Thinkery: The Power of Play

In the heart of Mueller, Thinkery is widely known as a place where families come to play. But behind the hands-on exhibits and joyful energy is a deeper purpose, one centered on how children learn, grow, and build confidence through experience.  

We spoke with Becca Drew, Thinkery’s director of learning experience, about why play-based learning matters and how Thinkery is expanding its impact across Central Texas.

Most people see Thinkery as a fun place for kids to play, but there’s a bigger mission behind it. Can you tell us about that?  

Play is how we learn and grow. At Thinkery, the goal is to create spaces where children feel safe enough to take risks, explore new ideas, and discover how the world works. The mission is to lead the future of play-based STEAM learning experiences that inspire all children to become confident, creative thinkers.  

What may look like simple fun is often layered with meaningful learning. A child pretending to make pizza, for example, is building language skills, practicing symbolic thinking, and even exploring early math concepts like fractions. When learning feels joyful, children are more willing to experiment without fear of being “wrong.” That sense of freedom is where deeper understanding begins, and where confidence takes root.  

How does Thinkery reach Mueller area families beyond those who walk through your doors?  

Extending beyond the museum walls is a critical part of the work. Through initiatives like EdExchange, Thinkery partners with educators and librarians across Central Texas to bring play-based STEAM learning into classrooms and community spaces.  

These programs go beyond one-time workshops. The team works directly alongside educators, co-teaching and modeling hands-on approaches that can be integrated into everyday learning. Students might create stop-motion videos to explain scientific concepts or use storytelling to explore math in a new way.  

By equipping teachers with these tools, the impact multiplies, reaching far more children and helping foster a culture of curiosity, creativity, and exploration that continues long after a single visit.  

Programs like Museums for All are so impactful. How do initiatives like this benefit the community?  

Access is at the core of Thinkery’s mission. Programs like Museums for All help ensure that cost is not a barrier for families who want to engage in high-quality, hands-on learning experiences.  

Expanding access means more children can benefit from environments that nurture curiosity and confidence. These opportunities are especially important for families who may not otherwise have access to enrichment programs.  

By creating a more inclusive space, Thinkery isn’t just serving individual families; it’s strengthening the broader community. When more children have the chance to explore, create, and imagine, the long-term impact is shared by everyone.  

What are some of the challenges families face when trying to access experiences like this today?  

Families today are navigating a complex and often overwhelming landscape. Many parents are balancing demanding careers, financial pressures, and caregiving responsibilities, all while facing a constant stream of advice about how to raise their children. A recent Surgeon General’s Advisory underscores the impact of parental stress on children, revealing that the emotional well-being of adults can significantly shape their kids’ development and happiness (U.S. Surgeon General, Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents).  

That level of stress can take a toll not just on caregivers but on children as well. Thinkery aims to be a space where families can reconnect through play. Whether a parent is fully engaged alongside their child or simply taking a moment to pause, there’s reassurance in knowing their child is in a safe, enriching environment.  

It’s also important to recognize that some families face deeper challenges, including adversity or instability. Research provided by Hope Healthy Outcomes at Tufts Medicine shows that positive childhood experiences can help buffer those impacts (Hope Healthy Outcomes, Tufts Medicine).  

By creating welcoming, joyful spaces, Thinkery provides opportunities for children to build resilience, confidence, and a lasting love of learning.  

Do you have a favorite story that really captures Thinkery’s impact?  

One moment that stands out came from a family workshop in partnership with local community organizations. After the experience, a parent shared that it allowed them to “see the genius of their child.”  

That reflection captures something powerful. When children are given the freedom to explore without pressure, their creativity and capabilities naturally emerge. Just as importantly, caregivers are able to witness that potential in real time—often in ways they hadn’t seen before.  

These moments are a reminder that fostering confident, creative thinkers begins with recognizing the strengths already present in every child.  

For Mueller Magazine readers who feel inspired, what’s the best way to get involved or support Thinkery’s mission?  

There are many ways to be part of the work. Membership is a meaningful starting point, helping families stay connected while directly supporting ongoing programs. Donations also play a critical role, funding initiatives that expand access to communities across Central Texas.  

Families can engage by attending events, enrolling in camps or workshops, or simply sharing Thinkery with others. Every visit and conversation helps grow a community that values curiosity, creativity, and learning through play.  

For those looking to make a deeper impact, volunteering or partnering with Thinkery offers a hands-on opportunity to help shape experiences for the next generation.  

At its core, Thinkery’s work is about more than play; it’s about possibility. And by creating spaces where children feel empowered to explore, imagine, and discover, it’s helping build a future filled with confident, capable learners.  

This content was created in partnership with Thinkery.