The Center

Established in 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center's (ANSC) mission is to provide hands-on educational exhibits and recreational activities that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. The ANSC offers indoor and outdoor exhibits and provides environmental science education programs to schools and the community in and around Austin.

The Friends of…

Friends of ANSC is a group of volunteers committed to supporting this hidden gem in Austin, Texas by improving the facilities and enjoyment of the 80-acre property.

Want to join? Click below to be added to our email list and find out about how to contribute and become involved.

Shade in the Dino Pit

The Dino Pit is one of the most utilized areas at the Austin Nature and Science Center but previously, families had no protection from the Texas sun. This project added shading, additional seating, and thematic enhancements that have been carefully considered to improve the family experience and preserve the environment of educational play.

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Picnic Tables

There are many groups that pass through the center, from educational field trips, out of town visitors, as well as summer camp groups. Previously, there was nowhere to sit and enjoy a meal. Now there is! The friends group raised funds in 2022 and supplied (and installed) XX new picnic tables. Now there is a shady, ADA-accessible place for groups to gather.

Preserving AUSTIN

Part of our mission is to honor the history of the center, while also modernizing and making it safe and efficient for its users.

The exhibition space is needing to be modernized and modularized to be able to accept new exhibits. Stay Tuned!

Math Happens is an organization that provides math based curricula to children at the center on weekends and for special events. Part of the exhibit space is set aside for workshops such as these and therefore, the space needs to be flexible and modernized.

The sky roof renovation project was a staff directed project that took place in 2022.

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Make a donation

Friends of ANSC supports this hidden gem in Austin, Texas by improving the safety and enjoyment of the historic 80-acre property.

Thank you for your donation!

Donate By Mail

You can also mail us a tax-deductible donation by check. Make it out to “Friends of ANSC” and send to:

Friends of ANSC
PO BOX ____
Austin, TX 78704

Donate Online

All online donations are routed through the Austin Parks Foundation website—your funds are earmarked for the center.

Board of Directors

We are a group of volunteers who love the Austin Nature & Science Center.

Kevin Packard

Erick Rodriguez

Tom Hiddemen

Hannah Bentley