Austin Nature and Science Center is one of Austin's premiere family-friendly science centers, open to the public for free seven days a week during the morning and afternoon hours. The center was opened to the public in 1960 to provide supplemental environmental education for Austin's youth and increase public awareness and appreciation of nature. It is located along the western end of Zilker Park within the Zilker Nature Preserve, offering a number of indoor and outdoor exhibits for visitors and school groups. Exhibits at ANSC's Visitor Center include a Naturalist Workshop, which lets young visitors examine natural specimens, and a walkthrough cave model. Outside, orphaned and injured animals are cared for in natural habitats, while an Eco-Detective Trail offers informational nature displays and a Dino Pit lets children dig for fossils with child-sized paleontology equipment.
2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746, Phone: 512-974-3888, Map