Austin Nature & Science Center (Austin)

Austin Nature & Science Center in Austin: best for ages 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13-17; Free.

Address2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746

HoursMon-Sat 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sun 12:00-5:00 p.m. (City of Austin)

Price notesFree for individuals and families visiting exhibits and exploring the site (City). Groups over 15 / school field trips: registration and fees may apply.

Age notesCity states programs for preschoolers, kids, families and adults and exhibits for children of all ages; no narrower official age band.

BookingNo reservation for individual/family exhibit visits; groups over 15 see School Programs page.

Suggested timeAbout 2.0 hours

ParkingParking available underneath the MoPac Bridge; entrance on Stratford Drive (City page).

Hours in detailMonday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:00-5:00 p.m. Trade Counter (Naturalist Workshop): Wednesday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00-4:00 p.m. The surrounding nature preserve is open dawn to dusk, but one preserve parking area and the road gates off Barton Springs Road are closed and locked each day at 5:00 p.m.

Tickets & bookingNo reservation for individual/family exhibit visits (free). Groups of over 15 visitors must book a Group Reservation; school programs require registration and fees may apply.

ParkingFree public parking in the lot under the MoPac overpass at 2389 Stratford Drive, across from the main entrance. Handicapped parking spaces are located near the main site entrance off 2389 Stratford Drive and connect to the ADA-compliant entry sidewalk; after parking, cross Stratford Dr. to the entrance sidewalk on the west side of MoPac, which leads to the Visitor's Pavilion and public restrooms.

AccessibilityHandicapped parking spaces near the main entrance connect to an ADA-compliant entry sidewalk (City of Austin, official Plan Your Visit page). No further official statement on trails, wheelchairs or restrooms was found on the City pages read in this pass.

Age notesCity states programs start as young as age 3 (instructor-led programs for Pre-K-1st are 60 minutes; 2nd-5th grade 90 minutes) and exhibits/programs serve preschoolers, kids, families and adults. No narrower official age band for general visits.

Official tipsNo pets are allowed at the ANSC or in the nature preserves (to protect resident wildlife). The site follows Leave No Trace / pack-it-in, pack-it-out. Visitors can bring natural items to the Trade Counter to trade and learn about them during Trade Counter hours.

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Venue details last verified November 5, 2026 against official sources. Hours and prices change — check the official site before you go. FamilyDay AI is a free planning tool for parents; we list only facts we have verified, and we never invent ratings or reviews.

Austin Nature & Science Center — Austin, Texas

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