A child’s respect for animals can be really heartwarming, while also being a fantastic way to teach empathy and understanding of this world around us.
You’ll find many places in Austin where you’ll see animal life up close, while also learning all sorts of things about them. Some of these places even offer interactive experiences such as feeding or petting!
Take a look at the best spots to visit if you’re looking for animal viewing in Austin below:
Where: 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736, USA
Hours: Regular Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM – 5 PM | Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 9:30 AM – 6 PM | Winter Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM – 5 PM </b
Families will get to see more than 300 animals including exotic species as well as Texas natives such as goats, pigs, donkeys, and more!
Austin Zoo assists animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
Where: 13530 US Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750, USA
Hours: OPEN DAILY: 10 AM- 8 PM</b
At Austin Aquarium, families will experience everything that the sea has to offer!
There are unique interactive experiences, including hand-feeding sharks, rays, birds, and fish. You can also be face to face with kangaroos and Lemurs or pet one of the caiman lizards! Both kids and adults will get to experience meeting thousands of species and interactive exhibits!
Where: Jourdan-Bachman Pioneer Farms, 10621 Pioneer Farms Drive, Austin, Texas 78754, USA
Hours: Open 10 AM to 5 PM. Thursday through Sunday. Guided tours are offered Monday to Friday with advance reservations
At Pioneer Farms, besides getting up-close with amazing animals, you will also walk into five themed historic areas, including a German Emigrant Farm, a Tonkawa Indian Encampment, and a Cotton Planter’s Farm, a Texian Farm, and a rural village called Sprinkle Corner.
The entire family will experience Texas history and also meet friendly animals.
Where: 235 Zoo Trail, Johnson City, Texas 78636, USA
The Exotic Resort Zoo is home to more than 700 animals from 80 different species.
Visitors can feed and socialize with animals such as the American Bison, Scottish Highlanders, Zebras, and more! Enjoy an informative tour, have a close-up encounter with the babies at the petting zoo areas, and have a great family day!
Where: 945 County Road 118, Copperas Cove, TX, USA
Hours: March- September: Guests Admitted 9 AM- 5 PM. Everyone must be gone by 6 PM | October- February: Guests Admitted 9 AM- 4 PM. Everyone must be gone by 5 PM
At Topsey Exotic Ranch & Drive-Thru Safari visitors are able to get up-close and personal with the incredible exotic animals!
This amazing place is located on 350 acres, and the facilities have been designed to be mainly comprised of the free-range safari, allowing visitors to experience the magical wildlife in a natural setting!
Where: 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin, TX, USA
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 AM – 5 PM | Sunday Noon – 5 PM
The Austin Nature and Science Center is a great place to see wildlife and enjoy nature walks!
Home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, mammals, and birds, the ANSC provides a home for these orphaned or injured animals, giving them daily care, quality food, medication, and veterinary assistance.
Where: 5640 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132, USA
Hours: Daily, 10 AM- 6 PM
The Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo protect biodiversity, promotes animal welfare, encourage sustainable living practices, and empower communities to care about the world in which we inhabit.
Visitors can also get up close and personal with some of your favorite Zoo residents! Just sign up for an animal encounter for an experience of a lifetime!
Where: 376 Jenkins Rd, Cedar Creek, TX, USA
Hours: Daily, 9 AM- 5 PM
Families can visit one of Greater Austin’s and Bastrop’s most exciting adventures: The capital of Texas Zoo!
Located just 20 minutes east of downtown Austin, the Zoo is home to over 500 rare and beautiful wild animals.
