I love this sweet little spot! It’s a free place in the middle of Austin where kids (of all ages…aka adults, too) can come to explore and learn and enjoy nature. The Austin Nature & Science Center has been around since 1960. Cheers to that, ATX.
The boys and I headed out for an “adventure” (that’s always our word for any outing that’s something new/fun!) on a typical summer morning last week. It’s a totally FREE thing to do in Austin, in case you’re looking for some fun ways to fill your time with little ones this summer.
Oh, and parking is simple, too. The bridge under the Mopac bridge is across the street from the Nature & Science Center. You’ve probably already parked there a hundred times when you go to the Hike & Bike Trail. See that brown archway in the distance? ^ That’s the Nature & Science Center.
And we’re OFF! The littlest one always wants to run. And I decided not to bring the double stroller on this outing…this is me never reminding myself to do that again. On the way in they both want to run and walk, but on the way back to the car it’s like herding cats. Haha.
We stopped at the lily pond to enjoy the view. Isn’t it beautiful?! There’s a little waterfall on the left that gave off the most calming ambiance.
When you walk through the visitors center (it’s free but you have to sign in/out) there’s a small science center that kids can explore.
Everything is child-size and made to be touched and played with. Milo loved it all!
^ “Not sure what this is but it spins and makes noise so I’m game.”
Tunnels!
He wanted his water please, but also while running. He loves to GO!
The fossil dig is my favorite part of this place. It’s so nice and cool and shady in the morning hours, and kids can dig in the sand to search for “dinosaur bones.”
Mostly empty at 9 am on a weekday!
Goodness, it’s so beautiful here. It’s crazy that it’s basically underneath a highway.
Note: be sure to bring water shoes and a change of clothes and a couple towels! I completely forgot…but there’s no force in heaven or earth that can keep these boys out of the water once they see it.
They have little nets and buckets and you can search for tiny tadpoles!
^ Or just sit in the water in your diaper and play with the bucket.
Milo was DETERMINED to catch a fish. There were some big kids that were pretty successful at it so he sat down to watch them for a bit. Of course, little brother sat down right next to him.
While Milo was studying the best technique to catch a fish, baby D was clowning around…
No success this time catching a fish, but we had a great time! After a few hours of playing, the boys were wet and hot and exhausted and we headed out to grab some lunch.
I love these sweet little mornings with my boys.
XO. Have a great Monday, y’all!
