Austin Nature & Science Center
Welcome to the Austin Nature & Science Center, the 80-acre educational outdoor haven that is dedicated to the exploration of the natural world.
Here at the ANSC, as it is oftentimes referred to, your group can enjoy hands-on educational exhibits, natural programs, and recreational activities for guests of all ages. The purpose of this center, which has been open since 1960, is to increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment, something it does quite well with things such as replicas of fossils and various local wildlife exhibitions.
While visiting the center you will be able to discover, dig, trade, and hike, with various permanent exhibits such as the Dinosaur Pit, Human Sundial, Wildlife Exhibit, Forest Trail, Monarch Waystation, and Trade Counter. The Trade Counter is a unique area in which you can trade nature made items, photos, drawings, and interesting finds (see video below).
You can also spend your time here bird watching, hiking the various accessible trails, enjoying the manmade pond, and simply basking in 'an outdoor oasis in the center of the city'. There are various school educational programs and camps available for your visit as well.
