How to Visit the Thinkery Water Works Exhibit

The Thinkery Water Works Exhibit is a dynamic, hands-on learning environment designed to ignite curiosity about water systems, conservation, and engineering in children and adults alike. Located within the Thinkery, a premier children’s museum in Austin, Texas, this exhibit transforms abstract scientific concepts into tangible, interactive experiences. Visitors don’t just observe water flow—they control it, experiment with it, and discover how natural and engineered systems work together to sustain life. Whether you’re a local resident planning a weekend outing or a visitor traveling to Austin with young learners, understanding how to navigate and maximize your experience at the Water Works Exhibit is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to ensure your visit is seamless, educational, and unforgettable.

What makes the Water Works Exhibit unique is its integration of play-based learning with real-world STEM principles. Children build dams, manipulate water channels, and explore gravity-driven flow—all while developing spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. For parents, educators, and caregivers, this exhibit offers more than entertainment; it’s a living classroom where curiosity becomes inquiry, and inquiry becomes understanding. With over 10,000 square feet of immersive water play and engineering challenges, the exhibit is one of the most popular attractions at Thinkery. Yet, without proper planning, even the most enthusiastic visitors can miss key features or encounter unexpected wait times. This guide eliminates guesswork and empowers you to make the most of your visit.

By following the advice in this guide, you’ll learn not only how to get there, but how to engage deeply with the exhibit’s content, avoid common pitfalls, and extend the learning beyond the museum walls. From timing your visit to leveraging digital tools, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to turn a simple museum trip into a transformative educational journey.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit Date and Time

Timing is critical when visiting the Thinkery Water Works Exhibit. The exhibit operates on a timed-entry system, meaning you must reserve your admission slot in advance. Walk-ins are not guaranteed entry, especially during weekends, school holidays, and summer months when attendance peaks. Begin by visiting the official Thinkery website and navigating to the “Plan Your Visit” section. Here, you’ll find a calendar displaying available time slots for general admission.

Opt for weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM) for the least crowded experience. These slots are ideal for families with young children, as the exhibit is quieter and staff are more available to assist with demonstrations. If you must visit on a weekend, aim for the first available slot—typically 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM—to ensure you have ample time to explore before the afternoon rush. Avoid scheduling your visit during lunch hours (12:00 PM–1:30 PM), when the exhibit tends to be at maximum capacity.

2. Purchase and Confirm Your Admission

Admission to Thinkery includes access to all permanent exhibits, including Water Works. Tickets are available online only and cannot be purchased at the front desk. Select your preferred date and time slot, then choose the number of tickets based on your group size. Children under 1 year old enter free, while all other visitors require a ticket. Members receive complimentary admission and priority entry, so if you plan to visit multiple times, consider becoming a Thinkery member.

After purchasing, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a QR code. Save this email on your mobile device or print a copy. Upon arrival, present your QR code at the check-in kiosk near the main entrance. Staff will scan your code and issue wristbands for each member of your party. These wristbands are required for entry into the Water Works Exhibit and other interactive zones. Do not skip this step—without a wristband, you will not be permitted to enter the exhibit, even with a valid ticket.

3. Prepare for the Exhibit Environment

The Water Works Exhibit is a water play zone. While it is designed to be safe and supervised, it is not a dry environment. Visitors should dress appropriately. Wear clothing that can get wet—shorts, swimsuits under clothes, or quick-dry fabrics are ideal. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety; sandals or flip-flops are not permitted. Bring a change of clothes and a towel for each person in your group. Lockers are available for rent at the front desk for a small fee, but they fill up quickly. Arrive 15 minutes early to secure one.

Also consider bringing a waterproof phone case or ziplock bag to protect electronics. While photography is encouraged, wet hands and splashing water can damage devices. Staff are not responsible for lost or damaged items, so take precautions. Avoid bringing backpacks or large bags into the exhibit; they are prohibited for safety reasons. Small clutch-sized purses or diaper bags are allowed but must be placed in designated bins near the entrance.

4. Enter the Exhibit and Orient Yourself

Once your wristbands are verified, proceed to the Water Works Exhibit entrance. The exhibit is located on the second floor of the Thinkery building. Follow the clear signage labeled “Water Works” or ask a staff member for directions if needed. Upon entry, you’ll be greeted by a large central water channel that winds through the space. Take a moment to observe the layout: the exhibit is divided into four thematic zones—Flow & Gravity, Water Storage, Water Transport, and Conservation & Sustainability.

Each zone contains multiple interactive stations. Start at the Flow & Gravity area, where you can manipulate ramps, funnels, and spinning wheels to observe how water moves under different conditions. This zone is ideal for younger visitors (ages 2–6) and introduces foundational physics concepts. Next, move to Water Storage, where you can fill and empty large tanks, compare water levels, and experiment with valves and pressure. This area is excellent for teaching volume and capacity.

5. Engage with Interactive Stations

Each station in the Water Works Exhibit is designed with clear learning objectives. Below is a breakdown of the key stations and how to maximize learning at each:

• Water Wheel Station: Build a channel to direct water to turn a large wooden wheel. Observe how slope and flow rate affect rotation speed.
• Leaky Dam Challenge: Construct a dam using sandbags, rocks, and plastic barriers. Test its strength by releasing controlled water flow. Discuss erosion and structural integrity with your child.
• Pressure Pipes: Connect hoses and valves to create a network. Adjust pressure to make water shoot from different heights. Learn about hydraulic pressure and force multiplication.
• Water Recycling Loop: A closed-loop system where water is filtered and reused. Watch how sediment is removed and how clean water is returned to the system.
• Global Water Map: A touchscreen display showing water usage and scarcity around the world. Use this to spark conversations about conservation.

Encourage open-ended questions: “What happens if we make the slope steeper?” or “Why do you think the water moves faster here?” These inquiries deepen engagement and reinforce scientific thinking. Staff members are trained educators and often circulate to facilitate activities. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions or request a guided mini-lesson.

6. Use the Learning Cards and Activity Sheets

At the entrance to the exhibit, you’ll find a small kiosk with printed Learning Cards. These are free to take and are aligned with Texas state science standards. Each card features a challenge, such as “Make the water flow uphill” or “Design a water tower that holds the most weight.” Complete the challenge, then return the card to the drop box near the exit for a small reward—a Thinkery sticker or temporary tattoo.

Activity sheets are also available for download on the Thinkery website. Print these before your visit and bring them along. They include diagrams to label, vocabulary to define, and observation prompts. These tools help structure the experience for older children and can be used as a follow-up activity in the classroom or at home.

7. Exit and Debrief

When you’re ready to leave, follow the exit path marked “Water Works Exit.” Do not re-enter the exhibit after leaving—your wristband is valid for one entry only. Before exiting, take a moment to reflect. Ask your child: “What surprised you today?” or “What would you change about the water system?” This simple debrief reinforces retention and helps connect play to real-world applications.

After exiting, you can visit the Thinkery Gift Shop, which features science-themed toys, books, and water conservation kits. Consider purchasing a “Water Explorer Kit” for continued learning at home. It includes a water testing strip, measuring cup, and activity booklet. Finally, don’t forget to complete the optional exit survey on your phone. Your feedback helps Thinkery improve exhibits and is appreciated by their education team.

Best Practices

Group Size and Supervision

For optimal safety and engagement, limit your group to no more than four children per adult. The Water Works Exhibit is designed for intimate exploration, and overcrowding reduces the quality of interaction. If you’re visiting with a large family or school group, consider splitting into smaller teams and rotating through the exhibit in shifts. This ensures each child has ample time at each station without waiting.

Supervision is non-negotiable. Even though the exhibit is shallow and safe, water play requires active oversight. Children under 5 must be within arm’s reach at all times. Staff are there to guide, not to supervise. Parents and caregivers are responsible for ensuring safe behavior—no running, no throwing water at others, and no climbing on structures not designed for it.

Maximize Learning Through Language

Use precise, descriptive language during your visit. Instead of saying, “Look at the water go,” say, “The water is flowing faster because the slope is steeper.” This models scientific observation and vocabulary acquisition. Introduce terms like *gravity*, *flow rate*, *reservoir*, and *filtration* naturally. Repetition and context help children internalize these concepts without feeling like they’re being “taught.”

Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes/no answer:

• “What do you think will happen if we block this pipe?”
• “Why do you think the water collects here instead of there?”
• “How is this like the water system in our house?”

These questions promote critical thinking and help children articulate their observations. They also give caregivers insight into their child’s cognitive development.

Manage Time Effectively

Most families spend 45 to 75 minutes in the Water Works Exhibit. Set a timer on your phone for 60 minutes to keep track. Begin at the entrance and move clockwise through the zones to ensure you cover all areas. If you notice your child is deeply engaged at one station, allow extra time there—but be mindful of the overall time limit. The exhibit closes 15 minutes before the museum’s posted closing time to allow for cleaning and safety checks.

Extend the Experience Beyond the Exhibit

Learning doesn’t end when you leave the museum. After your visit, try these simple extensions:

• At home, create a mini water channel using cardboard, plastic containers, and tubing.
• Collect rainwater in a bucket and measure how much falls over a week.
• Visit a local river, creek, or water treatment plant (many offer public tours).
• Read books like “The Water Cycle” by Natalie M. Rosinsky or “A Drop of Water” by Walter Wick.

These activities reinforce concepts and help children see science as part of daily life, not just something that happens in a museum.

Respect the Environment and Equipment

The Water Works Exhibit uses a closed-loop water system that recycles over 1,200 gallons per day. To maintain water quality and efficiency, visitors must avoid introducing foreign objects—no toys, food, or sand. Only use the provided materials. If you notice a leak, clog, or malfunction, notify staff immediately. Your alert helps them maintain the exhibit and ensures future visitors have the same quality experience.

Tools and Resources

Official Thinkery Website

The primary resource for planning your visit is www.thinkeryaustin.org. Here, you can:

• Book timed admission tickets
• View exhibit maps and floor plans
• Download printable activity sheets
• Access educator guides and curriculum connections
• Sign up for email alerts about special events and exhibit updates

The website is updated regularly and is the only official source for accurate hours, pricing, and safety policies.

Thinkery Mobile App

Download the free Thinkery app (available on iOS and Android) for an enhanced experience. The app includes:

• Interactive exhibit map with real-time crowd levels
• Audio guides for each Water Works station
• Push notifications for timed entry reminders
• Photo gallery of past visitor creations

Use the app’s “Explore Mode” to scan QR codes at stations for bonus content, including short videos of engineers explaining real water infrastructure in Austin.

Free Educational Resources

Thinkery offers a robust library of free, standards-aligned resources for educators and parents:

• Water Works Educator Guide: Lesson plans for grades K–5 aligned with NGSS and TEKS standards.
• Water Conservation Posters: Downloadable infographics on water usage and saving tips.
• STEM Challenge Cards: Printable activities like “Build a Water Filter from Household Items.”

All resources are available under the “For Educators” tab on the Thinkery website. No login is required.

Local Partnerships

Thinkery partners with Austin Water, the City of Austin’s public utility, to provide real-world context to the exhibit. Through this partnership, visitors can access:

• Monthly “Water Wizard” talks by Austin Water engineers
• Free guided tours of the city’s water treatment facility (advance registration required)
• Seasonal water conservation challenges with prizes for participating families

Check the Thinkery events calendar for upcoming partner programs. These are often free with museum admission and provide rare access to professionals working in the field.

Community and Social Media

Follow Thinkery on Instagram (@thinkeryaustin) and Facebook for behind-the-scenes content, visitor highlights, and tips from educators. The hashtag

ThinkeryWaterWorks is used by families to share their creations. You can find inspiration, see what others have built, and even submit your own photos for a chance to be featured.

Join the Thinkery Family Network, a free email list for parents, to receive monthly tips on science play at home, upcoming exhibit previews, and exclusive early access to new programming.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Rodriguez Family – First-Time Visitors

The Rodriguez family from San Antonio visited Thinkery during spring break. Their 4-year-old daughter, Mia, had never seen water flow through a man-made system before. They arrived at 9:30 AM and spent 65 minutes in Water Works. Mia spent most of her time at the Leaky Dam Challenge, building multiple versions with different materials. Her father recorded short videos of each attempt. Afterward, they reviewed the clips at home and discussed why some dams held and others collapsed. Mia later recreated the dam at home using Play-Doh and a baking tray. “She’s been talking about water pressure for two weeks,” her mother said. “It’s the most science talk we’ve ever had.”

Example 2: Ms. Delgado’s Pre-K Class – Field Trip

Mrs. Delgado, a pre-K teacher in East Austin, brought her class of 18 students on a field trip. She used Thinkery’s pre-visit curriculum guide to prepare students with vocabulary cards and a story about where water comes from. During the visit, each child was assigned a “Water Explorer Journal” to sketch their favorite station. After returning to school, the class built a class-sized water channel using cardboard tubes and plastic bottles. They even held a “Water Festival” where each child presented their journal entry. The exhibit’s impact was so strong that the school district later adopted Thinkery’s Water Works curriculum as a model for their STEM program.

Example 3: The Thompsons – Repeat Visitors

The Thompsons visit Thinkery every 6–8 weeks. Their 7-year-old son, Leo, has become fascinated with water filtration. He’s completed the Water Works Learning Cards three times and now asks to build water filters at home using coffee filters, sand, and gravel. Last summer, he entered a regional science fair with a project titled “How to Clean Dirty Water Using Things from My Kitchen.” He won second place. “We didn’t teach him how to do it,” his father said. “He figured it out after watching the exhibit’s recycling loop. That’s the power of hands-on learning.”

Example 4: A Teacher’s Professional Development Visit

Dr. Chen, a science curriculum specialist, visited Thinkery to evaluate exhibits for district adoption. She spent two hours in Water Works, documenting interactions, interviewing staff, and testing the Learning Cards. “I’ve seen dozens of science museums,” she said. “But Water Works is unique because it doesn’t just teach concepts—it lets you *live* them. The way kids collaborate, fail, and iterate is exactly what we want to see in 21st-century classrooms.” Her district later purchased a Water Works curriculum license for all elementary schools.

FAQs

Can I bring my stroller into the Water Works Exhibit?

No, strollers are not permitted inside the Water Works Exhibit due to space constraints and safety hazards. Strollers can be parked in the designated area near the main entrance. Thinkery provides complimentary loaner carriers for children under 25 pounds.

Is the exhibit accessible for children with mobility challenges?

Yes. The Water Works Exhibit is fully ADA-compliant. Ramps and wide pathways allow access to all stations. Water channels are designed with low edges for seated access. Wheelchair-accessible water controls are available at the Flow & Gravity station. If you have specific needs, contact Thinkery in advance to arrange accommodations.

How deep is the water in the exhibit?

The water depth ranges from 1 inch to 6 inches, depending on the station. It is shallow and constantly monitored for safety. All water is filtered and sanitized multiple times per day using UV and mechanical systems.

Can I feed my child in the Water Works Exhibit?

No. Food and drinks are not permitted in any interactive exhibit area, including Water Works. Picnic tables are available on the first floor near the café. You may bring water in a sealed, spill-proof bottle, but consumption must occur outside the exhibit.

Do I need to buy a separate ticket for Water Works?

No. Admission to Thinkery includes access to all permanent exhibits, including Water Works. There are no additional fees. However, special events or add-on programs (like private guided tours) may require separate registration.

Is there a height or age limit for Water Works?

There is no strict height limit, but the exhibit is designed for children ages 1–10. Toddlers under 2 may enjoy the shallow areas with close supervision. Older children and teens can still engage with the engineering challenges, though some may find the scale more suited to younger learners.

What if my child is afraid of water?

That’s completely normal. The exhibit is designed to be non-coercive. Children are never forced to enter the water. Many start by observing, then gradually touch the water with a tool or their fingers. Staff are trained to support hesitant visitors and can offer alternative ways to engage, such as controlling water flow from a dry platform.

Can I take photos and videos?

Yes! Photography and video are encouraged. However, please be respectful of other visitors’ privacy. Avoid filming or photographing other children without permission from their guardians. Flash photography is prohibited near sensitive equipment.

How often is the water changed?

The water is continuously filtered and recirculated. A full system flush and sanitization occurs every night. Water quality is tested hourly by staff using EPA-approved methods. The system uses over 90% recycled water to minimize waste.

What happens if the exhibit closes due to weather or maintenance?

Water Works is an indoor exhibit and remains open year-round. In rare cases of mechanical failure, the exhibit may close temporarily. If this occurs, your admission ticket remains valid for re-entry within 7 days. You’ll be notified via email or app alert if a closure is planned.

Conclusion

Visiting the Thinkery Water Works Exhibit is more than a fun outing—it’s an opportunity to witness the birth of scientific thinking in real time. Through play, children don’t just learn about water; they become engineers, environmental stewards, and problem solvers. The exhibit’s brilliance lies in its simplicity: no screens, no lectures, just water, materials, and curiosity. When guided with intention, this experience can spark a lifelong interest in science and sustainability.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—from planning your timed entry to extending the learning at home—you transform a routine museum visit into a meaningful educational milestone. The tools, resources, and real-world examples shared here are not just tips; they are pathways to deeper understanding. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or curious visitor, your role is vital. You are the bridge between the exhibit’s interactive wonders and the lasting impact they leave on young minds.

As you prepare for your visit, remember: the goal is not to complete every station, but to ask one good question. The water will do the rest.