Summer is here! If you’re like me, you are always looking for ways to entertain your kids. Cheap fun is good, but free fun is even better.
The Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas (ATX) is a great option to check out if you live in the area or are just traveling through. It was easy to access, educational, quiet, and completely FREE. I brought my 9-year-old daughter with me who was delighted with all of the old military tanks, planes, trucks, and more.
Entering Camp Mabry was pretty simple. We had to drive up to the guard shack, where a man in uniform asked to see my ID. Once I had clearance, he gave me directions to the museum, which was just a few moments away.
Once we were there, parking was easy. We were greeted immediately by a volunteer at the visitor’s desk, who was excited to tell us all about the museum features and even gave us a partial tour. Of interest, we learned from him that the museum was once the dining hall when Cam Mabry was an active post.
The museum was very large with tanks, planes, and all kinds of neat stuff for kids to look at and even a couple of open exhibits for them to climb in! It was a very large building with only one other family, so if you have a neurodivergent kiddo with hypersensitivity to sounds or crowds this would likely be a good option for you.
There is a small gift shop inside the museum if you are interested in purchasing a souvenir or two. My daughter selected a historical coloring book and crayons, which I found to be very affordable.
About The Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry
The Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, is a fascinating repository of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the military history of Texas. Camp Mabry itself is the headquarters of the Texas Military Forces, which includes the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, and the Texas State Guard.
The museum houses a diverse collection of military memorabilia dating back to the early days of Texas history, including weapons, uniforms, equipment, vehicles, and aircraft. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from the Texas Revolution and the Civil War to World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recent conflicts.
Visitors can explore indoor exhibits filled with historical artifacts, as well as outdoor displays featuring tanks, artillery pieces, and aircraft. The museum also offers educational programs, special events, and guided tours for visitors of all ages.
Overall, the Texas Military Forces Museum provides valuable insight into the rich military heritage of Texas and the contributions of its servicemen and women throughout history.
Visitor Info
- The Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry is located in Building 6 on Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. The street address for Camp Mabry is 3038 W 35th St, Austin, Tx 78703.
- Hours are 10am-4pm. The museum is open 7 days a week from May 27th – August 31st.
- Free admission
- Click here to view the museum website.
