Top Children’s Museums to Explore in Texas

Texas boasts an impressive number of museums, many of which cater to children. These kid-friendly museums offer families a fun and educational experience to enhance their Texas vacation itinerary.

Whether you’re in Austin exploring the newly redesigned Children’s Museum known as The Thinkery, or in Houston, allowing your children to discover the wonders of space at the Johnson Space Center, there are great museums throughout Texas that you and your kids will enjoy.

Keep in mind that museums typically have extended hours on weekends; however, most remain closed on federal holidays. Therefore, checking the associated websites for each museum before planning your visit is advisable for information on hours of operation, pricing, and holiday closures.

The Thinkery: Austin’s Children’s Museum

Austin’s Children’s Museum, now known as The Thinkery, is the perfect destination for kids while visiting the state’s capital. With engaging exhibits such as “Currents,” showcasing watery science through sensory exploration, and the “Innovators’ Workshop,” where kids can create stop-motion animations, use microscopes, and experiment in a safe functional chemistry lab, this museum is an exciting place for a full day of exploration.

Children’s Museum of Houston

As the second-best children’s museum in the United States, the Children’s Museum of Houston features countless exhibits, displays, and educational resources. Their latest exhibit, the Special Elite Crime Resolution and Espionage Team (S.E.C.R.E.T.), allows kids to play detective, uncover clues, decode messages, and outsmart villains within an interactive spy museum environment.

Space Center Houston

While in Houston, don’t miss the opportunity to tour the Johnson Space Center. The Kids Space Place offers youngsters a chance to experience what astronauts do, featuring over 400 interactive exhibits that cover real science, math, and technology utilized by astronauts.

The Bullock Museum (Austin)

The Bullock Story of Texas Museum, named after the late Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, features several interactive displays tailored to children, especially those keen on history and culture. It includes traditional Texas history galleries coupled with exciting new exhibits like “Pong to Pokémon: The Evolution of Electronic Gaming,” making it a worthwhile visit in Austin.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

This museum features an impressive planetarium, an OMNI IMAX theater, engaging special events like celebrity lectures, as well as a diverse permanent collection of exhibits. Check out their new DinoLabs and DinoDig exhibit, or catch the latest blockbuster in the IMAX theater; regardless of your choice, it promises an enjoyable experience for your kids.

The DoSeum: The San Antonio Museum for Kids

Located in downtown San Antonio, the DoSeum offers a broad range of hands-on, interactive exhibits for children. Highlighted features include “Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action,” where kids learn to become “Action Heroes” and develop healthy habits.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science (Dallas)

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas features 11 exhibit halls equipped with state-of-the-art technology and displays, an array of events, and 3D films at the Hoglund Foundation Theater (a National Geographic experience). Children can engage in activities such as feeling an earthquake, building robots, experimenting with real science, and creating virtual dinosaurs.

McKenna Children’s Museum (New Braunfels)

Nestled between San Antonio and Austin, New Braunfels is home to the McKenna Children’s Museum. This engaging site features an interactive “Kid’s Clinic,” an outdoor water play area, an aquarium, and fully stocked kids’ grocery store with plastic food items. This unique destination is worth a visit when traveling through the state!

Northeast Texas Children’s Museum (Commerce)

Since its establishment in 2002, the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum has welcomed thousands of children, offering hands-on exhibits and interactive workshops covering topics in science, history, art, and life. Throughout the year, they feature an 8-foot inflatable, walk-through lung exhibit called the MEGA Lung, allowing students to learn about lung function and various health issues.

Ripley’s, Guinness, and Tomb Raider Museums (San Antonio)

Visitors can enjoy a three-for-one deal at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Guinness World Records, and Tomb Raider 3D Museums and Exhibits located at 329 Alamo Plaza in San Antonio. Experience a multi-million dollar haunted house with live actors and special effects at Ripley’s, perfect for older kids. For younger visitors, the Guinness World Records Museum allows them to attempt world record challenges. Afterwards, join the Tomb Raider 3D experience for an exciting ride followed by engaging arcade games.