Family fun

Austin Nature & Science Center. Everyone loves the Dino Pit and the wildlife exhibits, but one thing my family always has loved that a lot of people don’t know about are the trails in the greenbelt beside the center. The trails start at the end of the aviary. Free. 2389 Stratford Drive. austintexas.gov/ department/austin -nature-and-science-center.

Zilker Botanical Garden. Kids love to cross the bridges of the Isamu Taniguchi Japanese Garden as well as explore the 1840 Swedish pioneer cabin. For something really cool, go back in time to the ages of the dinosaurs in the Hartman Prehistoric Garden. $1 children and seniors, $2 adults who are Austin residents, $3 adults who are not Austin residents. 2220 Barton Springs Road. 512-477-8672. www.zilkergarden.org.

Mayfield Park and Preserve. Another great place to explore is this 21-acre natural area, plus cottage gardens with peacocks wandering around. It’s open daily. 3505 W. 35th St. mayfieldpark.org.