How to explore art in Austin with kids?
Your milage may vary – but I don’t think my kids (age 4 and 7) are ready to enjoy traditional Museum spaces (i.e. not run and not touch). Here are my Top 10 recommendations of where to “Explore Art in Austin with Kids”.
First, I look for the following criteria:
- Is the art outdoors?
- Is the art interactive
- What’s the admission price for a family of four?
- Does it have a S.T.E.A.M. aspect? (will they build or make something during or be inspired to build or make something after)
- Is it photogenic?
(Some of these recommendations are seasonal).
Second Saturday at Laguna Gloria (ice-themed)
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Laguna Gloria
My number one favorite is Laguna Gloria. It’s a short drive from our house. The boys can appreciate the 14-acre sculpture park (lots of room to run and explore). But the extra special part is their “Second Saturdays” series. We’ve made gingerbread houses, foam monsters, bird houses and melted art.
Upcoming Programs:
Gingerbread Villas, December 8, 2018 (we’ll be there!)
Seeing Double, January 12, 2019
Let’s Rock, February 9, 2019
And nothing will top the 2015 Strange Pilgrims foam exhibit (also seen at the top of this post).
And that’s why we always have a change of clothes and towels in our car wherever we go with the boys.
2. HOPE Gallery
The HOPE Gallery is currently located in Downtown Austin – but has plans to move in 2019. You can also sign up to add your own graffiti.
3. Ellworth Kelly “Austin“
Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin”
The Ellsworth Kelly “Austin” exhibit at the Blanton Museum of Art is kid-friendly. And you can also use that as an excuse to explore the University of Texas campus.
4. Fairy Houses / Woodland Faerie Trail at the Zilker Botanical Garden
The Woodland Faerie Trail (or Fairy Houses) at the Zilker Botanical Gardens happens only in Summer. And you can even sign up to submit your own entry.
5. Fortlandia at the Wildflower Center
(since they’ve opened, you can no longer climb on some of the forts) – just check the posted signs
As of this post, we’ve already visited the Fortlandia Exhibit at the Wildflower Center four times. But the exhibit is only up until February, 2019. It has 10 unique forts where your kids can climb and swing and build. Highly recommended before it’s gone!
6. E.A.S.T.
The East Austin Studio Tour happens in November every year. There are kid-friendly gems to visit. I really like Do512Family’s list. We particularly enjoyed the Austin Tinkering School’s installation this year.
7. Hill Country Science Mill
It takes a short drive out to the Hill Country, but the Science Mill embodies S.T.E.A.M activities. Your kids will have a great time exploring. And inside the Silos, there’s often a rotating art exhibit.
8. Waller Creek Show
Since 2014, every November in Austin, the Waller Creek light show is a must-see. (Just make sure your kids don’t mind waiting in potentially-long lines to get in).
9. Bob Bullock History Museum
The Bob Bullock History Museum has many family-friendly events. One of our past favorite times to visit was a Maker Faire pop-up held there in 2017.
10. Make Your Own
Smudge Studio
Don’t just go look at art, take some time to make your own. You can visit:
Creative Action and more
And if all this art inspires you to want your own art-themed family photos… Let’s Play. We can do face paint, body paint, color smoke bombs, color pellets (Holi powder), chalk and more. The only limit is our imaginations.
