Access College America

One spark of inspiration is all you need for your next big idea at the Thinkery, where each exhibit is hands-on, play-based learning, with activities and content appropriate for visitors of all ages. Create colorful works of art, take apart toys or build and launch gliders at the Spark Shop. See, feel and hear the connections between water and sound at the Currents exhibit. Find out how color, light, and shadows impact the environment at the Light Lab. Participate in sensory exploration, chemical reactions, and edible minerals in the Kitchen Lab. Imagine buying and selling delicious fruits and vegetables or collecting eggs from a pretend chicken coop in Fresh! Farmers’ Market. Step outside to the Backyard and scale the heights of a universally-accessible, custom-designed climber, or rest under the branches of a native elm tree.

Texas Rowing Center is Austin’s home for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are fun and easy ways for the whole family to enjoy Ladybird Lake. Enjoy the recreational kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards that are simple to operate and safe for everyone.

Explore the elegant side of Austin at the Neill-Cochran House, considered one of the city's three most important historic residences, where you'll discover several rooms decorated with 1780-1925 furniture. Tour the historic home and hear several stories about the many occupants over the years, including the Texas School for the Blind and its occupation by federal troops during Reconstruction. The home is open for daily tours and is a living history lesson on how Austin went from a sleepy outpost to the state capital to the home of one of the largest universities in the country.

Step into the basement lounge, where you will be transported into a timeless atmosphere richly resonating with the sounds of live music at Parker Jazz Club. A gorgeously ambient room illuminated by soft candlelight and mood lighting, you won’t be able to resist the pull of the spectacular stage. A jewel box of glittering instruments and dazzling performances, the Parker stage hosts acclaimed musicians bringing premier jazz music to the Live Music Capital of the World.