# Austin Nature & Science Center Winter Discovery & Wildlife Sanctuary

> Place to go for families in the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos area (TX). Times are Central Time.

- When: Open on its own schedule
- Where: Austin Nature & Science Center, 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
- Ages: All ages
- Price: Free admission (Voluntary donations accepted)
- Organizer: Austin Parks and Recreation Department
- Official page: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-nature-science-center
- Last checked: Thu, Nov 5

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/austin/activities/austin-nature-and-science-center-winter-discovery-and-wildlife-sanctua--listing-95882858836e5a9539a16830

## About

Operating free to the public on the edge of Zilker Park since 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center provides hands-on nature discovery. In winter, kids explore the outdoor Dino Pit to unearth cast fossil replicas, discover rescued non-releasable birds of prey, bobcats, and native reptiles, and bring natural items to the Trade Counter. Forest trails wind through cedar and oak woods with scenic overlook decks of Lady Bird Lake.

Family Experience & Accessibility:
• Stroller Accessibility: Paved ramps and packed trails connect the main exhibits, Dino Pit, and Wildlife exhibits.
• Nursing & Rest Spots: Shaded picnic tables and indoor climate-controlled visitor restrooms with changing stations.
• Age Suitability: Perfect for toddlers through middle schoolers (ages 1 to 12).
• Sensory Tips: Tactile sand play at the Dino Pit and tranquil nature paths provide a low-stress sensory environment.

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