Capitol & Museum Day

Photo: ajay_suresh / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Texas history, dinosaurs and the Capitol dome, all within a few blocks. It works rain or shine.

• Downtown / UT
• Ages 6–14
• $$ (Bullock tickets and garage) or free on free days
• Best for: Ages 6–14; any weather

1. Morning · 10am–12:30pm
   

   Photo: ajay_suresh / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

   Bullock Texas State History Museum

   See the La Belle shipwreck and the hands-on exhibits.

   Bullock Texas State History Museum

   Cost: Paid admission; free on H-E-B Free First Sundays. Garage $15/day. Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM.

   See in the guide →
2. Lunch
   

   Photo: Bullock Texas State History Museum (official website)

   The Star Cafe (inside the Bullock Museum)

   It's in the museum, so there's no extra trip. It serves breakfast items, sandwiches, wraps and desserts. You don't need a museum ticket to eat there. Open daily 10am–4pm.

   The Star Cafe (inside the Bullock Museum) · 1800 N Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

   Website
3. Afternoon · 1:30–3pm
   

   Photo: LoneStarMike / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

   Texas State Capitol

   Take the free 40-minute guided tour, then look straight up at the inside of the dome.

   Texas State Capitol

   Cost: Free. Hours: Building: Mon–Fri 7 AM–8 PM, Sat–Sun 9 AM–8 PM. Free guided tours Mon–Sat 9 AM–4:15 PM, Sun noon–4:15 PM. Alternative: Texas Science & Natural History Museum. Dinosaurs and fossils on the UT campus.

   See in the guide →

Rainy day backup: Blanton Museum of Art

Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin' chapel of colored light is a kid favorite. Hours: Tue–Fri 10 AM–5 PM; Sat 10 AM–8 PM; Sun 10 AM–5 PM; closed Mon.

Blanton Museum of ArtSee in the guide →

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