Museums
Discover Something New
Museums
Looking for family-friendly museums in the Texas Hill Country? From hands-on exhibits and local history to science, art, transportation, and Texas heritage, there are plenty of places where kids can explore something new. We’ve gathered some of our favorite museums across the Hill Country for families looking to add a little discovery to their next day trip or weekend adventure.
The Doseum
This children’t museum turns curiosity into a full-body experience. Kids can scale a multi-level treehouse, splash and build at interactive water tables, and dig into hands-on science and health exhibits that make learning feel like recess. There’s a kid-sized HEB grocery store in Little Town, a Spy Academy, and the kid-favorite ball room with launchers, tubes, and chutes. Best for families with kids roughly toddler age through 10, the Doseum is a wonderful escape from the Texas heat.
Howdy Kiddo Tip: Free Family nights are held the FIRST Monday of every month 5:30pm-7:30pm. The ticket link opens at 8am on their website that day, so get your tickets early.
2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
210-212-4453
Website: Doseum
The Witte
Set along the San Antonio Ricer in Breckenridge Park, the Witte Museum is where nature, science, and Texas history collide. Explore the full-scale dinosaur skeletons, wildlife exhibits, and frontier-era storytelling at the Texas Heritage Center. Outside, kids can run, splash at the water works, and test their skills on the Mt. Witte combing wall.
Howdy Kiddo Tip: Bexar county residents get free entry Tuesdays 3pm-6pm.
The Witte is part of the ASTC Travel Passport Program
3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
210-357-1900
Website: Witte
Science Mill (Johnson City)
The Science Mill’s mission is to give all kids the confidence, tools, and support to reach their full potential as a skilled member of a future 21st-century STEM workforce. By reaching elementary and middle school students in communities that have little or no access to STEM programs, they ignite a new level of interest and the spark that excites and engages students in STEM learning. Their STEM programs result in students who are eager to learn, excited about their future, and confident that they can succeed in the future STEM workforce and be a participant in a science-literate community.
101 S. Lady Bird Lane, Johnson City, Texas 78636
Phone: 844-263-6405
Website: https://www.sciencemill.org
The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country
For the last 26 years, the museum has been trying to protect and preserve over 200 dinosaur footprints and 28 separate trackways. Made approximately 110 million years ago, the footprints and trackways are part of the early Cretaceous period in the upper Glen Rose Formation.
The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country is a multi-acre layout, with trackways, hiking trails, Cretaceous fossil digs, and more! They are located midway between Startzville and Sattler on FM 2673.
4831 FM 2673, San Antonio, TX 78133
830-899-4542
Website: https://www.theheritagemuseum.com
Frontier Times Museum
If your kids love strange stories and unusual treasures, they’ll have fun here. The museum is packed with fascinating artifacts and quirky exhibits that celebrate Texas history and the Old West. It’s much more interesting than you might expect from the outside.
510 13th St, Bandera, TX 78003
Bandera Natural History Museum
Dinosaurs, fossils, and wildlife exhibits make this a fun surprise for kids. The outdoor displays are just as enjoyable as the museum itself, and it’s an easy stop that doesn’t take all day. It’s one of Bandera’s hidden gems.
267 Old San Antonio Rd, Bandera, TX 78003
Buggy Barn Museum
Step back in time at one of the most unique museums in Texas. The Buggy Barn houses beautifully restored horse-drawn carriages, wagons, and stagecoaches that tell the story of early Hill Country life. Even kids who aren’t “museum people” are usually surprised by how interesting it is.
1915 Main St, Blanco, TX 78606
Fort Croghan Grounds & Museum
Step back into Texas history at one of the state’s oldest frontier forts. The museum features original buildings, pioneer artifacts, and exhibits that help bring early Texas life to life. It’s a fun stop for curious kids and history-loving parents alike.
703 Buchanan Dr, Burnet, TX 78611
Highland Lakes Squadron Air Museum
Aviation fans of all ages will enjoy this hidden gem. The museum features vintage aircraft, military memorabilia, and volunteers who love sharing stories about the planes on display. Kids who dream of flying will especially enjoy this stop.
2402 S Water St, Burnet, TX 78611
National Museum of the Pacific War
Don’t let the word museum fool you. This one is incredibly well done, with tanks, aircraft, interactive exhibits, and plenty to keep older kids interested. If your family enjoys history, it’s one of the best museums in Texas.
340 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Pioneer Museum
If you’ve ever wondered what Fredericksburg looked like when German settlers first arrived, this is the place. Historic homes, barns, and artifacts help bring the town’s early history to life without feeling stuffy. It’s a nice stop if your family enjoys exploring beyond Main Street.
325 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
The Museum of Western Art
Cowboys, ranch life, and Texas history come to life through beautiful bronze sculptures, paintings, and exhibits celebrating the American West. The museum is thoughtfully designed and surprisingly engaging for older kids. Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, it’s worth a visit.
1550 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville, TX 78028
Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force
History-loving kids (and adults) will enjoy getting up close to beautifully restored vintage aircraft. The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and love sharing stories about the planes. It’s one of San Marcos’ hidden gems.
1841 Airport Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666
Texas Vintage Motorcycle Museum (Johnson City)
Housed inside an authentic, historic former Ford dealership building, this museum houses over 110 beautifully preserved vintage motorcycles primarily from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. The museum is highly rated for its passionate owner, detailed background stories on the bikes, and family-friendly atmosphere.
100 N Nugent Ave, Johnson City, TX 78636
(832) 326-3299
Website: https://www.texasvintagemotorcyclemuseum.com/
