Free Museums in Lake Austin

"The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is one of the most visited museums in Austin, TX. Located in the heart of downtown, this educational outlet features three floors full of interactive exhibits detailing the state's history through objects, media programs and recreated environments. Founded as a non-collecting institution, the museum's permanent collection and seasonal displays truly bring the "Story of Texas" to life. The facility also houses the only IMAX theatre in Austin."

"The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a history museum dedicated to telling the unfolding “Story of Texas. It was named after the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Texas Bob Bullock who campaigned for the preservation and exhibition of Texas history. You’ll find permanent exhibits about the Alamo, Nasa, Famous Native Texans, an IMax playing historical and current movies, and the first-floor host temporary exhibits."

"DowntownHours: Free on the first Sunday of each month, noon to 5pmThe good news: Texas-themed artifacts, revolving exhibits, and garage parking are all free on the first Sunday of each month. The bad news: IMAX movies will still cost you $13."

"This fantastic museum is geared towards helping children of all ages grow through hand-on play. Different areas throughout the building encourage different types of play like the water room gets children involved with water and how it flows, building dams and waterfalls or how it sounds as it hits different types of materials. There is also lightroom that shows children how shadows are made or the peg wall where yo7u can create your stained glass window picture with different colored plastic pegs; there is also a STEM room and outdoor play/climb area, toddler area, a store/farm area and much more."

"The Thinkery Children’s Museum is a wonderful place to spend some time with your children, watching as they learn about the world around them and how it works. Here even the youngest children will learn about creative thinking and problem solving as they make their way through science, technology, arts, math and engineering exhibits. A wide variety of fun interactive exhibits await children of all ages who can enjoy water play (bring a change of clothes), inventing and making things in the Innovators Workshop and exploring physics and motion in the Ready, Set, Roll exhibit."

"Formally known as the Austin’s Childrens Museum, the Thinkery in our opinion, is one of the best children’s museums in Texas. With tons of hands-on activities, like making your own airplane and flying it or creating music out of water, there is never a dull visit to this museum. On Austin Museum Day, Thinkery will have all of its regular displays available as well as special activities all day in Innovators’ Workshop, Spark Shop, & Kitchen Lab."

"Representing one of the city's largest cultural influences and populations, the Mexic-Arte Museum showcases traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture. Founded in 1983, the museum features rotating exhibits, many of which are thought-provoking statements about current issues, like immigration, border control, and acceptance of Mexican culture in Texas. There are numerous installations and topic-focused galleries that include the artwork or sculptures of one or more artists, and several that are collections of photography, painting, and multimedia work that represent populations within the culture."

"Take a break from the stresses of life by visiting these hilarious comedy clubs in Austin!. Afterwards, be sure to check out the Stuff to Do in Austin City Guide page and let us know what you want to see next!. Also, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok and tag us in your photos @StuffToDoInAustin!"

"Since its founding in 1984, the Mexic-Arte Museum has been designated the Official Mexican and Mexican American Fine Art Museum of Texas by the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas. The Museum is free on Sundays."

"One of the most visited attractions in Austin, the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum boasts more than 45 million pages of historical documents and papers from President LBJ's lengthy career. The museum, dedicated in 1971 and refurbished in 2013, contains exhibits relating to the president's time in office, as well as important issues of the day, including the rise of the civil rights movement. Also of interest is an impressive scale replica of the Oval Office as it would have been during Johnson's presidency, and many temporary exhibits related to American history are hosted throughout the year."

"Kick off today with a trip to the most visited presidential library in the United States, the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. You’re sure to be moved by the exhibit about the president’s life, and may well up with tears when you walk into the JFK assassination exhibit, or feel a sense of pride at seeing the pen LBJ used in signing the Civil Rights Act. Follow up the LBJ experience with lunch at Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ for some smoky beef brisket. If it’s not over 100 degrees, make your way to Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, which is close by."

"This facility – housed in a contemporary, ten-story, travertine-clad structure – is a virtual treasure trove of papers and memorabilia from the often flamboyant and much beloved former president's life. Exhibits include a replica of the Oval Office from LBJ's era, along with gifts of state received by him, displays from his boyhood, and a tribute to Mrs. Johnson's humanitarian and environmental works. Read more about LBJ Presidential Library →"

"The Austin Toy Museum is a non-profit museum suitable for the whole family – Mums and Dads will enjoy a nostalgic walk down memory lane as they show their children the very different toys that they used to play with. In addition to old favorites like Smurf and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figurines, there are several vintage video arcade games you can introduce your children to including Pac Man, Donkey Kong and many more – free to play with your admission ticket. Girls will be able to see what the original Barbie and Ken looked like (and how they were dressed back in the 60’s)."

"Why You’ve Got to Go: If you grew up loving action figures or if your kids are into them, this is the perfect place to bring them. You can take a walk down memory lane and explore vintage toys, old video games and more. What to Do: Simply let yourself go and have a great time playing vintage video games and admiring action figures along with your little ones."

"A fine place to ogle vintage toys, action figures, retro toys, classic toys, or console video games of childhoods past or present. Though seemingly targeting fanboys/girls, the museum is in fact focused on childhood education and also has a lot of hands-on activities, like vintage video games. View this post on Instagram"

"The South Austin Museum of Popular Culture collects, conserves, and exhibits vintage posters and live music ephemera from the 1960s through today to educate future generations on the rich and unique culture that makes Austin the Live Music Capital of the World. SouthPop seeks to enrich a growing and changing the community by becoming the premier source in Texas for art and artifacts of local music history from the 1960s to the present and its impact on local, national, and international culture. To learn more about South Austin Museum of Popular Culture click here."

"To get a glimpse of this integral part of Austin’s culture, head to SOUTHPOP!. Also known as AusPOP, the museum has over 3,000 artifacts and 10,000 photos to peruse. The collection includes a huge assortment of music posters spanning decades, from the 1960s to today."

"Who needs a boring history museum when you could experience a living history museum?. At Pioneer Farms, the volunteers wear high-buttoned dresses and top hats as they take you through guided tours of farms and villages from the 1800s. You can pet animals, listen to stories and ride in horse-drawn buggies as you learn all about Texas history."

"Pioneer Farms is a living history museum offering workshops and programs for both students and adults. Step back in time and experience Texas history while you explore six themed historic areas. Some of the workshops available are blacksmithing, woodworking, knitting/quilting, candlemaking, soapmaking, and cheese making."

"N’Star Donuts arrived on the Austin sweets scene in June of 2014. We are a local family-owned business and excited to be here. Our first location is in north Austin on Parmer Lane just east of MoPac."

"The over 60 varieties remain as consistent as the freshness of the products, and although the plain glazed is by far the best seller, everyone seems to have their favorites. – shipleydonuts.com"

"Great doughnuts, quick and friendly service, but I wasn't super happy with the kolaches. They are the oblong style that I feel has too much dough co..."

"The East Riverside doughnut shop is known for its very colorful and adorable creations, full of sprinkles, frosting, and even candies. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Master Donuts (@masterdonutsatx) on Feb 9, 2019 at 9:09am PST"

"Master Donuts’ Riverside shop dishes out delightfully creative donuts. It’s the go-to place for alphabet donuts in Austin!. I mean, who wouldn’t want to start their birthday with an edible greeting?"

"Established in 2014, Master Donuts has been providing the East Austin community with fresh and scrumptious donuts daily. Open Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m."

"South LamarAustin’s OG Tex-Mex titan might not be packing its cavernous dining rooms these days, but you can still order your favorites for delivery or curbside pickup. Yes, that means the iconic Bob Armstrong queso can be had alongside a double order of beef fajitas, cheesy grilled asadero tacos, or blackened redfish. For the full effect, add in Matt's total knock out margaritas which includes 275ml bottles agave tequila, 275ml Cointreau, half-gallon fresh lime juice, and their "secret ingredients."

"Last, but most definitely not least, we have Matt’s El Rancho. Located on South Lamar, this Austin staple has just what you need to enjoy a meal or cocktail. The enclosed, but spacious patio gives you a private atmosphere right in the middle of all the chaos!"

"Mexican , Tex-Mex"

"You’d probably expect to find budget eats in an old-school bowling alley, but you might be surprised by the high-quality food at Dart Bowl Café. If you’re in the mood for Tex-Mex, it’s hard to top Dart’s Famous Enchiladas for $6.25."

"This is the perfect place to come when you are looking for the perfect snack/coffee followed by ice cream. There are plenty of panini, sandwich, and salad options, so that you can indulge in something savory before something sweet. When it comes to the sweet, the Nutella gelato is a must try."