Creative energy abounds in this city, and there are plenty of ways our kids can tap into that energy and enthusiasm. If your kids love to build, craft, create, experiment, and make all sorts of cool projects, gizmos, and gadgets, Austin is a great place to be.  Check out one of these places for your young makers to enjoy.

For the Tinkerers & Builders:

— Austin Tinkering School
1122 Airport Boulevard 
Located in East Austin, this is a place where kids can use real tools and materials to build and learn. Inspired by Gever Tulley and his original Tinkering School in California, adults serve as collaborators rather than teachers for maximum engagement. Projects at the Austin Tinkering School range from sword-making and woodworking to doll-house building, and much more. Classes, workshops, camps, and birthday parties are offered.  Check out the website for class listings and more info.

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— Thinkery
1830 Simond Ave.
Thinkery is Austin’s hands-on children’s museum where kids connect with ideas by doing, making, and experiencing. It’s a great place for young innovators and creative problem solvers. Within the Thinkery, you’ll find the Innovators’ Workshop area where kids can mix art and science by way of stop-animation, painting on glass, and more.  Check here for all of their current, hands-on exhibits, and learn more on Thinkery’s website.

For the Science Lovers:

— GirlStart STEM Center
1400 W Anderson Ln.
Girlstart is a non-profit organization created to empower girls to excel in math, science, and technology. They offer a variety of educational programs through after-school classes, workshop series, summer camps, and free community events such as their Starry Nights astronomy program with a mini-planetarium star show and hands-on activities. You can learn all about the variety of programs offered on the GirlStart website.

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— Science Mill
101 S Lady Bird Ln, Johnson City
Just an hour outside of Austin, you’ll find this awesome science museum in Johnson City. It has more than 40 interactive, world-class exhibits, a 3D theater, and a huge outdoor space, and provides hours of science fun for all ages. Visit their website for information on special events and summer camps.

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— Mad Science of Austin
Various locations for camps and events
Mad Science offers programs to help kids learn about science concepts with hands-on experiments and exciting demos at their after-school programs, preschool programs, in-class workshops, summer camps, birthday parties, and special events. They have classes and camps all over the Austin area. To view their locations and offerings, you can visit their website.

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— Austin Science & Nature Center
2389 Stratford Dr.
Since 1960, ANSC has provided nature exhibits, education programs, and recreation resources for countless visitors, and children of all ages. There’s plenty of hands-on fun from digging in the Dino Pit to checking out all of the natural science specimens at the Naturalist Workshop and Trade Counter. When you stop by for a visit, you will be able to meet a coyote and red-tailed hawk in the Wildlife Exhibit area.

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— Texas Memorial Museum
2400 Trinity St.
For kids who are really into natural science, the Texas Memorial Museum on the UT campus is a great place to explore. You’ll find natural objects such as fossils, bones, rocks, and prehistoric archaeological materials. The Hall of Biodiversity is also an interesting area to check out. It features interactive displays about our understanding of biological evolution.  You can learn more, including info on their re-opening, by visiting their website.

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For the Crafty Makers:

— Figment Creative Labs
7809 Brodie Lane
With art classes, STEAM camps, and more, Figment Creative Labs features a kid-friendly art studio, STEAM-centric maker space, and creative preschool. Just off Brodie Lane in Austin, they also offer one-of-a-kind art birthday parties, toddler art play groups, day camps, and summer camps. Get more info here.

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— Center for Creative Action
1023 Springdale Rd Bldg 3
With a huge emphasis on the arts, the Center for Creative Action is an inspiring place for crafters and makers. They offer plenty of dance and music classes throughout the week, but you’ll also find free Community Art Sundays in which you can get hands-on with a big variety of projects for the whole family. Check out their website for a full list of classes, camps, and info about their afterschool programs.

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— Where to Get Supplies for Your Makers: Austin Creative Reuse
2005 Wheless Ln
If you’re looking for supplies to keep your crafters, inventors, and builders busy, we highly suggest heading over to the Austin Creative Reuse Center for very affordable DIY supplies. Austin Creative Reuse is a nonprofit organization that collects, sells, and distributes donated reusable materials. They give materials a second life, such as arts & crafts supplies, fabric, yarn, vintage paper, office supplies, small toys, beads, paints, and much more. You never know what you’ll find there! Learn more & check their hours by visiting their website.

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Bonus! More Awesome Places to Check out Nearby:

• DoSeum, San Antonio
• Mayborn Museum, Waco
• McKenna Children’s Museum, New Braunfels