Thinkery, Austin

###Five Things to Know About Thinkery Formerly known as Austin Children’s Museum, the Thinkery takes a fun, hands-on approach to teaching kids about science, technology, engineering, art, and math. They can construct and launch gliders in the Spark Shop, work with edible materials in the Kitchen Lab, or check out native rocks while wading in the outdoor creek. Check out more about this interactive museum and learn why it’s not just for kids: * **Every visit is different.** While the museum stresses hands-on learning, many of the activities you and your kids can take part in depend on the educational staff running things that day. Visit one day, and you could make stills come to life with stop animation; visit another day, and you’ll workshop with microscopes. * **You don’t need a kid to visit.** During the museum’s adults-only Thinkery21 events, big kids can explore, learn, and play, all while enjoying drinks from a cash bar and eats from Austin food trucks. * **Plan on getting messy.** Whether kids are playing in the Thinkery’s futuristic-looking outdoor playground or learning about fluid dynamics in the museum’s Current exhibit, they’re bound to get some drips and stains on their clothes. The museum provides smocks and Crocs at some exhibits, but make sure kids wear something that’ll stand up to water and dirt. * **Keep an eye out for workshops.** These special programs let kids and adults dive into complex processes while working with specialized staff members. Programs range from woodworking to cooking with unusual foods to 3D printing. * **You can bring your own food, but you don’t have to.** Guests are welcome to bring along snacks and lunches, but the Snap Pod—an offshoot of Snap Kitchen—offers healthy options from a seasonal menu. The Snap Pod is open Tuesday–Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.