Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Discover Texas's prehistoric past and diverse wildlife through engaging exhibits, from towering dinosaur skeletons to native animals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Texas's prehistoric past and diverse wildlife through engaging exhibits, from towering dinosaur skeletons to native animals.
"A fantastic experience for the whole family, with engaging exhibits that bring learning to life!"
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on the last Sunday of the month for free admission, but be prepared for larger crowds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking across four levels, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Texas Pterosaur Skeleton
Lower Level
Marvel at the impressive Texas Pterosaur skeleton suspended from the ceiling, a true prehistoric giant.
Dinosaur Fossil Collection
Lower Level
Explore a fascinating array of dinosaur bones and fossils, a hit with kids and adults alike.
Texas Animal Life Exhibits
Third Floor
Discover the diverse animal life native to Texas, from mammals to birds and insects.
Giant Blue Cut Topaz
Main Exhibit Area
Be dazzled by the sheer size and brilliance of this enormous blue topaz jewel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Navigating the Museum's Levels
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on the last Sunday of the month for free admission, but be prepared for larger crowds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking across four levels, so wear comfy shoes!
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The museum is spread across four floors; strategize your visit to see your must-sees.
🕵️ Kid-Friendly Scavenger Hunt
Engage younger visitors with the fun scavenger hunt available for kids.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Days
Visit on the last Sunday of the month for free admission, but be prepared for larger crowds.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking across four levels, so wear comfy shoes!
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The museum is spread across four floors; strategize your visit to see your must-sees.
🕵️ Kid-Friendly Scavenger Hunt
Engage younger visitors with the fun scavenger hunt available for kids.
🚗 Parking Considerations
Metered street parking is available, but free parking can be limited.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Texas Science & Natural History Museum for its engaging exhibits, especially the dinosaur fossils and the impressive Pterosaur skeleton, making it a hit for families. The museum is noted for its interactive elements and the opportunity for free admission on Community Day. However, some find the museum to be more compact than expected, with limited space in certain exhibit areas.
"Our visit to the Texas Science & Natural History Museum was a fantastic experience for the whole family! The exhibits were well-organized, interactive, and engaging for both kids and adults. We especially loved the dinosaur fossils and the hands-on science displays — they really brought learning to life. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to answer questions or guide us through the exhibits. The museum was clean, easy to navigate, and had plenty of seating for breaks. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Texas, this museum is a must-see for anyone interested in science, nature, or history. Highly recommend! Free for military families."
Tanea Z.
"We had the pleasure of exploring the Texas Science & Natural History Museum on Community Day (the last Sunday of every month, when admission is free). From start to finish, the experience was seamless check-in was quick, and the souvenir shop was stocked with unique treasures that made it hard to walk away empty-handed.
The exhibits span from the first floor all the way up to the fourth, each level offering something special. Personally, the fourth floor fashion exhibit stole my heart it was a stunning blend of history and creativity. My kids, on the other hand, couldn’t get enough of the basement full of bones, fossils, and interactive puzzles. It was the perfect mix of learning and play.
Overall, this museum is a true gem in Austin. Whether you’re a fashion lover, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun family outing, there’s something here for everyone. And with Community Day making it accessible to all, it’s definitely an experience worth sharing with your family. 🌟"
Juanita Breedlove
"This museum is fantastic! It's a perfect family outing with a fun scavenger hunt for kids and tons of interactive exhibits. The dinosaur and fossil collection is absolutely incredible and a must-see."
DeeAnna Lodzeischi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on the north edge of the UT Austin campus at 2400 Trinity St. Metered street parking is available on Dean Keeton Street and along San Jacinto Street. If parking in the San Jacinto garage, follow signs to the museum.
Yes, metered street parking is available on Dean Keeton Street and San Jacinto Street. Parking garages are also nearby.
Check local Austin transit routes for bus services that stop near the UT Austin campus. The museum's location makes it accessible via various city bus lines.
The museum is spread across four levels, and while efforts are made for accessibility, it's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accommodations.
Visiting during weekday mornings or early afternoons can help you avoid peak traffic times in Austin.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
Admission prices can vary. Check the museum's official website for the most current pricing. Military families often receive free admission.
Yes, the museum offers free admission on the last Sunday of every month, known as Community Day.
It's recommended to check the museum's website for online ticket purchasing options to save time upon arrival.
While there isn't a strict time limit, the museum closes at 5:00 p.m. on most days, so plan your visit accordingly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the impressive Texas Pterosaur skeleton, the extensive dinosaur fossil collection, and the exhibits on Texas animal life.
Absolutely! Kids love the dinosaur exhibits, interactive displays, and the scavenger hunt. It's a great family outing.
To fully experience all four levels, allocate at least 2-3 hours. Some visitors might spend longer if they delve deeply into each exhibit.
Yes, the museum features numerous interactive displays and puzzles, especially in the dinosaur and animal sections, making learning fun.
The 'Death by Natural Causes' exhibit highlights everyday dangers and is a popular, engaging display that draws attention to science in daily life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on onsite dining options can be limited. It's advisable to check the museum's website or plan to dine in nearby Austin.
Typically, museums have policies against outside food and drinks in exhibit areas. Check the museum's specific guidelines.
Being located on the UT Austin campus, there are numerous dining options available in the surrounding areas of Austin.
If there's an onsite food court, hours can vary. For example, one museum mentioned a food court closing around 2:30 PM.
While some museums have cafes, it's best to confirm directly with the Texas Science & Natural History Museum for current amenities.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas. Always check for signage.
The Texas Pterosaur skeleton, the dinosaur fossils, and the large blue topaz jewel are highly photogenic. +1
Similar to photography, personal videography is usually permitted, but commercial use or extensive filming may require special permission.
Weekday mornings or early afternoons, when crowds are thinner, offer better opportunities for unobstructed photos.
Drone photography is almost certainly prohibited inside any museum for safety and preservation reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🤓 Science Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Dinosaur Hall
Some reviews suggest that distributing the dinosaur displays across multiple floors might enhance the visitor experience, but the current layout concentrates the main dinosaur exhibit, making it a focal point. The museum aims to provide a comprehensive look at Texas's prehistoric past, and this hall is central to that mission. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with the ancient history of the region.
Texas Wildlife and Ecosystems
This part of the museum serves as an educational resource, highlighting the importance of conservation and understanding the local environment. It's a valuable addition for those interested in the natural world of Texas, providing a more intimate look at the creatures that share the state.
Community Day and Accessibility
Beyond Community Day, the museum is generally accessible, though its multi-level layout requires some planning. Visitors with mobility concerns are encouraged to contact the museum in advance to discuss specific needs and available accommodations. The presence of interactive elements and a dedicated scavenger hunt also makes it a highly engaging experience for children, ensuring a fun and educational outing for the whole family.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit