The entrance to the Austin Nature & Science Center building with an open roof supported by red columns, and a tree with green leaves partially covering the view. The background shows blue sky with white clouds and the pond.

The Center

People at the Austin Nagure & Science center exhibition space standing near a rock display with information plaques. A young boy is near a robotic rover on the floor, while a man, two women, and another child observe and take pictures.
Children and an adult exploring a shallow stream in a lush native-planted landscape at the Austin Nature & Science Center.
Large dinosaur skeleton archway at the Austin Nature & Science Center surrounded by trees and a stone marker.

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, Texas.

Flower bed with small pink and purple flowers at Austin Nature Science & Center, surrounded by green plants and trees.

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?

Children and a woman engaging in a space-themed educational activity at a table in the classroom by the exhibition hall at the Austin Nature & Science Center with a space mural on the wall.
Silhouette of a bird flying near a large tree with the sun setting in the background, the vintage Austin Nature & Science Center logo.
Colorful flowers and green foliage along a concrete border with a gravel pathway and stone benches in the background at the Austin Nature & Science Center.

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.

BEFORE

A playground with a sandy area, shaded by large umbrellas, surrounded by trees and plants. People are sitting, walking, and children are playing with toys in the area. The dino pit at the Austin Nature & Science Center.
Children playing and exploring at a sandy playground area with a paved walkway, surrounded by trees and cloudy sky. The Dino Pit at the Austin Nature & Science Center.

AFTER

People sitting and playing in an outdoor park area with large shade structures, trees, and informational signs, under cloudy skies at the dino pit, Austin Nature & Science Center.

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.

Multiple metal picnic tables with attached benches in a park, shaded by trees with sunlight filtering through.
Children sitting at a picnic table under a large, twisting tree in a forested area.
Several picnic tables under a large tree in a park or outdoor area, with shadows of the tree's branches and leaves on the ground and tables.

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.

People walking on a small wooden bridge over a stream in a park with trees and greenery.
Child in blue shirt working on a geometric wooden puzzle with colorful pieces on a black table, with other puzzles and a wooden protractor nearby, during a Math Happens workshop at the Austin Nature & Science Center.
Interior view of the main building of the Austin Nature & Science Center with a large glass roof supported by wooden beams and columns, with glass panels framed by wood.
A pond covered with lily pads, surrounding greenery, which surrounds the main building of the Austin Nature & Science Center.

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, Friends of ANSC board member.

Kevin Packard

Erick Rodriguez, Friends of ANSC board member.

Erick Rodriguez

Tom Hiddemen, Friends of ANSC board member.

Tom Hiddemen

Hannah Bentley, Friends of ANSC board member.

Hannah Bentley