Austin Nature and Science Center | Austin

The Austin Nature & Science Center (ANSC) is a free, family-friendly environmental education facility located within Zilker Park, just west of downtown Austin. Since its founding in 1960, the center has become a cornerstone of outdoor education in Central Texas, offering interactive exhibits, live animal encounters, and hands-on science exploration. It serves children, families, students, and nature lovers looking to connect with the natural world.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 2389 Stratford Drive, Austin, TX 78746

Setting: Nestled in the wooded hills of Zilker Park and adjacent to the Zilker Nature Preserve

Hours:

Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Admission: Free (donations welcome; fees apply for group programs)

Parking: Free parking available along Stratford Drive

Accessibility: ADA-accessible trails and facilities, though some natural terrain may be uneven

Major Features and Exhibits

1. Wildlife Enclosure Area

This is one of the most popular areas of the center. It houses native Texas wildlife that cannot survive in the wild due to injury or imprinting. Animals may include:

Birds of prey (hawks, owls)

Mammals like foxes, bobcats, and raccoons

Reptiles like turtles and snakes

Interpretive signage explains each animal’s story, habitat, and role in the ecosystem.

2. Dino Pit

A hands-on paleontology exhibit designed for children. It features:

A large outdoor fossil dig area

Realistic casts of fossils like mammoth bones, dinosaur teeth, and footprints

A bronze rib cage sculpture of a mammoth embedded in the ground for climbing and exploring

It gives kids a chance to play archaeologist and learn about prehistoric life through touch.

3. Naturalist Workshop & Trade Counter

This unique area encourages visitors to bring natural objects they’ve found-like rocks, shells, bones, or feathers-and trade them for points. Staff review the items and award points based on rarity, condition, and educational value. You can then trade those points for other natural specimens from the collection.

The space is full of microscopes, specimens, books, and hands-on learning tools.

4. Forest and Wildlife Trails

Several self-guided trails wind through the grounds, including:

A Forest Trail lined with native Texas trees (each labeled with names and facts)

Paths that connect to the Zilker Nature Preserve, home to springs, caves, and fossils

Bird-watching areas and wildlife observation points

These trails give visitors a chance to learn about local ecosystems and explore shaded natural landscapes.

Educational Programs

The ANSC is a major hub for science education and hosts a variety of structured programs:

School Field Trips: Programs tailored to TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) standards, with themes like ecosystems, geology, and conservation.

Homeschool Classes: Seasonal series covering nature journaling, biology, and field science.

Summer Camps: Week-long sessions for children featuring outdoor adventure, science crafts, and animal studies.

Science Club: A free after-school program encouraging inquiry-based science projects for middle schoolers.

All programs emphasize experiential learning, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship.

Special Features

Pollinator Gardens: Native plant beds designed to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Eco-Detective Lab: Occasionally open, this space lets kids investigate science puzzles and nature mysteries.

Creek Exploration: Visitors can walk near or through the stream beds to look for aquatic insects and learn about water ecosystems.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities: Available for teens and adults interested in animal care, gardening, and education.

What Makes It Special

Completely free to the public year-round

Emphasizes hands-on, tactile learning

Blends a traditional science center with a nature preserve atmosphere

Supports local wildlife conservation and public education

The Austin Nature & Science Center is a rare gem where children can climb, dig, touch, and discover without being told to “stay off.” It’s a refreshing contrast to screen-heavy environments and offers families a meaningful way to experience science and nature together in the heart of the city.