Austin Nature & Science Center Camps, Events, and Community Programs
The Austin Nature & Science Center offers nature-based programs for members of the community and visitors from all over, including school break camps, weekend programming, virtual programming, special events, and seasonal festivals.
- Fall Break Camp
Registration will open on Thursday, October 1st, 2026, at 10:00am.
Fall Camp dates, descriptions, and registration
- Winter Break Camp
Registration will open on Thursday, October 1st, 2026, at 10:00am.
Winter Camp dates, descriptions, and registration
- Spring Break Camp
Check back later for information about 2027 Spring Break Camps.
General Information about City of Austin Camps.
- Summer Camp
Check back later for information about 2027 Summer Camps.General Information about City of Austin Camps
Flight of the Pollinators
Saturday, October 17th
10:00AM - 2:00PM
Join ANSC for a day full of fun, facts & whimsy! “Forage” for nectar like a winged pollinator & taste different honeys. Learn about tree species that provide food, shelter & shade for Austinites…human or otherwise! Dress up as your favorite pollinator & join us in our Pollinator Parade! We’ll have interactive ways to help you learn how to keep our habitat healthy. It’ll be a (root)BALL for all ages! Trees & Pollinator Garden Starter Kits available, while supplies last. Brought to you as part of the City of Austin's Roots & Wings Festival.
Moonlight Nature Night
Saturday, November 7th
5:00PM - 8:00PM
ANSC presents Moonlight Nature Night, our annual celebration of nocturnal wildlife, astronomy, and more! This event will feature free outdoor fun and education for all ages, including live nocturnal animals, guided night hikes, and family friendly activities from local organizations including Capital Area Master Naturalists, Austin Bat Refuge, and American Chemical Society.
Austin Nature Day
Saturday, April 17th, 2027
More information coming Spring 2027!
- Science Storytime
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Free drop-in story time designed for ages 4 and under; no registration required. Hear a science related story and meet an animal or touch a nature object!
Mondays, 9:30am
October 12, 2026
November 9, 2026
December 14, 2026
January 11, 2027
February 8, 2027
March 8, 2027
- Saturday Programs
Enjoy free, family-friendly science programs and activities. Programs last approximately 30 minutes and will be ongoing from 10:00am-2:00pm.
November 14 - Dinovember
Visit our fossil table any time from 10:00 - 2:00 to compare fossils from prehistoric creatures to the body parts of their modern day counterparts. Learn about Texas' ancient underwater past and its fossil evidence we can find right here in Austin. Choose a real fossil to take with you!
December 5 - Meet the Animals
Meet some of ANSC's resident animals up close and personal. Programs take place at 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:30, 1:00, and 1:30.
Limited capacity per program; activity pass required. Free activity passes will be distributed in front of the Visitors Center on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 9:30am.
December 12 - Space Saturday
Visit our planetarium and find yourself transported to the wonderful world of outer space. Programs take place at 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:30, 1:00, and 1:30.
Limited capacity per program; activity pass required. Free activity passes will be distributed in front of the Visitors Center on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 9:30am.
Suppertime Star Parties
Join us for an informal family program where we look at the stars, orbit like planets, and look at our relationship with the cosmos throughout human history…all from the comfort of your dinner table! Programs run from 6:00-6:45pm, and Zoom links will be sent out the day prior to each program. All ages are welcome, but we ask our participants to review the mute and unmute features before joining so everyone has a chance to learn! Registration is required, please register here.
November 9: Intro to Astronomy
Take a look at the night sky with us as we explain the differences between stars and planets
December 7: Ancient Astronomy
Throughout history, stars have served as calendars, maps, to-do lists, and inspiration behind countless legends. Learn how people have relied on the stars for thousands of years.
January 11: Star Stories from Around the World
Long before we told stories on Zoom, humans have used the night sky to pass down stories. Hear the stories from different cultures, and decide whether you see a plow, a drinking gourd, a wagon, or a bear.
February 8: Space Exploration
From the first steps on the moon to the farthest reaches of the universe, learn how we discover new things in the vastness of space!
Past Programs
A back catalog of content is available on our YouTube playlist. Videos include sensory activities, animal facts, nature storytime, TEKS learning objectives, and mindfulness strategies.