Children's Museums

Austin Nature & Science Center

Name: Austin Nature & Science Center
Address: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746, Austin, TX, US
Telephone: (512) 974-3888
Rating: 4.7

★★★★☆ 4.7 (362 reviews)

📍 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746

📞 (512) 974-3888

🌐 www.austintexas.gov/parks/locations/austin-nature-and-science-center

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday	9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday	9 AM–5 PM
Thursday	9 AM–5 PM
Friday	9 AM–5 PM
Saturday	9 AM–5 PM
Sunday	12–5 PM

⭐ Want to stand out? Get featured ⭐

About Austin Nature & Science Center

Interactive natural science museum. 80-acre nature center features educational exhibits including replicas of fossils & dinosaur tracks. The Dino Pit allows visitors to excavate replica dinosaur skeletons from sand pits, providing hands-on fossil discovery experiences. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 362 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Nature Center
Best For: All ages
Location: Western edge of Zilker Park
Admission: Free
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm
Highlights: Hands-on nature education, creek exploration, Trade Counter, camps and programs

💡 Did You Know?

⭐The Dino Pit allows visitors to excavate replica dinosaur skeletons from sand pits, providing hands-on fossil discovery experiences
⭐The center operates 344 days per year, closing only 21 days annually
⭐The Trade Counter allows visitors to collect and trade natural objects found on the 80-acre property, operating Wednesday-Sunday with extended weekend hours
⭐The facility houses rescued birds of prey, bobcats, ravens, porcupines, snakes, and frogs that cannot be released back into the wild
⭐Free admission and free parking underneath the Mopac Bridge make this an accessible educational resource for all socioeconomic backgrounds

💬 What Visitors Say

💡Plan your visit around the Trade Counter hours (Wed-Fri 10am-1pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm) if you want to participate in collecting and trading natural objects—this is a unique interactive feature not available all day.
💬Grab free nets and buckets at the front desk for creek and pond exploration instead of bringing your own—the center provides all necessary equipment for water exploration.
💬The venue is completely free admission and open 344 days per year, making it an excellent year-round budget option for families. Plan outdoor activities during the week or early morning to potentially have quieter access to trails and exhibits.
💡The Dino Pit and sand pit areas are major attractions for kids—allow adequate time for hands-on fossil excavation and dinosaur bone discovery, which reviewers consistently highlight as memorable experiences.
💡Book instructor-led field trip presentations (especially on topics like bats) for a richer educational experience—reviews highlight that staff-led presentations combined with hands-on activities and live animal encounters significantly enhance the learning experience.