Where to See Dinosaurs in Austin

March 20, 2024

If you’re a mom of a kid fascinated with dinosaurs, I’ve got you covered with all the best dino-themed spots in the city for some prehistoric fun. Think museum adventures, fossil digs, and even dino-tastic parks. This guide points you to the coolest places to see dinosaurs in Austin and hopefully toward some unforgettable memories!

Dinosaur Exhibits and Museums

Texas Science and Natural History Museum

Situated on the University of Texas campus, this museum is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of natural history and ancient creatures that once inhabited Earth. The museum provides an engaging educational experience for children through its collection of fossils and reconstructions.

Hours and Admission

The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday and 1 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, with special events and exhibits throughout the year. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for ages 5-17, and free for kids under 4 years old.

Austin Nature and Science Center

This center offers a unique blend of outdoor exploration and interactive indoor exhibits. The Dino Pit is a fun interactive spot for kids to discover dinosaur bones in the sand! Also, make sure not to miss the Trade Counter were your little explorer can find a new treasure!

Hours and Admission

Admission is free, and the center is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday – Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday. Trade Counter is open 10 am to 1 pm Wednesday – Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday.

Science Mill Fossil Dig

The Science Mill, a short drive from Austin, offers an immersive experience in its fossil dig area. Kids can get their hands dirty uncovering prehistoric life and learning about the process of fossilization.

Hours and Admission

The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday 12 pm to 5pm, with tickets priced at $11 for adults and $9.50 for children. Special group pricing is available.

Outdoor Dinosaur Adventures

Dinosaur Park

Journey back in time as you walk through the wooded trails of Dinosaur Park. This outdoor museum features life-sized models of dinosaurs to create a realistic experience for visitors young and old. Your dino enthusiast will also love the fossil dig, playground and Dinosaur Store activities!

Hours and Admission

The park is open from 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday – Sunday, with admission priced at $10 for children (ages 2-12) and $11 for adults. Children ages 23 months and under are free.

Dinosaur Tracks in Leander, TX

Just a short drive from Austin, you can visit real dinosaur tracks embedded in the limestone of the South San Gabriel River. This site is both educational and exciting! Don’t forget to get a photo with the real life fossil!

Hours and Admission

Admission to the site is free, and families can visit from sunrise to sunset.

Zilker Botanical Gardens

Home to the Zilker Botanical Garden’s prehistoric garden, which features native Texas plants that likely coexisted with the dinosaurs, this is a spot for both lovers of nature and dinosaur history. Spanning two acres, this area has been transformed into a habitat reminiscent of the Cretaceous period. Make sure you don’t miss the life-sized Ornithomimus sculpture!

Hours and Admission

The gardens are open from 9 am to 6 pm daily, with admission prices ranging from $3 to $6.

Mosasaur All Abilities Playground

A model of a mosasaur, the giant sea creature that lived at the end of the age of dinosaurs, is the highlight of this playscape at Southeast Metropolitan Park. It’s the perfect spot to combine playtime with a lesson in paleontology.

Hours and Admission

Admission to the playscape is free, and the park is open from 8 am to dusk.

Champion Park in Cedar Park, TX

Check out this park’s covered play area with embedded dinosaur bone replicas! With a great playscape, boulders for climbing and pavilions for rent, you could host a perfect Dino-themed birthday party here!

Hours and Admission

The park is free for all visitors and open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Jurassic Car Wash

For a unique dinosaur encounter, stop by the Jurassic Car Wash, where larger-than-life dinosaur models oversee the soapy spectacle. It’s an unexpected twist to the routine car wash; plus, a fun surprise for dino fans.

Hours and Admission