Austin families looking for a happy Halloween-week plan with a learning twist will find it at Thinkery, the nonprofit children’s museum in Mueller. Its fall lineup pairs two hands-on programs, both included with general admission, that turn spooky season into joyful science.
The star of the week is Spooky Science: Erupting Pumpkins, running October 27-29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children watch a pumpkin erupt before their eyes while educators unpack the fizzy chemical reaction behind the classic erupting-volcano experiment. It is messy, surprising and designed to be watched up close.
Also on through November 1, Arachnid Anatomy invites young makers to explore what makes an arachnid an arachnid: eight legs and lots of creativity. In the Spark Shop, families use colorful, upcycled materials to construct a creepy-crawly creation of their own to take home.
Thinkery, at 1830 Simond Ave, offers 40,000 square feet of interactive STEAM exhibits, so families can round out the visit with more play before or after each program. Check the museum’s official site for admission and daily hours before you go.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
