# Dino Pit Paleontology Dig & Wildlife Trail

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

- When: Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Trade Counter: Saturday…
- Dates: Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8
- Where: Austin Nature & Science Center, 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX 78746
- Ages: Ages 1-12 and families
- Price: Free admission (Donations appreciated)
- Schedule: Monday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Trade Counter: Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Organizer: Austin Parks and Recreation Department
- Official page: https://www.austintexas.gov/ansc
- Last checked: Fri, Nov 6

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/dino-pit-paleontology-dig-and-wildlife-trail--listing-d899b671c30e243d268f2817

## About

The Austin Nature & Science Center (ANSC), situated on the west side of Zilker Park, is a free science education destination popular with Austin families across generations. Its most popular outdoor feature, the 'Dino Pit,' was designed in collaboration with paleontologists from the University of Texas. Here, children can use small brushes and shovels in a large, shaded sandpit to excavate replicas of ancient dinosaur and prehistoric marine reptile fossils buried beneath the sand. The nature center also shelters and carefully cares for dozens of non-releasable native Texas wildlife species, including red foxes, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, porcupines, and bobcats. It also features a live reptile and amphibian exhibit and a nature exploration trail. A unique 'Trade Counter' allows children to bring in rocks or shells they've found to earn points and exchange them for unknown specimens. The main park pathways are flat and stroller-friendly. Free shaded parking and family restrooms are available at the entrance.

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