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Austin Museums – List of 10 Best Attractions including Art, Science, Interactive, Children’s Museums & more!

May 21, 2022 by Jerri C. Leave a Comment

Austin Museums - Bullock Texas State History Museum

Austin Museums | Image Credit: Bullock Texas State History Museum Facebook Page

Austin museums are among the city’s most popular attractions. The many museums in Austin, Texas are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Furthermore, there is always a museum for everyone — whether you enjoy contemporary or traditional arts, science or history, or maybe you want to simply experience something interactive and unique, Austin, TX museums have it all!

With so many great museums to choose from in ATX, it is often difficult to decide which museums to go visit. Our comprehensive guide can help you narrow down your choices. We have included details about the museum exhibits, museum hours, tickets, discounts, and more!

Check out this list of the 10 Best Museums in Austin!


Deal Alert: Save Big on Austin area Museums and other Attractions with POGO Pass

Image 1: Pogo Pass to 35 Things to Do in Austin, San Antonio and Waco

The Standard South Central Texas Pogo Pass (San Antonio/Austin/Waco) provides admissions to 35 different entertainment venues in the San Antonio, Austin and Waco area.

Perfect for families, the Pogo Pass gives both adult and child pass-holders 50+ visits to some of the best things to do that San Antonio, Austin and Waco have to offer. The Pogo Pass nearly pays for itself with a visit to one or two venues alone!!!

Pass Features the following Attractions in Austin

  • One visit to Wonder World Park
  • One visit to Typhoon Texas Waterpark
  • One Visit to the Thinkery Museum
  • Two Texas Stars hockey games
  • Two Austin Spurs basketball games
  • One visit per month to Austin’s Park
  • One visit to the Austin Aquarium
  • Two visits to Quest ATX Wakeboard Park
  • One visit to Pioneer Farms
  • One visit to Monster Mini Golf
  • One Visit per Quarter to D-Bat
  • One Visit to Mt. Playmore
  • Two visits to Rock Sports Arena
  • Two visits to Pump It Up
  • One visit to Neill-Cochran House Museum

Check out the POGO pass and SAVE Big on Austin Area Museums and other Attractions! 


Austin Museums – Local, International, Traditional & Contemporary Art Museums

Blanton Museum of Art

Austin Museums - The Blanton Museum of Art

Image Credit: The Blanton Museum of Art Facebook Page

If you are looking for the best art museums in Austin Texas, then the Blanton Museum should be included in your must-see museums in Austin TX. European paintings, prints, drawings, modern and contemporary American and Latin American art, and Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin are among Blanton’s permanent collections of almost 21,000 pieces.

Timings: Wednesday – Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm | Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm | Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Located At: The University of Texas at Austin, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX 78712
How Much: Adult: $12 | Seniors: $10 | Youth: $5 | Military, Teachers, and Children 12 and under: Free

 

Mexic-Arte Museum

Mexic-Arte Museum

Image Credit: Mexic-Arte Museum Website

Artists Sylvia Orozco, Sam Coronado, and Pio Pulido founded Mexic-Arte Museum in the Arts Warehouse in downtown Austin in 1984 to share Mexican art and culture with Texas. For visitors of all ages, the museum is dedicated to enhancing the community via educational activities, exhibitions, and the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture.

Timings: Monday – Thursday: 10 am – 6 pm | Friday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm | Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Located At: 419 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
How Much: Adult: $7 | Students, Military & Seniors: $4 | Children 12 and under: $1

 

Elisabet Ney Museum

Elisabet Ney Museum

Image Credit: Elisabet Ney Museum Facebook Page

There are plenty of free museums Austin offers its locals and tourists, and this is one of the favorite free museums in the city. The Elisabet Ney Museum is the former house and studio of Elisabet Ney, a controversial German artist who arrived in Austin in 1882. Through exhibitions and programs for the whole family, the museum proudly honors her art, history, and legacy.

Timings: Monday – Tuesday: Closed | Wednesday – Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Located At: 304 East 44th Street, Austin, 78751
How Much: Free

 

Museum of the Weird

Austin Museums - Museum of the Weird

Image Credit: Museum of the Weird Facebook Page

Nothing beats the weird museums in Austin better than the Museum of the Weird! It houses an unusual collection of oddities and is a must-see attraction! The Creature, Phantom of the Opera, Dracula, Frankenstein, and even a life-size King Kong are among the wax sculptures on display. Strange animals, monsters, mummies, mermaids, and more await you! But fear not, because everything is created and displayed in a family-friendly environment.

Timings: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm
Located At: 412 East 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
How Much: $12


Science Museums in Austin

Austin Nature & Science Center

Dino Pit at Austin Nature & Science Center

Dino Pit | Image Credit: Austin Nature & Science Center Facebook Page

Since 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center has served visitors, instructors, and children of all ages with hands-on nature displays, education programs, and recreation activities that improve knowledge and appreciation of the natural world.

Timings: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm | Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Located At: 2389 Stratford Drive, Austin, TX 78746
How Much: Free


Austin Museums – History, Educational

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Image Credit: Bullock Texas State History Museum Facebook Page

The Bullock Museum is truly one of the best museums in Austin. It showcases exhibitions, films, symposiums, community events, field trips, and entertaining, family-centered programming that convey the richness of hundreds of objects, the museum’s culture, and pioneering ideas to visitors of all ages. The museum oversees the presentation of Texas artifacts from all over the world, forming partnerships with other museums and private lenders to help Austin residents and visitors in learning more about the city’s rich history.

Timings: Wednesday – Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm | Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Located At: 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
How Much: Adult: $13 | Students, Military & Seniors: $11 | Youth (4-17): $9

 

LBJ Presidential Library

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum

Image Credit: Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum Facebook Page

The Library of Congress, which is located on a 30-acre site on the University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas, houses 45 million pages of historical documents, 650,000 photos, and 5,000 hours of recordings from President Lyndon B. Johnson’s political career, including approximately 643 hours of his recorded telephone conversations. The museum’s core collection is made up of personal items owned, used, purchased, or worn by President and First Lady Johnson, all of which were contributed by President Johnson under the Presidential Libraries Act (1955).

Timings: Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
Located At: 2313 Red River St., Austin, TX 78705
How Much: Adult: $13 | Seniors: $9 | Students & Youth (13-18): $4 | Children 12 and under: Free


Austin Museums – Interactive, Children’s Museums

Museum of Ice Cream

Museum of Ice Cream Austin

Museum of Ice Cream Austin Photos from Facebook Page

There is no other museum in the world where you can learn about ice cream while riding an animal cookie, surrounded by thousands of bananas, or swimming in a pool filled with millions of sprinkles. Prepare to be whisked away to a world where all of your wildest ice cream fantasies come true, only here at the Austin ice cream museum.

Timings: Monday & Thursday: 11:30 am – 6:30 pm | Tuesday – Wednesday: Closed | Friday: 11:30 am – 8 pm | Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm | Sunday: 10 am – 6:30 pm
Located At: 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, #128, Austin, TX 78758
How Much: General Weekday Admission: $29 | General Weekend Admission: $32 | Kids 2 and below: Free

 

The Contemporary Austin

The contemporary Austin

Image Credit: The Contemporary Austin Facebook Page

Through exhibitions, commissions, education, and its collection, The Contemporary Austin highlights the essence of contemporary art. It is housed in two locations: the historic Jones Center on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin and Laguna Gloria, a fourteen-acre art-in-nature complex that includes the Driscoll Villa, the Betty, and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park, the Art School at Laguna Gloria, and the Moody Pavilions.

Timings: Jones Center — Wednesday: 12 pm – 9 pm; Thursday – Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm | Laguna Gloria — Wednesday: 9 am – 3 pm; Thursday: 9 am – 9 pm; Friday – Sunday: 9 am – 3 pm
Located At: Jones Center, 700 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701 | Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street, Austin, Texas 78703
How Much: Adult: $10 | Students & Seniors: $10 | Military & Kids under 18: Free

 

Thinkery

Austin Museums - Thinkery

Image Credit: Thinkery Facebook Page

Thinkery is one of the great kid museums in Austin. It is a place where Austin’s kids and their families may engage in inquiry-based, hands-on learning through play. Thinkery has 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor activities for kids and families to learn while having fun. Thinkery stimulates physical, emotional, and cognitive growth for young learners and fosters joyful curiosity for all ages through a range of hands-on, interactive exhibits and events. The interactive experiences in the museum are suitable and truly interesting for people of all ages.

Timings: Monday: Closed | Tuesday – Thursday: 9 am – 3 pm | Friday: 9 am – 5 pm | Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm | Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm
Located At: Thinkery at the Meredith Learning Lab, 1830 Simond Ave., Austin, TX 78723
How Much: General: $16 | Children aged 0-23 months: Free. Thinkery is a one of the attractions covered by the POGO Pass

Any other Austin Museums that we forgot to include in here? Let us know!


 

Stay up to date on the events, activities, and entertainment in the Austin area through our weekly updates to Things to do in Austin this Week, Things to do in Austin this Weekend, and Things to do in Austin with Kids this Weekend!

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Filed Under: Arts, Culture, Entertainment, History, Kids, Museums, Things to do

Austin Restaurants with Patio – 10 Best Food Places For Outdoor Dining

April 23, 2022 by Jerri C. Leave a Comment

Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar in Austin

Best Patio Restaurants in Austin | Image Credit – Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar Facebook Page

Patio restaurants are a point of pride for Austin. After all, there will always be days when the weather just feels great for some outdoor dining in ATX. Thankfully, there are plenty of patio restaurants in Austin. From modern restaurants with patio dining to quaint and dainty cafes, backyard-style patio restaurants to ones surrounded by trees — there’s a great restaurant with a patio in Austin to match everyone’s taste!

We have here a list of the best outdoor dining that Austin has to offer, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on these “must-go-to” places in the city. Visit one — or visit them all — when you find yourself hungry for some great food and beautiful scenery and ambiance.


 

Deal Alert – BIG savings on Full Day Winery Bus Tour from Austin

Image 1: Up to 62% Off Winery Tours with Meal from Texas Winos

  • 7-8 hour transportation to three real wineries at least 45 minutes outside of departure town. 
  • A full sit-down plated dinner or lunch is provided, official Texas Winos Souvenir Glass
  • Meet at least one winemaker, drink specials before and after each tour and instructional guide throughout

Get your Big Discount on the Full Day Winery Tour from Austin and book the tour TODAY!


 

Best Patio Restaurants in Austin

Austin restaurants with patio may be plenty, but we know you want to try out the best. To help you with that, we have listed here 10 great choices for the best outdoor dining Austin experience you do not want to miss out on, so make sure to visit these places when you are in the city!

Bar Peached

Where: 1315 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703

patio restaurants in Austin - Bar Peached

Image Credit: Bar Peached Facebook Page

Laid-back bar with cocktails on draft, global comfort foods & a large patio with a historic tree. You don’t have to worry about the weather when you come and visit this place because it’s always patio season at Bar Peached, thanks to its heaters during the winter, and fans for the summer.

Hours of Operation: Monday: Closed| Tuesday – Thursday: 5 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday: 5 pm – 11 pm | Sunday: 11 am – 2:30 pm; 5 pm – 9 pm

 

Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

Located At: 303 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

restaurants with patios in Austin - Moonshine Grill

Image Credit: Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

An amazing restaurant with a simple and homey ambiance, and delicious food and drinks! Be greeted like family when you visit, and taste great dishes with unique interpretations of classic American comfort food.

Hours of Operation: Monday: 11 am – 9 pm | Tuesday – Wednesday: 4 pm – 9 pm | Thursday – Friday: 11 am – 10 pm | Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm | Sunday 10 am – 2 pm; 4 pm – 9 pm

 

Launderette

Location: 2115 Holly St, Austin, TX 78702

restaurant patios in Austin - Launderette

Image Credit: Launderette Instagram Page

A great place for outdoor dining with a good menu and tasty food. Tucked away in a residential area, this destination restaurant offers a cozy and fun ambiance. Plus, the patio has heaters when needed. Enjoy a wonderful selection of dishes from entrees to desserts, as well as delicious drinks.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Thursday: 5 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Sunday: 11 am – 2:15 pm; 5 pm – 10 pm | Mondays: Closed

 

Perlas

Where: 1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Perlas in Austin patio restaurant

Image Credit: Perlas South Congress Instagram Page

A great oyster bar & seafood place with an eye-catching and fun patio design at the South Congress Avenue. Perla’s takes pride in their oyster dishes, making sure that they are fresh and flown daily from both coasts with an emphasis on sourcing from the Gulf of Mexico. It also offers an extensive wine list and a concoction of coastal cocktails that you and your friends and family can enjoy after digging into their delicious dishes.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 10 pm | Friday: 11:30 am – 11 pm | Saturday: 10:30 am – 11 pm | Sunday: 10:30 am – 10 pm

 

Comedor

Located At: 501 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701

Patio Restaurant in Austin - Comedor

Image Credit: Comedor Facebook Page

Undoubtedly, one of the best Mexican restaurants downtown Austin, Comedor is a unique space providing modern vibes with its unique outdoor dining, as well as mouthwatering Mexican cuisine. In a world of Tex-Mex cuisine and taco joints, Comedor offers Mexican dishes with a unique spin for those who love the delectable flavors of authentic Mexican meals.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday: 5 pm – 10 pm | Sunday: 11 am – 3 pm

 

The Little Darlin’

Where: 6507 Circle S Rd, Austin, TX 78745

Patio bar in Austin - The Little Darlin'

Image Credit: The Little Darlin’ Facebook Page

This is a cool dog-friendly bar with a large outdoor area and plenty of picnic tables. This bar is located off a beaten path which adds to the picnic atmosphere. The Little Darlin’ features a great selection of bar food, with their burgers as frequent goers’ favorites. They have craft beer, global bistro fare & a spacious yard for some outdoor music and games.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Sunday: 11 am – 2 am

 

Licha’s Cantina

Located At: 1306 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

Patio restaurants in Austin - Licha's Cantina

Image Credit: Licha’s Cantina Facebook Page

Located on the east side of downtown, Licha’s Cantina is truly a favorite for those looking for Mexican cuisine. Casual yet modern with fun vibes, Licha’s Cantina is a perfect place to go if you are looking for a great restaurant for some outdoor dining in Austin. Celebrate any occasion here — whether it’s hanging with friends or celebrating a birthday.

Hours of Operation: Monday: Closed | Tuesday – Thursday: 4 pm – 11 pm | Friday: 4 pm – 12 am | Saturday: 12 pm – 12 am | Sunday: 4 pm – 10 pm

 

Aba

Location: 1011 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

patio restaurants in austin - aba restaurant

Image Credit: Aba Restaurant Facebook Page

Mediterranean-inspired food in a beautiful setting, Aba’s has been a popular place for Austinites since it opened its doors in 2020. It offers both enclosed and outdoor patio dining, and even makes it possible to dine outdoors during winter with its igloos on the rooftop. Opening up in a pandemic hasn’t kept it from becoming a favorite location in the city. Located merely a block from the S. Congress bridge, Aba offers a captivating environment, as well as amazing dishes and a stellar wine menu.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 10 pm | Friday: 11 am – 11 pm | Saturday: 10 am – 11 pm | Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm

 

Odd Duck

Located At: 1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Odd Duck Restaurant in Austin

Image Credit: Odd Duck Facebook Page

Upscale eatery doling out locally sourced New American chow & drinks in a contemporary setting. Odd Duck is a place to celebrate the love of food and drink. Gather with friends and family for a dinner driven by hospitality and passion.

Hours of Operation: Sunday – Thursday: 5 pm – 9 pm | Friday – Saturday: 5 pm – 9:30 pm

 

Salty Sow

Where: 1917 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

Salty Sow - Restaurant with patio dining in Austin

Image Credit: Salty Sow Facebook Page

Looking for a laid-back outdoor dining restaurant in Austin? Then visit the Salty Sow. They offer various tasty dishes. From braised, poached and stewed dishes to their signature cocktails and craft brews — you are guaranteed to have great fun with your friends.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday: 4:30 pm – 10 pm | Sunday: 4:30 pm – 9 pm

 

Looking for late-night eats in Austin? Check out our recent post on 20 Restaurants Open Late in Austin

For happy hour options in the city, check out our post on half-price happy hours in Austin.

Filed Under: Discoveries, Drink, Food, Food & Drink, Outdoor

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