Austin Nature & Science Center - Austin, Texas

Austin Nature & Science Center

The Austin Nature & Science Center, located at 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746, is a fantastic destination for those interested in exploring the natural world and learning about science. The center can be contacted by phone at 29743888 or through their website at austintexas.gov.

Specializing in science museums, education centers, hiking areas, and tourist attractions, the Austin Nature & Science Center offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors of all ages. Some key features include onsite services, wheelchair accessibility, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and family-friendly amenities.

With an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 314 reviews on Google My Business, the Austin Nature & Science Center has established itself as a beloved local institution. Visitors often praise the center's engaging hands-on exhibits, unique animal encounters, and well-maintained trails that cater to families with children and strollers.

Features and Amenities:

• Science museum with interactive exhibits
• Education center offering workshops and programs
• Hiking area with wheelchair-friendly trails
• Tourist attraction showcasing local flora and fauna
• Onsite services including restrooms and Wi-Fi
• Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot

Points of Interest:

• Unique animal encounters with rehabilitated or imprinted animals
• Hands-on exhibits designed for children and families
• Kid-friendly activities and educational programs
• Family-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly environment
• Transgender safe space
• Free parking lot

Visiting the Austin Nature & Science Center:

The Austin Nature & Science Center is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the natural world and learning about science. With its diverse range of exhibits, programs, and activities, there is something for everyone at this unique attraction. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the memories of your visit

👍 Reviews of Austin Nature & Science Center

Rachel K.

5/5

Free adventures (donations welcome!) await at this fantastic center. Enjoy outdoor exploration and wrap up your visit with a massive dino dig that was a total hit with the kids. The animals here are either being rehabilitated from injuries or have imprinted and can’t return to the wild, making it a unique experience. The trails are both kid- and stroller-friendly, making it perfect for families. While I wish there were more hands-on exhibits, the ones currently on display are top-notch!

Ashlee M.

5/5

One of our favorite places to go when we visit Austin! The walking trails are beautiful and their nature displays inside are interesting as well.
Their nature trade store is just the coolest idea, and the big dry creek bed for fossil hunting is a really unique outing for any kid (or adult!)

scottmelons

5/5

A fantastic free hidden gem. I've been coming here since I was just a kid and as an adult its still just as wonderful. PLEASE check out the Zilker Preserve trails behind the birds of prey habitats. It's easy to miss, but walking the dry creek under the towering cliffs feels other worldly with how close to downtown you are.

MC S.

4/5

They had kid camps for the summer. Different indoor and outdoor sections. Helped with the heat! They have cold water fountain in the recreation center. Different sections helped. They provide maps and info leaflets too. Will come back when it's cooler. They had a section were kids can play in the water. Nice touch in this hot texas weather.

Pearl B.

2/5

I thought the best part of it all was the Dino pit for the kids. The animals looked so beat up and depressed it made me sad. They hid away from human sight and had mangled wings and missing eyes… it was a tragic… my kids were sad before the Dino pit and the snake and fish portion was very tiny. The overlook of the reserve was all brown sticks trash and dirt. Not anything to be impressed about.

Shardae C.

5/5

Our family outing to the Austin Nature & Science Center was an incredible adventure filled with learning, exploration, and outdoor fun! Nestled in the heart of Austin, this hidden gem offered the perfect mix of nature and hands-on science experiences. The kids loved the dino pit, where they could dig for fossils like real paleontologists. The wildlife exhibits were a big hit too—we saw rescued owls, hawks, and even a bobcat up close! The interactive displays inside the center kept everyone engaged, sparking curiosity about the natural world. We took a peaceful walk along the trails, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. The atmosphere was both relaxing and educational, making it the perfect family-friendly outing. Best of all, admission was free, making it an affordable way to spend the day. We left feeling inspired by nature and full of new knowledge. If you're looking for an enriching outdoor experience in Austin, this place is a must-visit. We can’t wait to go back!

Bits

5/5

Very cool (and free!) little nature center. The visitor center has several small exhibits, a trade counter (!), a seed library (!!), an apiary, two axolotl (!!!) and activities for kids. There are also many wire enclosures the grounds with rescued local animals and birds. Hiking trails are all short and easy walks to a dry creek that's fun to explore. It's very pretty and educational.

Maria B.

5/5

Beautiful nature & science center!!-- AND there's an awesome trail (or two!) to hike behind the birds of prey area!! It's a win win win. I don't know if we were supposed to pay!? I didn't see anything. They do take donations. Bathrooms are clean. Things for small kids to interact with. (Vending machine but no food or drink for sale) Peaceful park. Dino dig area for smaller kids to dig for "fossils". Beautiful park. And do that riverbed hike (moderate to difficult) behind the birds of prey area. Bring water. Have fun!!! Hope to go back when kiddo is even bigger one day.