Since 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center has provided hands-on nature exhibits, education programs, and recreation activities for countless visitors, teachers, and children of all ages that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Located on the western edge of Zilker Park, ANSC is dedicated to the exploration of the natural world.
The Austin Nature & Science Center offers many programs for preschoolers, kids, families, and adults with topics ranging from butterflies to caving and much more.
HOURS
Normal business hours are Monday - Saturday 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.; Sunday 12:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.
Please keep these tips in mind for your visit:
- Masks are required for each visitor over the age of 2 (unless expressly exempted in Section 2 of Mayor Adler's Order or by a City policy applicable to the premises or facility).
- Parking is available underneath the Mopac Bridge
- The entrance is located on Stratford Drive
- Pets are not allowed on site
- If you have any questions please contact us at anscprograms@austintexas.gov
Summer Camp
Summer camp registration is almost here!
February 5-18, 2022: Phone and in-person registration available for participants awarded financial assistance and/ or require support from our Inclusion Department.
February 26, 2022: Registration opens on RecTrac at 10:00 am for Austin residents and 1:00 pm for non-residents
- Austin Nature & Science Center camp descriptions, dates, and fees
- General information about City of Austin Camps and Registration dates
Event Registration
Free Event! Join the Austin Nature and Science Center and Professor Sean Gulick for an adult-only program we explore how one catastrophic astrogeologic event can illuminate the state of our current climate crisis and demonstrate how we determine planetary habitability!
Please note, due to City of Austin venue requirements, room capacity for youth participants is limited to 50%. To accommodate the full room capacity for adult participants, we require that only ages 18+ register for this event.
Summer Jobs Opportunities
Spend your summer outdoors with us! Spend your summer facilitating daily activities that include swimming, biking, hiking, archery, crafts, and more!
Apply today!
- Pay rate $15.00/ hour
- Paid training begins 5/9/2022
- Certifications you could earn include CPR & First Aid, Lifeguarding, and Driver's Safety
- Camp is 6/6/2022 - 8/12/2022
Question about applying, contact PARKSNatureJobs@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-3888.
Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan
The Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan is a community-driven planning process to establish a guiding framework for the restoration and future development of Zilker Metropolitan Park. It is the first comprehensive planning initiative to encompass the park’s 350 acres and associated facilities. See the whole plan and more information here, including dates and registration for upcoming community meetings: Zilker Metropolitan Park Vision Plan.
