Events

The Texas Natural Science Center hosts a variety of public programs throughout the year, including events and lectures that highlight our collections.

Explore UT
A campus-wide event described as the "Biggest Open House in Texas!". Visitors of all ages have the opportunity to experience a variety of programs that are engaging and inspiring.

Family Fossil Fun Day
Fossil identifications, hands-on presentations by paleontologists, storytime, fossil dig pit, and paleo-themed crafts and activities. Free admission and free activities. This event is held annually.

Fright at the Museum
Dress up your little goblins and celebrate Halloween at Austin’s very own dinosaur graveyard during Fright at the Museum! Join our spooky scientists in exploring the mysterious side of Texas’ natural history. Feel frightful fish from the ocean depths; be rattled by slithery snakes of Central Texas; and feast your eyes on our bizarre bugs while we serve up creepy, crawly critters for your culinary delight.

Identification Day
This event is scheduled twice a year. Scientists and experts from all over Central Texas are on hand to look at and identify natural objects (fossils, rocks, arrowheads, etc.) that you have found and give you more information about them. Scientists from Texas Natural Science Center's Non-vertebrate Paleontology Lab, Vertebrate Paleontology Lab,and Texas Natural History Collections are present at each ID Day, along with a variety of special guest experts from The University of Texas at Austin and the Austin area.

The Museum Store Holiday Sale
During this annual event customers receive 20% savings throughout the store on a wide selection of jewelry, educational toys, puzzles, books, t-shirts and much more.

Waller Creek Cleanup
This event is held twice a year, and is sponsored by Environmental Health and Safety and the Texas Natural Science Center.