Free admission and family friendly. 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. Centrally located on the western edge of Zilker Park in the Zilker Nature Preserve, the ANSC offers indoor and outdoor exhibits, including the Naturalists Workshop's Trade Counter, and provides environmental science education programs to schools and the community in and around Austin. The site hosts homeschool groups, school programs, family events, environmentally focused camps, and adventure programs.