a little weird inside, this place is an absolute must while you're downtown. I left smiling and already wanting to go back. Honestly, if this is your thing at all, you'll get it immediately. One small but important thing to note, especially for the rest of my disabled community: there is no bathroom on site. While they do let you leave and come back if needed, that still means stepping out and trying to find a restroom on a very busy downtown Austin street. It was honestly really stressful and upsetting for me. However...that didn't ruin the experience for me because I love it so much, but it's definitely something to be aware of and the only reason this lands at 4 stars instead of 5.

If you like fun, kitschy spots like Ripley's Believe It Or Not or Wax Museums, you'll enjoy the…read moreMuseum of the Weird. Weird vibes on 10! Currently, adults are $13 and kids under 8 are $9. We were warmly greeted when we walked into this cute shop packed full of trinkets. So much to look at and I wanted to buy it all! The couple behind the desk was very friendly & conversational, seemed like a nice pair! The museum itself isn't too big but it's chocked full of exhibits and explanations. I love Fortean fascinating museums so if you too like the strange & unexplained, you'll enjoy this. They also have a small wax museum section with some classic movie monsters. Plus they encourage photos here, so ya know this yelp girlie loved that! I had fun here and it'll take you less than an hour to go through. Cute spot to pop into on 6th Street! Keep Austin Weird, y'all!