Visitor Information Amenities and accomodations
An A-Z Guide of Amenities and Accommodations by Campus
- Abercrombie Building, Level 1
Bank of America® (near Grey Elevators)
Wells Fargo® (near Red Elevators) - Wallace Tower, Level 3
Bank of America® - Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, Level 3
Wells Fargo®
The "Baby Bistro" located inside Bella Luna Boutique offers support to breastfeeding moms. We provide one-on-one consultation with a registered nurse who is an internationally board-certified lactation consultant, both before and after your baby is born. You may also visit to weigh your baby at no charge. Call 832-826-8881 for more information.
Bella Luna Boutique is located on Level 3 of Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women. It is a stylish retail store offering gifts and self-care items for mothers and infants. The boutique offers infant clothing and accessories, preemie clothing, gifts, books and so much more. An extensive line of Medela® breastfeeding products and nursing bras are available as well. We are also pleased to offer the Symphony hospital-grade pump and scale rental. Please call 832-826-8000 for rental availability and fees.
Ages 6 and older
West Tower, Level 16
The Child Life Zone is a space where patients and families can hang out, play games, create art and make new friends. The Zone includes:
- Arts and crafts
- Board and interactive games
- Kitchen for cooking demos and activities
- Microsoft gaming wall
- Pool, air hockey and foosball tables
- Special events
Check the event schedule outside of The Zone for hours and activities or call 832-826-1612.
The Family Advocacy Department helps ensure that your stay at Texas Children’s is a positive experience. Family advocates can help with questions, concerns, compliments or suggestions about your experience. They can also help resolve issues, assist with communication between you and your health care team, and advocate for your patient’s rights and responsibilities.
Call 832-824-1919 to reach the Family Advocacy Department during business hours or email familyadvocacy@texaschildrens.org. If you need an advocate after hours, please speak with your nurse, charge nurse or nurse manager.
These welcoming spaces offer space to enjoy some family time outside the busy hospital setting.
The Children’s Garden
West Tower, Level 4
This relaxing roof garden provides seating and tables for patients and families who want to spend time together, enjoy a meal or spend time outdoors without leaving the hospital.
The Merle C. Donigan Play Garden
Abercrombie Building, Level 1
The Play Garden is appropriate for children of all ages.
West Tower, Level 16
The Art Studio is a place for patients, families and an accompanying Child Life team member to take part in individual or small group art activities. Art studio elements may also be taken to the bedside with our Harrison’s Heroes art carts.
Care WiFi is Texas Children's free, high-speed wireless network access that is available throughout the hospital complex. Computers with internet access and other office amenities are in the Business Center on Level 16 of West Tower.
Child Life Media Production
Home to ZTV, the Child Life team broadcasts live shows and special events from the studio. Patients and families are welcome to participate in these child-friendly shows either in the studio or by watching from their rooms on Channel 19. Ask your nurse for more information.
Music Studio
Located within Kids’ Own Studio is a dedicated space specifically designed for musical enrichment. Patients can work with a member of the Child Life team to schedule time to play an instrument or write and record their own song.
At Texas Children’s, we are committed to communicating effectively with patients and families who prefer a language other than English. Language interpreters are available 24/7 by picking up the blue and white dual handset phones in patient rooms or dialing *9123 from any Texas Children’s Hospital landline. Video remote interpretation is also available via AMN/Stratus iPads. To request in-person interpreters, notify a care team member or call Language Services at 832-824-5200.
Texas Medical Center, West Tower, Level 16
Free, self-service washers and dryers are available to families. Contact Guest Services at 832-826-STAR (7827) for information.
Pi Beta Phi Patient and Family Library
West Tower, Level 16, Room 16.265
Open Monday – Friday.
Call 832-826-1619 to confirm hours.
The library has a collection of more than 6,000 fiction and nonfiction books for all ages, including a large selection of paperbacks for adults, storybooks for children and foreign language books. DVDs, board games and puzzles are also available.
The Barbara Adams Family Resource Center within the library offers medical and parenting resources, as well as computers with internet access, printers, a FAX machine and a copy machine.
Massage services are provided at Bella Luna Boutique using the following techniques: prenatal, postnatal, Swedish, deep tissue and lymphatic drainage. Appointments are available Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For appointments and price listings, please call 832-826-2135.
Texas Children’s Patient and Family Advisors represent the diverse patients we serve at the hospital. They partner with care teams to improve all patients' quality, safety and experience.
Advisors are volunteers through the Department of Patient and Family Engagement at Texas Children’s. For questions or additional information, contact the Department of Patient and Family Engagement at 832-822-1234 or pfengagement@texaschildrens.org.
The preteen room, for patients ages 8 to 12, features video games, a pool table, a foosball table, scheduled craft projects and computer stations. Hours for the preteen room are posted on the door.
Keeping up with schoolwork can provide structure, be a distraction from illness and allow your child to focus on a future outside the hospital. Texas Children’s School Program offers educational programs to meet your child’s individual needs.
Houston Independent School District (HISD) Community Services
Children admitted to the hospital for a more extended period may enroll in this program, which provides:
- Curriculum continuity and ability to earn high school credits
- Education by Texas-certified teachers
- Instruction in the Learning Lab or at the bedside
- Section 504 or Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)
- Arrangements for homebound instruction after discharge
School is scheduled around therapies and medical treatments, and your child’s medical condition is considered each day before school. To arrange for your child to participate in the HISD School Program, you can either get in touch with the Child Life Activity Coordinator or Certified Child Life Specialist on your floor or email the school program at school@texaschildrens.org.
The Learning Lab
The Learning Lab serves all students hospitalized at Texas Children’s but focuses support on those not enrolled in the HISD program. The Learning Lab encourages patients to use books and work on assignments from their own school while in the hospital. Our school coordinators work with schools to ensure that patients’ educational needs are met. Schools can send assignments by email to school@texaschildrens.org or fax them to 832-825-1291.
The Learning Lab provides:
- All accommodations and modifications per the patient’s Section 504 or Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)
- Course-specific tutoring
- Hands-on instruction in a group setting
- One-on-one instruction in the Learning Lab or at the bedside by volunteers who are retired teachers, college students or experts in specific fields of study
If your school-aged child is now in the hospital, contact the Child Life Activity Coordinator on your floor or call 832-826-1624.
The safety and security of our patients, families and employees are important. Officers are always on duty to ensure your safety. If you have any security concerns, call 832-824-5400 to access security 24/7.
The teen room is for patients ages 13 and older. It includes a large flat-screen TV for patients to watch movies and play video games. Patients may also play arcade games, listen to music, enjoy various crafts or play pool. Hours are posted on the door.
Located near the Auxiliary Bridge on Level 3 of West Tower, The Children’s Chapel provides a unique space for families, patients and staff to pray, meditate, attend religious services or simply be alone with their thoughts. The chapel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For your convenience, there is a Bank of America ATM located on level 1 of the North Austin Texas Children’s Hospital.
Child life specialists help prepare patients for medical treatments and procedures. Using teaching tools such as imagery, distraction and relaxation, our team members help patients reduce anxiety and learn coping strategies. Services include:
• Age-appropriate activities
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Family and sibling support programs
• Individualized explanations of medical tests, procedures and surgeries
• Music and art therapy
• School program
To reach a child life specialist, notify your clinical care team.
The Family Advocacy Department helps ensure that your stay at Texas Children’s is a positive experience. Family advocates can help with questions, concerns, compliments or suggestions about your experience. They can also help resolve issues, assist with communication between you and your health care team, and advocate for your patient’s rights and responsibilities.
Call 737-229-3385 to reach the Family Advocacy Department during business hours or email northaustinfamilyadvocacy@texaschildrens.org. If you need an advocate after hours, please speak with your nurse, charge nurse or nurse manager.
North Austin Campus, Level 2 PA.0290.69
The Family Resource Center and Family Health Library offer a variety of resources for patients and families, including:
• Books available for checkout (leisure and medical education)
• Business center with computers, printers, copiers, fax and scanning
• Chargers for cell phones and electronic devices
The center also offers a helpful online tool to search and connect with hundreds of supportive programs and resources. Visit txchfamilyresources.org for more information.
We strive to provide a variety of food options while you are here. Onsite options listed below. Visitors can also order from a food delivery service (such as Door Dash, Grubhub or others) and meet the driver at the first-floor desk.
Café
North Austin Cafe, Level 1 (near main entrance & Paseo)
• Weekdays 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
• Weekends 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Coffee Corner
North Austin Cafe, Level 2
• Open 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. seven days a week
• Grab and Go/Self Check out 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.
We understand that insurance and billing can seem complicated. We make every effort to prepare families for anticipated care expenses. These may include:
• Co-insurance amounts
• Co-pays
• Deductibles
• Self-pay or non-covered expenses
For services provided at Texas Children’s, you may receive invoices from our hospital, Texas Children’s Physician Group or other partners such as Baylor College of Medicine, Pediatric Anesthesia Services and Pediatric Pathology Consultants.
To learn whether Texas Children’s and our providers are in your insurance network, please get in touch with your insurance carrier or your employer’s benefits department.
Financial assistance
Texas Children’s provides financial assistance to eligible patients and their families. Our team of specially trained financial counselors is available Monday-Friday to help you understand your options and apply for assistance. They can also speak with you about payment arrangements if needed. Call 737-229-2261 or visit the Admissions Office on Level 1 through main entrance.
Ways to pay
For your convenience, you can pay your Texas Children's Hospital bill and your Texas Children's Physician Services Organization (TCPSO) bill by mail, phone, online or through MyChart.
To pay online, please visit your MyChart portal. You may also pay as a guest at https://mychart.texaschildrens.org/MyChart/billing/guestpay. To pay as a guest, you will need your account number.
To pay by phone, please call 832-824-2300.
Customer service
Customer service representatives can assist you with questions about bills. Please email customerservice@texaschildrens.org or call 832-824-2300 or 800-722-2570.
The Paseo
North Austin Campus, Level 1
This relaxing outdoor space that provides seating and tables for patients and families, who want to spend time together, enjoy a meal or spend time outdoors without leaving the hospital.
Lori’s Gift Shop
Forgot something? Lori’s Gift Shop is located on Level 2. Our gift shop offers merchandise for all ages and occasions, including a selection of greeting cards, fresh flowers, balloons, plush toys and personal care products. Additionally, the gift shop will carry home décor accents, clothing, fun accessories, snack and more.
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Texas Children's Guest Services Department can assist with your family's non-medical and unexpected needs while at our hospital. Representatives are available from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to answer your questions and provide information on:
• Access to fax machines, copiers and other office equipment while at the hospital
• Activities and attractions for patients, siblings and adults
• Area maps and directions (e.g., washer dryers, gift shops, food courts, ATM/banking)
• Dining options within walking distance
• Non-clinical services, hospital programs and events available to families
• Parking options and transportation
• Places to stay nearby
• Shopping
• Special requests for birthdays, holidays or other family celebrations
Contact Guest Services at 737-229-4837 or notify a care team member.
Antibacterial hand sanitizing dispensers are located throughout the hospital. Please sanitize your hands often while on our campus.
Wireless access is available throughout the hospital campus. Under wireless connections, select CareWIFI for access you must read and accept the acceptable use policy. Computers with internet access and other office amenities are in the Resource Center on Level 2.
At Texas Children’s, we are committed to communicating effectively with patients and families who prefer a language other than English. Language interpreters are available 24/7 by picking up the blue and white dual handset phones or dialing *9123 from any Texas Children’s Hospital landline. Video remote interpretation is also available via AMN/Stratus iPads.
To request in-person interpreters, notify a care team member or call Language Services at 737-229-3350.
Women’s Services, Level 2 in Elevator Lobby
Free, self-serve washers and dryers are available to families. Contact Guest Services at 737-229-4837 for information.
Surface Parking lots and garages
Surface parking
Surface parking is available for our patients, families and visitors on both sides of campus.
Self-parking garages (open 24/7)
Our parking garage is available for our patients, families and visitors with accessible walkway on 2nd Level.
Contact Guest Services at 737-229-4837 for up-to-date lodging information near campus.
Patients and their family members or visitors are generally permitted to take photos or recordings at Texas Children’s under these conditions:
• The photography or recording does not interfere with patient care.
• The photography or recording does not infringe on the privacy of other patients and families.
• Physicians, nurses and others on a patient’s care team must give verbal consent before being photographed or recorded.
• Photographs or recordings during medical procedures are not allowed unless the patient’s physician or other provider approves.
• Please ask your nurse if you have any questions about what you can or cannot photograph/record.
The safety and security of our patients, families and employees are important. If you have any security concerns, officers are always on duty to ensure your safety. Call 737-229-5400 to access security 24/7.
Texas Children’s social workers are specially trained, licensed professionals here to help you and your family cope with the life changes brought on by your child’s hospitalization. They provide an array of services, including:
• Help with finding community resources
• Crisis interventions
• Counseling
• Education about your child’s diagnosis
Hundreds of medical providers, information centers, support groups, nonprofit agencies, home care services, schools, and federal, state and city programs are available to assist families in need. Our social workers are available 24/7 to help you find the resources you need — whether your child is in the hospital or has returned home.
To reach a social worker, notify your clinical care team.
Hospital Chaplains are available to support families while respecting spiritual and religious diversity, offer grief counseling, prayer support and other devotional needs Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. To request a chaplain, please call the Spiritual Care Department at 737-229-3350.
North Austin Campus, Level 2 (near monumental Stairs), Open 24/7
The Children’s Chapel is a unique space for families, patients and staff to pray, meditate or attend religious services.
We understand the importance of having family members present during a child’s hospitalization. Having loved ones nearby is vital to the healing process. For the safety and protection of our patients, including the most vulnerable, our visitation policies may change due to COVID-19 protocols or seasonal illnesses such as the flu. We screen visitors for flu-like symptoms at the inpatient unit level each day. Visitors who are sick will be asked to leave the hospital until fully recovered. Please check our webpage for the most current visitation information.
Texas Children’s is honored to be ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas and among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition starts and ends with having an amazing team, including wonderful volunteers who help provide the best care possible to children and their families. It takes a team to heal a child, and Texas Children’s volunteers are essential to this effort.
Texas Children’s Volunteer Services assigns volunteer positions based on the hospital’s current needs and the volunteer’s availability, interests and skills. For more information, contact Volunteer Services at 737-229-3388 or volunteerservices@texaschildrens.org.
1st Floor behind Main Hospital Welcome desk
Located on the 1st floor
Hours
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. breakfast | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. lunch/dinner
Saturday and Sunday: CLOSED
Patient and Guest Trays: please call (832) 826-3400
Breakfast - $6.00 / Lunch or Dinner - $8.00
Ask Staff for assistance
Child life specialists help prepare patients for medical treatments and procedures. Using teaching tools such as imagery, distraction and relaxation, our team members help patients reduce anxiety and learn coping strategies. Services include:
• Age-appropriate activities
• Animal-assisted therapy
• Family and sibling support programs
• Individualized explanations of medical tests, procedures and surgeries
• Music and art therapy
• School program
To reach a child life specialist, notify your clinical care team.
Hours
Sunday - Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (limited menu)
Sunday - Saturday: closed from 10:40 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
The Family Advocacy Department helps ensure that your stay at Texas Children’s is a positive experience. Family advocates can help with questions, concerns, compliments or suggestions about your experience. They can also help resolve issues, assist with communication between you and your health care team, and advocate for your patient’s rights and responsibilities.
Call 832-824-1919 to reach the Family Advocacy Department during business hours.
2nd Floor
Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Emergency Center waiting area, outside unit area (waiting area) 5th floor, 4th floor