Austin Nature and Science Center050

The Austin Nature and Science Center offers a wide variety of programs, including elementary school programs, high adventure activities, and camps.

Its animal exhibits feature more than 90 native Texas animals that can't be returned to the wild. Kids can visit owls, hawks, and ravens in the Birds of Prey exhibit, or check out the tiniest Austin residents in the Small Wonders exhibit. Or take a stroll through the woods and try to find some residents that are running free!

Indoor activities and exhibits are housed in the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center, in the old Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse in the heart of Zilker Park. The Splash! exhibit offers a learning experience deep inside a simulated limestone cave. Multimedia displays and interactive exhibits demonstrate how the aquifer was formed and how it maintains its average daily flow of 32 million gallons of water at Barton Springs.

The endangered Barton Springs salamander and other native aquatic species on display illustrate the diversity of life dependent on the water quality of local springs, creeks, and rivers. Visitors can also see how routine human activities can impact local water quality.

The Dino Pit is an outdoor paleontology exhibit that recreates an authentic paleontological site where visitors can excavate replicas of some of the incredible fossil finds in the state of Texas.

Themed birthday parties (wildlife, dinos, and more) can be held at the nature center, for kids ages four and up.

ANSC offers camp activities during school breaks. Its Summer Camp gives children ages three to 16 the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, swim at Deep Eddy and Barton Springs Pools, go on adventures, and learn about everything from insects to camping.

The center also offers a variety of workshops for homeschoolers. Check the website for current options.