Austin Nature & Science Center
Discover Texas's natural wonders at this free 80-acre center with rescued wildlife, a dino dig, and interactive nature exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the heat & crowds
Austin Nature & Science Center
Best Time
Avoid the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Texas's natural wonders at this free 80-acre center with rescued wildlife, a dino dig, and interactive nature exhibits.
"The BEST place to get a taste of everything with nature. Bonus: Free admission!!!"
🎯 Free Admission Fun
Entry is free! Check online for any reservation requirements, especially on special free admission days.
👟 Stroller-Friendly Trails
The walking paths are great for strollers, making it easy for families with young children to explore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dino Dig Pit
Outdoor area
Unearth dinosaur fossils in a giant sandpit – a thrilling adventure for young paleontologists!
Rescued Wildlife Exhibits
Indoor and outdoor enclosures
See native Texas animals, including rescued bobcats and porcupines, that cannot be released back into the wild.
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Nature Trading Post
Visitor Center
Bring in natural items you've found and trade them for other treasures. A unique way to engage with nature!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Reservations
Beat the Texas Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Fun
Entry is free! Check online for any reservation requirements, especially on special free admission days.
👟 Stroller-Friendly Trails
The walking paths are great for strollers, making it easy for families with young children to explore.
💧 Water Play Area
Cool off in the water play section, a perfect spot for kids on a hot Texas day.
♻️ Nature Trading
Bring found natural items to trade for cool treasures at the Nature Trading Post. Open Wed-Fri.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Fun
Entry is free! Check online for any reservation requirements, especially on special free admission days.
👟 Stroller-Friendly Trails
The walking paths are great for strollers, making it easy for families with young children to explore.
💧 Water Play Area
Cool off in the water play section, a perfect spot for kids on a hot Texas day.
♻️ Nature Trading
Bring found natural items to trade for cool treasures at the Nature Trading Post. Open Wed-Fri.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Austin Nature & Science Center for its free admission and engaging, hands-on activities for children, particularly the Dino Dig and Nature Trading Post. The rescued wildlife exhibits are also a highlight, offering educational insights. While some wish for more interactive exhibits, the overall experience is highly valued as a fun and educational outing for families.
"I really enjoyed my visit and loved seeing the animals! They are all rescues and unfortunately cannot be released. The center cares for them, and features a nice walk around, and a pond. The visitor center itself if filled with nature artifacts, and displays.
Entry is free and a great way to spend a Saturday!"
Charlene Perez
"My kids and I love this center! We drive 2 hours to go there and it’s worth it every time. My kids love to trade in their rocks they collected to trade them in for points that they can then “spend” on items available."
Kayla Sereno
"What is this place? The BEST place to get a taste of everything with nature. Bonus: Free admission!!! Once in the visitor center, check out nets and buckets to catch crawfish in the creek. Then, check out some imprinted ex-pet in the reptile and bird zones. Rock trading center has interesting items for little eyes to see. I would say best for elementary level kids. My elementary and middle schoolers had a great time."
Wei H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Austin Nature & Science Center is located at 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX, within Zilker Park. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is generally available. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving Zilker Park.
Yes, parking is available at the Austin Nature & Science Center. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends or during special events, as parking lots can fill up.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach the Austin Nature & Science Center, especially if you prefer not to worry about parking. The drop-off point is usually near the main entrance.
Yes, the trails and many areas of the Austin Nature & Science Center are stroller-friendly, making it easy for families with young children to navigate and explore.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Austin Nature & Science Center website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Austin Nature & Science Center is free! This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for families and visitors.
You do not need to buy tickets as admission is free. However, some visitors suggest reserving your spot online, especially for special free admission days or during peak times.
Yes, the Austin Nature & Science Center sometimes offers special free admission days. For example, July 15th was mentioned as a free date, so keep an eye on their website for announcements.
The Austin Nature & Science Center welcomes groups. It's advisable to contact them in advance to arrange group visits, especially for school groups or larger parties, to ensure a smooth experience.
While admission is free, donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. Donations help support the center's educational programs and animal care.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Dino Dig Pit, rescued wildlife exhibits (like bobcats and porcupines), the Nature Trading Post, indoor educational displays on geology and paleontology, and walking trails around a fish pond.
Kids can enjoy the Dino Dig Pit, trade natural items at the Nature Trading Post, explore indoor exhibits, interact with rescued animals, and play in the water area. It's designed for hands-on learning. +1
Yes, the center features indoor exhibits covering topics like geology, paleontology, and astronomy, providing a cool escape from the Texas heat.
You can see various rescued native Texas animals, including bobcats, porcupines, and other wildlife that are being rehabilitated or cannot be returned to the wild.
Yes, there is a water play area that is a big hit with kids, especially during the hot Texas weather.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Austin Nature & Science Center does not typically have a cafe or restaurant on-site. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks, or plan to eat before or after your visit at nearby Zilker Park or South Austin eateries.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy. There are often picnic areas available, or you can find a nice spot to relax on the grounds.
Yes, there are cold water fountains available, which is a great amenity for staying hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Since the center is located in Zilker Park, you'll find numerous food trucks and restaurants in the surrounding South Austin area, offering a wide variety of cuisines.
Absolutely! The grounds of the Austin Nature & Science Center and Zilker Park offer plenty of space for a picnic. It's a lovely way to extend your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo ops include the rescued animals in their enclosures, the interactive Dino Dig Pit, the Nature Trading Post displays, and the scenic walking trails around the pond.
Yes, you can take photos of the rescued animals. Please be respectful of their space and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb them.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the animals. Professional photography or commercial use may require special permission.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, which can be ideal for photography. The golden hour before closing can also provide beautiful lighting.
The Dino Dig Pit is a dynamic scene for action shots, while the various rescued animals offer opportunities for close-ups and wildlife photography. The Nature Trading Post also has visually interesting items.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many of the walking paths are stroller-friendly, making it manageable for parents with toddlers. The indoor exhibits provide a welcome respite from the Texas sun, offering educational fun about geology and paleontology. It's a highly recommended spot for elementary-aged children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and drinks to save even more, as there are no food services on-site. This allows you to focus your spending on other Austin experiences while still enjoying a rich and educational outing.
☀️ Day-Trippers
Plan to visit in the morning to beat the heat and crowds, and allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the exhibits and outdoor areas. Don't forget to bring water and snacks, as dining options are limited on-site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engaging Young Explorers: The Nature Trading Post & Dino Dig
Equally popular is the Dino Dig Pit, a large sandpit where young paleontologists can excavate replica dinosaur fossils. It's a fantastic way to spark an interest in paleontology and provide a fun, active experience. Many visitors rave about how much their elementary-aged children enjoy these interactive elements.
These activities, combined with the rescued animal exhibits and water play areas, make the center a highly engaging destination for families looking for educational and entertaining outings.
Understanding the Rescued Wildlife
This provides a unique educational opportunity for visitors to learn about native Texas species, their habitats, and the challenges they face. You might see animals like bobcats, porcupines, and various birds. The center focuses on their care and rehabilitation, offering a glimpse into conservation efforts.
+1It's important for visitors to remember that these are wild animals, and while they are accustomed to human presence, they should be observed respectfully from a safe distance. The exhibits are designed to educate without causing undue stress to the animals.
Navigating the Center and Zilker Park
Within the center, you'll find both indoor exhibits and outdoor walking paths. The trails are generally considered kid- and stroller-friendly, making it accessible for families with young children.
Given its location, consider combining your visit with other Zilker Park activities, such as exploring the botanical gardens or enjoying the open green spaces. This can make for a full day of exploration in one of Austin's most beloved public spaces.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit