Texas State Capitol
add photosFree Capitol tours are conducted daily beginning in the Capitol South Foyer and concluding in the Capitol Extension. This tour features the Capitol, Texas history, and the Texas legislature.
Tours are generally 45 minutes in length and available during the following times:
Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Sunday, Noon- 3:30 pm
8 Reviews for Texas State Capitol
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"Fun For Parents, Older Kids"
My husband and I were thrilled to be able to visit Texas's state capitol building in Austin, but our kiddos, not so much. The building itself is remarkable, one of the most beautiful examples of 19th century architecture I've ever seen. The inside of the building features 4 distinct hallways all meeting at the rotunda room in the center. The rotunda room has 4 levels the public is allowed to access and gaze down upon the mosaic of the six flags that originally made up Texas. When we were there, the senate was in session and we were allowed to peek in and take pictures (no flash). It was thrilling to be able to get a glimpse of how government's run and see one of the most spectacular government buildings in the US. For kids, there's an interactive exhibit and an IMAX theater a few blocks away in the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. We didn't visit that this time, but I would like to in the future! I would recommend taking your family, even younger kids, just to give them a glimpse of Texas's government. It was fun!
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"Great place on a nice day!"
The capitol is a great place for families. The inside of the capitol is better meant for older kids but the exterior of the capitol is great for nice days. Lots of lawn space to hang out and enjoy the day. We like going on a family bike ride and stopping at the capitol to take a look. There is a cute gift shop that the kids may enjoy but younger children will not be patient enough for the entire tour of the capitol.
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"Enjoyed it"
We took the tour and went downstairs of the capital and took lots of pictures. The kids enjoyed it but didnt think they had or enjoyed it as us adults did. They have a small gift shop which the kids liked looking through. The capital is close or walking distance to shops and in the heart of austin.
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"Older kids"
This isn't attention getting for young children, but what a great lesson for school age kids. A friend of mine said that when she moved to Austin she looked at the capitol building and thought it looked familiar. Apparantly it was designed by the same man that did the Michigan State Capitol- only we all know everything is bigger in Texas! Great learning opportunity about politics, but I recommend leaving young children at home.
2 families found this helpful
"Texas State Capitol"
Definatley not intended for an entertainment spot.(DUH!) Anyway, I think that the funnest part of the trip to the Texas State Capital was looking at the top of the building while being on the bottom floor. It looked a big spiral. Not a good place for kids but a good spot for people who like social studies and history.
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"Fun with the Family"
This pink-granite building is a replica of the U.S. Capitol, but just a little bit taller (of course). Portraits of the state’s governors line the rotunda walls, and statues of Texas heroes crowd the foyer. The House and Senate chambers are an impressive sight.
The adjacent Capitol Complex Visitors Center at 112 East Eleventh Street (512–305–8400) is housed in the historic Old General Land Office Building and is filled with information about local tours and attractions.
2 families found this helpful
"A guided tour"
We did a tour through the capitol and it was interesting for the adults and not so interesting for the kids. Its a big, beautiful building with lots of history. The grounds have interesting statues and fountains. The tour was free and that is sometimes important.
1 family found this helpful
"Texas State Capitol"
The Capitol is great for kids of all ages. It has great historic (educational) significance and the grounds are great for kids to let off steam. There are tours available throughout the day that give historical information about the building as well as artwork inside. When we visit we usually walk around in the building for a while then head outside to log roll down the hills on the South side of the building. The Legislature is in session for 140 days starting in January of odd numbered years so during that time kids can observe law makers in action from the galleries on the third floor. After our visit we usually walk to one of the many restaurants down Congress avenue for a bite to eat - although the Capitol has a cafeteria too. There are also two gift shops on the grounds. One in the Extension (the underground portion of the building) and another on the South grounds in the old General Land Office building. They have all sorts of neat things from old maps to books to jewelry. Really a neat place to visit.
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