Offering a variety of activities and experiences for visitors of all ages, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas, is the perfect autumn destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a serene escape into nature. In the fall, the sanctuary comes alive with special events, programs, and seasonal exhibits that highlight the beauty and wonder of nature.
The Heard consists of an indoor museum and a 289-acre nature preserve with miles of hiking trails. This private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is dedicated to bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore, and preserve our priceless environment. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard. In a time when the population of Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex was growing more slowly than today, she foresaw the need to create a nature preserve for future generations to experience and enjoy. Today, the Heard’s mission is carried out through education, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.
One of the key attractions at the Heard this fall is “Dinosaurs Live! Life-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs,” which is open through February 17, 2025. This seasonal, annual exhibit features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs situated along one of the museum’s scenic nature trails. Guests will be transported back in time as they walk among these moving and roaring prehistoric giants, offering an educational and thrilling experience for families and dinosaur enthusiasts alike. The exhibit includes informative signage, a hands-on fossil dig, and photo opportunities that provide unique opportunities to step back in time, making it both fun and educational.
Special Events and Activities
The Heard has fun events planned around the 19th annual “Dinosaurs Live!”:
- Dinosaurs Quiet
These mornings offer a sensory-friendly experience. While the dinosaurs typically move and roar in the exhibit, Dinosaurs Quiet offers a calmer environment without sounds or movement. Dinosaurs Quiet happen on the second Saturday of each month of the exhibit from 8–9 am. Dinosaurs Quiet is available on the following dates:- November 9, 2024
- December 14, 2024
- January 11, 2025
- February 8, 2025
- Holidays at the Heard
On December 6 and 7, 2024, Holidays at the Heard brings the beauty of the holiday season into nature. Holiday lights and décor will accentuate a lovely half-mile Heard nature trail. And, guests will get a glimpse of the “Dinosaurs Live!” exhibit along the trail.
Learn about Wildlife
The Heard Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. In fact, over 240 bird species (including year-round residents and migrant species) have been spotted at the Heard. In the early fall, Prothonotary Warblers, Painted Buntings, and a variety of shore birds are just a few of the notable bird species that may be spotted at the Heard. In the past, species such as the Pileated Woodpecker, American Woodcock, and even Bald Eagles have been spotted in late fall at the Heard. Because the Heard is located on a major migratory path, many species visit the nature preserve on their way to their winter home in the fall because of its unique natural resources.
The Native Texas Butterfly House is closed for the season. Guests are still able to visit the adjoining pollinator garden and witness the delicate dance of butterflies and other pollinators amidst fall blooms. Filled with host and nectar plants that naturally attract these lovely creatures, the pollinator garden is accessible year-round. However, the plant and invertebrate life may vary depending on their normal lifecycles as winter weather sets in.
Nature lovers will find the Heard’s network of trails particularly appealing in the fall. The cooler weather makes it an ideal time for hiking through wetlands, prairies, bottomland forest, upland forest, and white rock escarpment. Many native plants also have a fall bloom season. Guests may hike the nature trails during the Heard’s regular hours of operation (see website for details).
For those who enjoy learning more about nature and conservation, the Heard’s educational programs are a must. Visitors can register for prescheduled programs such as 1st Saturday Guided Trails, 2nd Saturday Bird Walks, and 3rd Thursday Bird Walks. Plus, an array of other educational programs (such as field trips) are also available by reservation for groups of 10 or more, providing guests with the chance to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the natural world.
Additionally, the museum’s indoor exhibits feature natural history, paleontology, minerals, and Texas wildlife and ecosystems. Many of the fossils on display at the Heard were prepared in the Heard’s lab and some of them were even discovered locally as well. The Heard also provides a home to non-releasable native and non-native animals in exhibits that teach people about animals and the pertinent role they have in nature worldwide.
In addition to educational programs, the Heard Museum will host special events in the fall, such as Halloween at the Heard and Holidays at the Heard.
Whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out, a nature enthusiast eager to explore, or a student of science seeking to learn more about the environment, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a destination that provides memorable experiences and a deeper connection to the wonders of nature.
