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.

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.

I have been frequenting this play street location since they first opened. And we have LOVED having…read morea spot to drop into play. They had a 20 kid limit so we always knew it wouldn't be crowded. The entire concept is great, we buy the five play pass at least once a month if not more. This might be coming to an end because of what happened this morning. My nanny kid has a fractured tibia, play street is a safe option for us because I don't have to worry about dozens of kids tripping over her. We arrived at 9 am after booking a spot online and seeing they had plenty of spots open. The employee who was super nice let me know that they had a large field trip arriving during our play time. The reason we chose and have chosen play street over places like the thinkery because we don't have to battle for space or field trip groups. They should block these time slots out and not have spaces open because this will put them way over their own capacity. I'm not against field trips having places to go to- this is on the franchise owners for trying to accommodate too many people at one time. There needs to be a better system, if there's going to be field trips- find a way to mark it on your schedule so we don't waste our time driving here.

PSM is such a wonderful hidden gem. At first glance, I…read morethought it was a real kids museum and figured my 10mo was too little. Fast forward to last week and we had literally nothing to do so we reserved a play time spot for $15. My jaw DROPPED when I saw all the toys and different stations for the kids. It was PERFECT for my bored little guy. Every station gets cleaned between sessions and I loved it. Everything was organized and the place is just so beautiful. I do wish they offered memberships but at $15 for 2 hours, we aren't complaining. The staff are all incredibly wonderful, happy, smiling folks who are so kind to the kids. We're going today and even I'm excited to get the kiddo out to PSM on this rainy day.

My granddaughter's favorite place to go. I've taken her a couple times we always have a lot of fun…read more We love all the activities they have there.

I'm here on Friday 7/17/26 with my two grandkids my wife and I. A lot of the items in the bank are…read moremissing. A lot of the items in the kids clinic are missing. A lot of items for the emergencies services. Ambulance don't work such as the best have no Velcro and no clips. I don't see any help anywhere around with the exception of one young man that was in the outside area. This place is really fallen downhill since the last time I was here which was about six months ago. It's pretty trashy. From what you pay for. But we'll see one thing kids don't care.

Such a cool place to take your kids! We loved it! We can't wait to come back sometime when we are…read morein Austin!

Employees are helpful and funny. We had a blast doing the scavenger hunt! What a date idea!read more

Very unique! If you are going to Austin, make arrangements for a tour. This house has been…read morefeatured in a lot of different books and magazines.

Keep Austin Weird is one of those phrases that is synonymous with Austin (in addition to barbecue)…read more There is so much interesting art here in Austin that you should consider looking into when visiting Austin, with Casa Neverlandia being one of them. Casa Neverlandia is a three story, colorful home located behind Goodwill Baptist Church, that was created by James Talbot, or as he referred to himself as "Talbot" when we met him for a private tour of his home. Casa Neverlandia originally started out as a one story home built in the early 1900's. Mr. Talbot purchased this home and started to transform it into what you see now in my photos and what you find online. According to Mr. Talbot, he grew up in a military family, traveling all around the world and living in some unusual places that includes a treehouse in Honduras. He has a college degree in architecture and has always been fascinated with building things, as you can see with his home today. To him, he builds this home for himself to reflect upon his spiritual side but also include some unique things for his physical needs, as he lives rather a green lifestyle. My husband and I, along with our little girl dog (yes Mr. Talbot allowed for us to bring our little dog with us) met Mr. Talbot outside of his home on a Sunday afternoon. We were lucky to be the only couple, as another couple was supposed to come but was told the date just didn't work with their schedule. Please note that it cost $15 per person for this tour and you can contact Mr. Talbot via phone or email to schedule a tour. At the front entrance of his home are numerous of doorbells, xylophones and bells. I believe there is over 40 of these things but Mr. Talbot says he can never have enough. He describes the mosaic tiles outside of the home, the snake, the outdoor patio seating area with the clouds element and so forth. Then inside, we see his living room with a beautiful and inviting fireplace and pit to help radiate heat for the first floor, indoor seating area that is meant to be an air alter with cool colors of green and a unique bookcase. We see some current artwork that he has for sale (no obligation to buy) that includes gorgeous hand beaded work and other things and then make our way to the small music room. Next, the kitchen has a lot of function to it more so than just design. Then we make our way up stairs. On the 2nd floor is a room that has a Thai like theme with the bamboo wall panels and red lacquered beams. This room has high ceilings and utilizes natural lighting since there is no lights in this room. Mr. Talbot says this is the room for parties and entertainment for guests. Then up one more floor is Mr. Talbot's room, which was featured on numerous of TV shows, magazines and books. From his bedroom, that has a safari theme to it, you can see a glimpse of downtown Austin. We were then lead to his bathroom where he is currently working on a bath tub with some kind of ocean wave like theme. Being that he has a background in architecture, he is able to create the structure of things the way he wants it. From his bedroom, we walk across a narrow plank bridge to his tree house or a tower. Climb a very narrow ladder and we are on the top of that tower and see great views of Austin. We eventually take a few narrow ladders down to the bottom, now in his backyard. From here, he takes us into his studio (built in the early 90's) and shows us what he is currently working on, which looks like a large clam shell. He uses soda cans that he has collected around Austin to decorate the shell. He also shows us this ocean like mural that will go with this clam shell. Then we eventually make our way outside. He tells us that he saves the rain water in large barrels, as he considers himself camping in his own home. He dresses up or down according to the weather and has a very low electric bill each month and water bill. Mr. Talbots has told us on the tour that he doesn't consider himself to be done with Case Neverlandia, as he is always building and changing things. And said that Casa Neverlandia may be different the next time we come back to Austin for another tour. Our tour lasted about 75 minutes, but we did make small talk with Mr. Talbot throughout. It was well worth our time to come out here and check out Casa Neverlandia and hope you will consider it too, especially if you are looking for something off the beaten path. You can see some of Mr. Talbot's artworks around Austin and a few other things in other states. Casa Neverlandia truly was a highlight of our visit to Austin and am so glad we were able to get a tour. Again as mentioned, it cost $15 per person for a tour and you can call Mr. Talbot at (512) 442-7613 or email him at talbot@talbotworld.com to inquire for a tour.

My grandson and I go here once a week! We are members, and I cannot imagine our lives without this…read moreweekly outing. There is constantly something new to do... And the consistently is reassuring for young children. They are always adding new exhibits, and they decorate for the holidays impeccably... My grandson and I make an effort just to walk around and look at the decorations... It is so much fun! We spend so much time engrossed in one singular activity that we have to go back week after week and it seems like there's always something brand new to do there! Take a change of clothes if you're going to go because if you don't go home wet or dirty you didn't do it right! There are water exhibits outside add gravel pits to play in and bubbles to experiment with outdoors and of course if you want to stay clean and neat , there are lots and lots of things to do indoors. I've never met any parent or child who hasn't been thrilled to walk in excited or walk out exhausted from that facility. Everyone has a great time and there is food available at the mini Bakery Lorraine... a limited menu: the items we have ordered have been satisfying for children and shareable for one adult and kid. Healthy options and satisfying for picky eaters. Kid food. Don't expect high cuisine... but what you order there will be satisfying and hold you over until you get home... Keep you satisfied until nap time... Until dinner. It serves its purpose and well it is good food. The chef brings it out to you personally or the shift manager does... with a smile on their face... they recognize regulars and I love that.

I finally got back to the Doseum. It's been years since I've been here. FYI: Admission was $18 for…read moreme and my child (total $36). The price can be expensive for parents with multiple children. Even on family day (free admission), tickets are taken within seconds. Anyway, we visited on Saturday and even though it was crowded, we managed to experience and view lots of exhibits. This is truly a children's museum where children can interact and touch some exhibits. Parking is free and plentiful. The cafe food is OK and moves quickly.

Thea museum is fun. A quick walk-through, but it's really fun. So I do recommend it's not so big to…read moreactually take your time and read the plaques and take a lot of photos. Before you enter the museum here in this little gift shop so you are able to buy little interesting things if you wanted to. And then as you're going through the museum, you end up in another gift shop so you have two opportunities to buy weird objects. But we did enjoy it if we ever end up in Texas again we would honestly do it again

It is something to do when it's hot. The AC works except in the wax room. It smells awful!!!…read moreThey encourage you to take pics with King Kong which involves getting on knees and climbing up thru the hand. Well my dress had a dark brown wet stain on it as I stood up. Looked like poop -it wasn't but it sure looked like it. Bathroom out of order but they let me in and stain still there. So $25 for 2 to get in and I possibly ruined a brand new dress. Wasn't impressed at all by the place.

This was a lot of fun! Read the instructions and follow the arrows if you can't figure out what to…read moredo. There was also employees walking around that could help when needed. I personally think this is better for teens to adults than little kids. You'll be taking lots of pictures!

Overall, I felt the price didn't justify the experience. I paid $72.20 for two adults, and the…read moremuseum was about the size of a small store. I would have been comfortable paying around $10 per person at most. The website claims the experience takes about one hour, but we walked through the entire facility in 10-15 minutes. It was very short-lived and left us disappointed. Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend visiting at the current price.

The Blanton Museum of Art is delightful way to spend a few hours in admiration of art. The Blanton…read moreMuseum of Art complex is divided into three main areas; namely; 1) ticketing office and gift shop, 2) the stand alone building and 3) the galleries. Important to note...entry into The Blanton Museum of Art is free on Tuesdays or as a member and discounted if you attend UT or a senior citizen. Getting a ticket gets you into the house and galleries was a pretty straightforward process. The first impression is the towering 3-story 12 "petals", which look like white lillies to me. They have hundreds of holes that cast a cool shadow beneath them. Fun fact: When it rains in the petals, water funnels to to an underground collection system. According the museum docent, the stained glass building was designed by Ellsworth Kelly is supposed to be a place of contemplation...similar to a church except different as she is an atheist. Similar remnants of churches are present...stained glass windows, a semi redwood cross at the center of the building (not fully formed but certainly the focal point of the room) and simple black and white paintings. The Blanton Museum of Art, founded in 1963, is a shared museum between Austin and the University of Austin. Their 22K+ art pieces include modern and contemporary American and Latin American artworks. In addition, they also feature Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings, prints and drawings. Inside the galleries the staircase area is a work of art itself. The collections are breathtaking, contemplative and captivating. Such a fun way to spend the afternoon...

Blantons is great break from the sun, and a small taste of a variety of classical and contemporary…read moreart. The staff were super friendly. Griffin was a fantastic behind the desk guy. Samantha and Abby were nice docents. Each said hello, were welcoming, and shared their favorite pieces, and spoke competently about the art they were watching over. I got the opportunity to see various immersive works. Ellesworth Kelly has his own building of stained glass images, black and white tiles, and a male totem. My favorite work was in the modern section, but it looked like a classical piece. Pilgrims by Coronel. It looked like a bunch of guys in big hats collaged together - but it's just folks walking by each other. It was a good mix of various eras and modes of art. The light was warm, but not overpowering. And the A/C is working. In the middle of the summer, that last point is a must. As one of the Blue Star Museums, it sponsors a service member and up to 5 other folks entrance into the museum to see the exhibits. It's easily a great hideout from the heat and free for military during the summer. Recommend.