Blanton Museum of Art

The Blanton Museum of Art gives families more to do than quietly walk past paintings. Its family resources are built around looking, talking, and creating together. Visitors can borrow a free Family Activity Box containing supplies, prompts, and interactive materials.

MAKEwild, on the second floor of the Michener Gallery Building, is an open studio where visitors of all ages can make art from open-ended prompts. Family dates may also include picture-book storytimes, guided looking, outdoor games, scavenger hunts, and other art activities. The museum's storytimes are especially aimed at ages 4 to 8, while MAKEwild and the galleries can work for older children and teens.

Young-child logistics are unusually clear. Strollers are welcome, and a limited number of single-child strollers can be borrowed. Large diaper bags, backpacks, and framed carriers must go into free lockers, but soft front carriers are allowed.

Breastfeeding is welcome throughout the museum, including galleries and outdoor grounds. Changing tables are available in all restrooms in the Smith and Michener buildings, although the second floor of the Michener building has no restroom.

Regular admission is $15 for adults, $8 for youth ages 6 to 17, and free for children 5 and under. Every Tuesday offers free general admission. Tickets cover the collection, special exhibitions, and Austin by Ellsworth Kelly, but separately priced events such as Blanton All Day can follow different rules.

For a family with two adults and two school-age children, regular admission is $46 before parking.

Parking is the main arrival friction. Brazos Garage is one block away, Conference Center Garage is two blocks away, and Trinity Garage is three blocks away. Published university rates begin at $6 for one to two hours. UT football and major campus events can close garages or change prices, so check the parking page before leaving.

The galleries make this a strong rainy-day outing, while the shaded grounds and Moody Patio add outdoor space in good weather. Plan 1.5-3 hours for a normal family visit. Food cannot enter the galleries. A new museum café is announced for fall 2026 but is not yet confirmed open, so verify its status or plan a picnic and nearby meal.