At the western edge of Zilker Park, the Austin Nature & Science Center combines indoor nature exhibits with outdoor animal enclosures, trails and hands-on activities. Admission is free. Look for local wildlife, including rescued birds and mammals, then head to the Dino Pit, where children can dig in the sand for fossil replicas. Inside, displays cover rocks, minerals, bones and small animals. The Naturalist Workshop adds a hands-on stop, with nature finds such as shells, rocks and bones available to trade. Find it at 2389 Stratford Dr.
A nature center on the edge of Zilker Park
The Austin Nature & Science Center sits within the Zilker Nature Preserve, on the western side of Zilker Park. It opened in 1960 with a focus on hands-on learning and activities that help people understand the natural environment. Its indoor exhibits and outdoor grounds give you more than one way to explore, whether you are interested in local wildlife, natural history or a walk among native trees.
The displays focus on plants and animals from the Austin area and nearby region. Some exhibits bring you close to subjects that can be hard to notice outdoors, including bees and small animals. A human sundial on the grounds adds an interactive stop along the way.
Wildlife, small animals and the Dino Pit
Outdoor enclosures house animals that cannot be released back into the wild. The birds of prey area includes injured owls, hawks and vultures, while the mammal walkway gives you a chance to see animals such as bobcats and porcupines. Inside, the Small Wonders exhibit has small animals including reptiles and frogs. A honeybee observation hive provides another look at local wildlife.
The Dino Pit is an outdoor sand area where children can uncover fossil replicas with digging tools. Signs introduce the creatures and paleontology, and the dinosaur tracks draw on tracks found in central Texas. It is geared toward younger children, though the activity can be a useful way to make the region’s ancient history tangible.
Trails and the Naturalist Workshop
The Forest Trail is a self-guided walk featuring 45 native trees. Elsewhere on the grounds, pollinator gardens and pond areas bring the focus back to living habitats. Trails extend into the surrounding preserve; a route past the Birds of Prey area leads toward the remains known as Mirror Pond. The paths and outdoor displays are best explored with time to spare, especially on a hot day.
At the Naturalist Workshop and Trade Counter, visitors can explore natural objects such as rocks, fur, bones, plants and insects. Children can bring drawings or collected nature items to trade for materials such as shells, bones or rocks. Pack a picnic if you plan to stay outdoors afterward, since there are no garbage receptacles on-site.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is admission to Austin Nature & Science Center free?
Yes. The center is free to visit.
How long should you spend at Austin Nature & Science Center?
Allow about two to three hours for the indoor exhibits, animal areas, Dino Pit and a walk outdoors.
What can children do at the center?
Children can dig for fossil replicas in the Dino Pit, explore hands-on exhibits and trade nature finds at the Naturalist Workshop.
Where is Austin Nature & Science Center?
It is at 2389 Stratford Dr, on the western edge of Zilker Park.
