How to Visit the Thinkery Water Works

The Thinkery Water Works is a dynamic, hands-on exhibit within the Thinkery children’s museum in Austin, Texas, designed to spark curiosity about water systems, fluid dynamics, and environmental stewardship through interactive play. While often mistaken for a standalone attraction, Water Works is an integral part of the Thinkery’s broader mission to make science accessible, engaging, and fun for learners of all ages. For families, educators, and curious visitors, knowing how to visit the Thinkery Water Works isn’t just about logistics—it’s about maximizing an immersive educational experience that blends engineering, ecology, and exploration.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to planning your visit to the Water Works exhibit. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to deepen your understanding, this tutorial covers everything from ticketing and timing to interactive techniques and supplemental learning resources. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure a seamless, enriching, and memorable experience that goes beyond mere observation to active discovery.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Confirm the Exhibit’s Availability

Before making travel plans, verify that the Water Works exhibit is currently open. While it is a permanent installation within the Thinkery, occasional maintenance, special events, or seasonal rotations may temporarily affect access. Visit the official Thinkery website at thinkeryaustin.org and navigate to the “Exhibits” section. Look for “Water Works” in the list of current exhibits. If it’s not listed, check the “News & Events” page for announcements regarding closures or renovations.

Alternatively, call the front desk during business hours (listed on the website) to confirm. Avoid relying on third-party listings or outdated social media posts—official channels provide the most accurate, real-time information.

2. Purchase Tickets in Advance

Thinkery operates on a timed-entry ticketing system to manage capacity and enhance guest experience. Walk-ins are accepted only if space permits, but securing tickets ahead of time guarantees entry and reduces wait times. Visit the “Plan Your Visit” page on the Thinkery website and select “Buy Tickets.”

Choose your visit date and time slot. Water Works is most active during mid-morning and early afternoon, so aim for a 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. window if possible. Select the appropriate ticket type: General Admission for adults and children, or consider the “Thinkery Member” option if you plan to return within the year. Children under 1 year old enter free, but all other visitors require a ticket, regardless of age.

After purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a QR code. Save this on your mobile device or print it. You’ll need it for entry at the front desk.

3. Plan Your Transportation and Arrival

Thinkery is located at 1830 Simond Avenue, Austin, TX 78705. The museum is easily accessible by car, public transit, and rideshare services. If driving, use GPS coordinates or search “Thinkery Austin” in your preferred map application. Free parking is available in the museum’s main lot, with additional overflow spaces behind the building during peak hours.

For public transit riders, CapMetro bus routes 1 and 12 stop within a 5-minute walk of the entrance. Check the CapMetro website for real-time schedules. If using rideshare, instruct your driver to drop you off at the main entrance on Simond Avenue, not the service entrance.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your timed entry. This allows time to use restrooms, store coats or bags in the complimentary lockers (located near the entrance), and review the day’s activity schedule posted on digital screens. Avoid arriving late—entry is not guaranteed after your scheduled slot.

4. Check In and Receive Orientation

Upon arrival, proceed to the main lobby and present your QR code at the admission kiosk. Staff will scan your ticket and provide a printed floor map highlighting the location of Water Works, which is on the second level of the museum, adjacent to the “Build It!” and “Nature’s Playground” exhibits.

At check-in, ask for the “Daily Activity Schedule.” Water Works hosts scheduled demonstrations and guided play sessions throughout the day. These are led by Thinkery educators and typically occur every 45–60 minutes. Mark the next session time on your map—it’s highly recommended to attend one, as staff introduce key scientific concepts and safety protocols for the water stations.

5. Navigate to the Water Works Exhibit

Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor. Follow the blue signage labeled “Water Works.” The exhibit is a large, open space with a central water channel, multiple interactive stations, and elevated viewing platforms. Upon entering, you’ll notice signage explaining the exhibit’s theme: “How Water Moves, Changes, and Connects Us.”

Before engaging with any equipment, take a moment to read the introductory panel. It outlines the exhibit’s learning objectives: understanding gravity, flow, pressure, evaporation, and conservation. This context helps visitors, especially children, frame their play as inquiry.

6. Engage with Interactive Stations

Water Works features over a dozen hands-on stations. Here’s how to approach them effectively:

• Water Wheels & Gears: Use hand pumps to fill reservoirs and observe how water turns wheels connected to mechanical gears. Try adjusting the flow rate—slower flow creates steady rotation; faster flow may cause splashing or jamming. This demonstrates energy transfer.
• Channel Builders: Use modular plastic channels, dams, and sluices to construct water pathways. Experiment with elevation changes: higher starting points create stronger currents. Observe how water finds the path of least resistance.
• Pressure Pipes: Connect flexible tubes to pressurized valves. Predict where water will shoot based on tube diameter and angle. This illustrates Bernoulli’s principle in an accessible way.
• Evaporation Trays: Place colored water in shallow trays under heat lamps. Record how long it takes for water to disappear. Compare results in shaded vs. sunlit areas.
• Water Filter Challenge: Layer sand, gravel, and cloth to build a filtration system. Pour dirty water through it and observe what’s removed. Discuss real-world applications like municipal water treatment.

Encourage open-ended exploration. Ask questions like, “What happens if we add more water?” or “Can we make the water go uphill?” There are no right or wrong outcomes—only discoveries.

7. Attend a Guided Demonstration

Don’t miss the scheduled educator-led sessions. These 15–20 minute demonstrations occur every hour on the hour and cover topics like “The Water Cycle in Our City” or “Engineering a Sustainable Water System.” Educators use props, storytelling, and live experiments to illustrate complex ideas. Children often remember these sessions far longer than solo play.

During the demo, encourage children to participate by asking questions or helping with simple tasks like pouring water or turning valves. This active involvement boosts retention and engagement.

8. Document and Reflect

Thinkery provides complimentary “Discovery Journals” at the Water Works entrance. These small booklets include prompts like “Draw your favorite water machine” or “Write one thing you learned.” Encourage visitors of all ages to fill one out before leaving.

Alternatively, take photos (without flash) of the exhibits and your group in action. Later, review them together and ask: “What surprised you?” or “What would you change if you built this again?” Reflection turns play into lasting learning.

9. Extend the Learning Beyond the Exhibit

Before departing, visit the “Take-Home Resources” kiosk near the exit. Here, you’ll find free printable activity sheets, book recommendations, and links to online simulations about water systems. Download the Thinkery app to access digital versions of these materials and receive weekly science challenges via email.

Consider continuing the theme at home: build a mini water wheel from cardboard and bottle caps, track rainfall in a jar, or visit a local creek or reservoir. Connecting museum experiences to real-world environments deepens understanding.

10. Leave Responsibly

Water Works uses a closed-loop water system with filtration and recycling. Do not pour water outside the designated channels or remove any equipment. If you notice a leak or malfunction, notify a staff member immediately. Preserving the exhibit ensures future visitors can enjoy it too.

Dispose of any trash in designated bins. The museum is committed to zero single-use plastics—bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at the water stations near the restrooms.

Best Practices

Optimize Timing for Maximum Engagement

Water Works is busiest between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., especially on weekends and school holidays. To avoid crowding and long waits at stations, plan your visit on a weekday, preferably Tuesday through Thursday. Morning hours (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) offer quieter access and more space for exploration.

Children under 5 benefit from shorter, focused visits—aim for 60–90 minutes. Older children and adults can comfortably spend 2–3 hours. Use the museum’s interactive schedule board to time your Water Works visit around less crowded exhibits like “Tiny Thinkers” or “Dino Dig.”

Prepare for Water-Based Play

Although Water Works is designed to be safe and contained, water splashes are inevitable. Dress appropriately: wear closed-toe shoes, moisture-wicking clothing, and avoid loose fabrics that may get wet. Bring a small towel or change of clothes for young children. Lockers are available but fill quickly—arrive early to secure one.

Apply sunscreen if visiting during summer months, as the exhibit has large windows and indirect sunlight. Thinkery is climate-controlled, but humidity near water stations can feel warm.

Engage All Learners

Water Works is designed for multisensory learning. For children with sensory sensitivities, staff can provide noise-reducing headphones and dimmer lighting options upon request. Ask at the front desk before entering.

For non-native English speakers, the exhibit uses visual cues, symbols, and universal icons to convey instructions. Many stations have multilingual signage (Spanish and Mandarin included). Download the Thinkery app for audio guides in multiple languages.

Group Visits: Schools and Organizations

Organized groups of 10 or more must book a guided tour at least two weeks in advance. Group rates apply, and educators receive a pre-visit curriculum guide aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. Tours include a 30-minute Water Works session led by a Thinkery educator, followed by a debrief.

Home school groups and scout troops are welcome. Contact the education department via the website to customize a visit around your curriculum goals.

Maximize Accessibility

Thinkery is fully ADA-compliant. Water Works stations are wheelchair-accessible with adjustable-height work surfaces. Braille labels and tactile models are available upon request. Sign language interpreters can be arranged with 48-hour notice—email education@thinkeryaustin.org to coordinate.

Service animals are permitted. Strollers are allowed in the exhibit but may be restricted in high-traffic zones during peak hours. Use the designated stroller parking area near the entrance.

Encourage Inquiry-Based Learning

Instead of providing answers, foster curiosity. Use open-ended questions: “Why do you think that happened?” “What would happen if…?” “How is this like what we saw outside?”

Model observation: “I notice the water moves faster when the channel is narrow.” Let children make predictions and test them. This builds critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills.

Limit Screen Time During the Visit

While the Thinkery app offers supplemental content, encourage families to put devices away during the Water Works experience. The tactile nature of the exhibit thrives on direct interaction. Save photography and video for moments after play, when reflection begins.

Tools and Resources

Official Thinkery Website

thinkeryaustin.org is your primary resource. It offers real-time exhibit status, ticketing, event calendars, and downloadable educational materials. Bookmark the “For Families” and “For Educators” sections—they contain curated activity lists and standards-aligned lesson plans.

Thinkery Mobile App

Download the free Thinkery app (iOS and Android). Features include:

• Interactive museum map with live wait times
• Audio guides in English, Spanish, and Mandarin
• Weekly science challenges and at-home experiments
• Push notifications for exhibit closures or special events
• Digital Discovery Journal with photo upload capability

Supplemental Reading Materials

Thinkery recommends these books for deeper exploration:

• Water Is Water by Miranda Paul (ages 4–8)
• The Magic School Bus Wet All Over by Joanna Cole (ages 5–9)
• Water: A Visual History by Elizabeth Rusch (ages 10+)
• Engineers of Water by Tanya Lee Stone (ages 12+)

Available at local libraries and through the Thinkery gift shop.

Online Simulations and Videos

Enhance your Water Works experience with these free digital tools:

• PhET Interactive Simulations (University of Colorado Boulder): “Water Pressure and Flow” and “Build a Water Filter” simulations. Link: phet.colorado.edu
• National Geographic: “How Water Gets to Your Tap” (5-minute video). Link: nationalgeographic.com/science
• USGS Water Science School: Interactive diagrams of the water cycle, groundwater, and conservation. Link: water.usgs.gov/edu

Community Partnerships

Thinkery partners with local organizations to extend learning:

• Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA): Offers free field trips to watershed sites. Visit lcra.org/education for details.
• Austin Water: Provides free home water audit kits and educational workshops. Request materials via austinwater.org/education.
• Girl Scouts of Central Texas: Offers a “Water Explorer” badge program with activities aligned to Water Works. Contact troop leaders for curriculum.

Printable Activity Kits

Download and print these free resources from the Thinkery website:

• “Water Works Observation Chart” (for recording flow patterns)
• “Design Your Own Water System” template (for engineering challenges)
• “Water Conservation Pledge” poster (for family commitment)

All are available in English and Spanish. Print multiple copies for group use or classroom activities.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Family’s First Visit

The Rivera family from San Antonio visited Thinkery during spring break. Their 6-year-old daughter, Sofia, was fascinated by the water wheels. She spent 20 minutes pumping water to turn them, then asked, “Why does it spin slower when I don’t pump fast?” Her father, a civil engineer, used the moment to explain energy and resistance. They attended the “How Water Moves” demo, where the educator showed how dams in the Colorado River generate power. Afterward, they downloaded the Thinkery app and completed the “Build a Dam” challenge at home using clay and toy trucks. Sofia later drew a diagram of the dam for her preschool class—her teacher displayed it on the wall.

Example 2: A Preschool Field Trip

Green Oaks Early Learning Center brought 24 preschoolers to Thinkery. Their teacher, Ms. Carter, used the pre-visit curriculum guide to introduce vocabulary like “flow,” “channel,” and “evaporation.” At Water Works, children rotated through stations in small groups. Each child received a laminated card with a symbol (a drop, a wheel, a pipe) and had to find the matching station. After the visit, they created a mural using cut-out water shapes and wrote one sentence: “Water goes down because gravity.” The mural is still on display in their classroom.

Example 3: A Teen Volunteer Experience

15-year-old Jamal volunteered at Thinkery as part of his community service requirement. He was assigned to Water Works, helping younger visitors with the filter challenge. He noticed many children assumed sand “cleaned” water completely. He began asking, “What’s still in the water after the filter?” This led to discussions about microplastics and water treatment plants. Jamal later created a 10-minute YouTube video explaining water filtration, using the exhibit as his backdrop. It received over 5,000 views and was shared by Austin Water’s official account.

Example 4: A Teacher’s Lesson Integration

Ms. Delgado, a 4th-grade science teacher in Round Rock, TX, brought her class to Water Works after studying the water cycle. Before the trip, students predicted how water moves in different environments. After the visit, they wrote journal entries comparing their predictions to what they saw. One student wrote: “I thought water just fell from the sky, but now I know it goes underground and comes out in springs.” Ms. Delgado used these entries to design a class project: “Design a Water System for a Desert Town.” The project won a regional STEM fair.

FAQs

Can I bring food or drinks into the Water Works exhibit?

No. Food and beverages are not permitted in Water Works or any interactive exhibit areas to protect equipment and maintain hygiene. Picnic tables are available outside the museum entrance. Bottled water is available for purchase in the lobby.

Is Water Works suitable for toddlers?

Yes. The exhibit has low-height stations designed for children as young as 18 months. Supervision is required at all times. A “Tiny Tots Water Zone” offers gentle water flow and large, soft containers for sensory play.

How long should I plan to spend in Water Works?

Most visitors spend 30–60 minutes in the exhibit. Families with young children may prefer shorter visits. Older children and adults interested in engineering principles can spend up to 90 minutes, especially if attending multiple demos.

Are there any height or age restrictions?

No. All visitors are welcome. However, some stations require fine motor skills or strength to operate pumps and valves. Staff are available to assist if needed.

Can I take photos or videos?

Yes, for personal use. Flash photography is prohibited to avoid startling children and to protect light-sensitive materials. Commercial photography requires prior written permission.

What if my child is afraid of water?

That’s completely normal. Water Works allows passive observation. Children can watch others play, touch water with a finger, or use dry tools like measuring cups. No one is forced to participate. Educators are trained to support hesitant learners.

Is the water safe to touch?

Yes. The water is filtered, sanitized, and continuously recirculated through a UV treatment system. It meets all Texas health and safety standards for public interaction.

Do I need to book a guided tour?

Only if you’re part of a group of 10 or more. Individual visitors can explore independently. Scheduled demos are included with admission and do not require separate booking.

Can I revisit Water Works on a different day?

Yes. Thinkery tickets are valid for same-day re-entry. If you’re a member, you can return anytime during operating hours. Many families visit multiple times to try new combinations of stations.

Are there any special events at Water Works?

Yes. During summer and school breaks, Thinkery hosts “Water Week,” featuring guest scientists, water-themed art projects, and extended demo hours. Check the events calendar for seasonal programming.

Conclusion

Visiting the Thinkery Water Works is more than a trip to a museum—it’s an invitation to engage with one of Earth’s most vital resources through curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you transform a simple outing into a rich, multi-sensory learning experience that resonates long after you leave.

From securing timed tickets to reflecting on discoveries, every action you take enhances the value of your visit. The best moments don’t come from watching—they come from doing: pumping water, building channels, asking “why,” and testing ideas. That’s the heart of science.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or lifelong learner, Water Works reminds us that understanding the world begins with play. And in play, we find not just answers—but deeper questions, stronger connections, and a renewed sense of wonder.

So plan your visit. Bring your questions. Get your hands wet. And let the water lead the way.