Exploring the Austin Nature and Science Center With Kids

A parent’s guide to everything you really want to know about the Austin Nature & Science Center

If you’ve got curious kids and want something free, fun, and not totally sweltering (even in this Texas summer), the Austin Nature and Science Center is a wonderful activity option. Located at the edge of Zilker Park, this spot has been a local family favorite since 1960. Here’s what you’ll want to know before you load everyone into the car.

What makes this place so great for families?

• It’s FREE!! No entry fee required.
• It’s very kid friendly and hands-on. From live animal enclosures to digging for dino bones in the famous Dino Pit, it’s an experience, not just a walk-through.
• It’s stroller-friendly (mostly). While some paths are uneven or gravel, most families find it manageable… especially if you bring the jogger, not the umbrella stroller.
• Very handicap accessible. I noticed and appreciate that it was made for all types of people.
• It’s very shaded in parts, but still bring water and sunscreen. There are covered areas and trees, but Austin heat is still Austin heat.
• There are also indoor exhibits and hands on play areas with air conditioning (🙌) for those who need a break from the sun.
• There are no fences between areas, so if you’ve got a bolter, keep your sneakers laced. It’s best for kids who are mobile and curious, but still cooperate (somewhat).

What should you bring?

• A change of clothes (especially for toddlers)
• Sunscreen, hats, and water bottles
• Wipes for dirty hands post-dino dig
• Snacks (there are picnic tables but no café)
• Baby carriers for littles. Some areas are easier without a stroller

What most people don’t tell you

• There are bathrooms. There’s a changing table in at least one of the restrooms, but it’s tight.
• There’s a vending machine located by the bathrooms in the Headquarters Building, which only accepts cash. ANSC does not have change and cannot repair/refund/refill the machine.
• The center opens at 9:00 AM, which is your best shot at beating the heat and the crowds.
• If it has rained recently, parts of the trail can be muddy, but it’s not a deal breaker. They are open rain or shine.

Things to Do at the Austin Nature & Science Center

There’s a ton of fun stuff to do. We didn’t even get to explore all the activities they listed on their website which just means that we will be going back!

They can dig with the tools that are already provided in the sand pits to find the skeletons of different dinosaurs. They’ve added shades for all of the sand digging pits now and as a parent, I am so grateful for that. There’s also some steps where you can set and pretty much see the full digging area easily. And you gotta get your photo with the dino bones at the entrance… or at least that’s our tradition!

The creek might’ve been my kids favorite area. My son wore his crocs at first, but I think water shoes would’ve been better. He fell a few times and so did a few other kiddos. It was pretty slippery so beware of that, but he still loved playing in it. Learn from me and do the dino pit first and then play in the water. We did the water first and then the sand and it was not the best order of events lol.

I loved all the wildlife exhibits as well. They are all rescues and each one has a name and story that makes learning about them and the type of animal even more fun. Plus it was super shady!

The indoor wildlife section is small… hence the name Small Wonders, but a nice reprieve from the heat. I also appreciated that there were little step stools for kids to be able to see without having to hold them up to see. It was well thought out from the old achy mom back perspective.

We ended our time there indoors on purpose because it was starting to heat up outside. The main building houses a room full of creative hands on types of exhibits plus a cave structure with fossils built into the walls. I had to remind my fiesty six year old more than once not to run in circles through the cave chasing his friend lol. There are a lot of displays as well of different rocks, minerals, grasses, feathers, and skeletons along with an amazing view of the water outside. They also change out the displays as well… so if you go you may see something different than what we saw.

One of the coolest (and most underrated) features at the Austin Nature and Science Center is the Nature Trade Counter. It’s perfect for kids who love to explore and show off their favorite rocks, bugs, shells, and nature drawings. Think of it like a nature version of a swap meet: kids bring in their discoveries and trade them for points that can be used to “purchase” cool items like fossils, minerals, insect collections, bones, and more.

Here’s how it works:

Your child can bring up to 5 unique items per visit (think shells, rocks, bones, scientific drawings, etc.) They’ll chat with a staff member or volunteer who awards points based on what they bring in. The points can then be exchanged for natural treasures on display.

You can also earn points by:

• Completing a monthly nature puzzle
• Submitting drawings or scientific observations
• Recording nature sightings using iNaturalist while on the ANSC grounds

⚠️ Important tips for parents: You can’t bring anything found on-site, anything from birds, or anything purchased. Also, no human artifacts or items from endangered species. This is one of the best ways to make your kid feel like a real scientist and keep the learning going long after you leave. If your child loves collecting things, this is the spot to check out during your visit.

Why we are coming back to the Austin Nature & Science Center

We are definitely planning our next outing, not just because it’s hands-on play, free and it wears our kids out in the best way, but also because we didn’t get to do and see everything before we had to leave that day. Whether you’re visiting Austin or just looking for a weekday adventure, the Austin Nature and Science Center is one of those rare spots that’s educational, free, and actually fun for the whole family.

• Seed Exchange Catalog
• Human Sundial
• Pollinator Gardens
• Bee Observation Hive
• Walking Trails

I’m always on the hunt for fun, low-stress ways for families to make memories and the Austin Nature & Science Center is one of my favorite local spots. As a family photographer, I’ve found that relaxed, meaningful experiences like these are what lead to the best photos: the kind that actually feel like you.

If you’re looking for family photos that capture your real life let’s chat. I offer outdoor and in-home sessions that are perfect for families who want to showcase their connection over perfection.

📸 Reach out here to start planning your session »

As always… if you see me out in the wild, please come say hi!