National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature — Attraction in Abilene

Really love this place. I only have been here on Saturday mornings with my two year old. Not only is it free to get into but they do free crafts and if it’s open, a little museum featuring artists and authors and their books. They have a book/gift shop too that’s pretty big and has a lot of options. My toddler loves it and it gives us something to do Saturday mornings. Not to mention the staff are always very kind and pleasant. They have an area in the back too that has other activities for kids to do as well. Idk if it would be really crazy fun for little babies or older kids, unless they like art, but it’s pretty perfect for toddlers. It’s always clean too. I haven’t been to any of their events or anything though, but I imagine those are just as great too. Definitely recommend if you just need to burn off some toddler energy or if your child is into literature and art. If they do have special events i would recommend buying...

After driving several hours to see the museum - we found it closed! A small sheet of paper taped to the window showed that it was closed on Saturday! The recording when we called the main phone number, mentioned nothing of the closure. The Facebook page mentioned nothing of the closure. The website mentioned nothing of the closure. It Only when you arrive will you find the doors locked and be apprised of the change. Not very considerate of patrons and very disappointing. My wife was an elementary teacher for 30+ years and the daughter of the city librarian. She knows the authors, illustrators, and award winning books. She has read them to many hundreds of childern and this was to be a high point of our trip. It would be an understatement to say we're bummed. Please improve your public...

This museum and the trail of children's sculptures (including a Dr. Seus) that run through the downtown make a perfect stop for the whole family and/or art/literature lovers. The museum features the illustrations from a children's author and tells the stories of how they came to be. An attached art area offers some hands-on art opportunities for your littles (or you), and the attached bookstore offers many signed copies from authors who have been showcased. While there is so much for big kids, we took a toddler and a college student and had a blast. Hope to go back for a longer day of...