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Family Friendly Event in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Bug-a-thon

Presented by Plano Tree Care

Event overview

Bug-a-thon

A Family Fun Evening & Night Event

About Bug-a-thon

 

Mark your calendars for an exciting adventure at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary! Join us on June 21 from 5 PM to 11 PM for the much-anticipated Bug-a-thon. This family-friendly event promises an evening and night filled with exploration, discovery, and fun activities for all ages.

 

Evening BioBlitz

 

Kick off the event with a thrilling BioBlitz during daylight hours. Participants will have the opportunity to become citizen scientists, finding and identifying as many species as possible within the sanctuary. A BioBlitz is a unique chance to contribute to a biological inventory or census, providing invaluable data on the biodiversity of the area. Whether you are a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, this is a great way to learn about the local ecosystem and its myriad of fascinating creatures.

 

After Sunset Mothing Event

 

As the sun sets, the focus shifts to the enchanting world of nocturnal insects with our Mothing Event. Witness the captivating allure of moths as they gather around special lights set up to attract them. This is a rare opportunity to observe and identify these incredible insects up close, guided by local insect enthusiasts who will share their knowledge and passion for the often-overlooked creatures of the night.

 

Family-Friendly Activities and Contests

 

Bug-a-thon is designed with families in mind, offering a variety of fun activities that both adults and children will enjoy. Young explorers can participate in contests, such as the challenge to find the most species, with exciting prizes to be won. Engage in interactive games, educational displays, and hands-on experiences that will foster a love for nature and inspire budding scientists.

 

Reserve Your Spot

 

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Special tickets are required to reserve your spot at Bug-a-thon, ensuring that you and your family can fully enjoy all the activities planned for this extraordinary event.

Join us for a day and night of discovery, learning, and fun at Bug-a-thon 2025! We look forward to seeing you there.

Get Tickets

Price

Non-Member

Adults: $15

Children (ages 3 – 12): $11

Children (ages 2 and under): Free

 

Member

Enjoy a 50% discount off the Non-member price! Sign in on the ticketing page to get your discount. The discount will be reflected in your cart.

Schedule

June 21

5 P.M. – 11 P.M.

 

Please note that the bioblitz portion will happen during daylight hours and then a mothing event will follow.

Additional Information

  • No refunds. 
  • Bring a printed or digital copy of your ticket.

Sponsors

   

Media Sponsor

 

Food Truck & Vendor

El Chifrijo      Texas Roadhouse

Gallery

Tentative Schedule

  • Enjoy Round 1 of Dinosaur Trail of Treats
  • Jogging strollers are recommended; no wheelchairs or walkers.
  • Please enter the Dinosaur Trail of Treats to the right of the amphitheater.
  • Before or after the movie, stop at each of the animatronic dinosaurs.
  • The trick-or-treat trail closes during the movie and then reopens after the movie. Please respect our volunteers and do not attempt to enter the trail during the movie.
  • Take a photo in your costume at our photo ops.
  • Find a spot to enjoy the outdoor movie.
  • Guests are welcome to sit in the grassy area at the top of the amphitheater.
  • Please use seating space only for seating. Move toward the center of the amphitheater so that all guests may have a seat while practicing social distancing between groups.
  • Delicious food will be available for purchase while supplies last. 
  • Watch Encanto in the outdoor amphitheater. The movie will begin at approximately 7:45 p.m.

Please note that, for safety reasons, the Dinosaur Trail of Treats is closed during the movie. Please respect our volunteers and do not attempt to enter these areas during this time.

  • Delicious food will be available for purchase while supplies last. 
  • Little ones will enjoy exploring the museum at this time. Be sure to check out the exhibits! The indoor exhibits will close at the end of the movie.
  • Enjoy Round 2 on the Dinosaur Trail of Treats. Take your flashlights!
  • The trail is located about halfway through the Dinosaur Trail of Treats.
  • Geared toward older elementary-age children.
  • Continue to enjoy concessions.
  • The last shuttle will run at 10 p.m.

Help us keep our nature preserve clean and pick up your trash. Recycle water bottles, cans, and other recyclable items in the blue bins or inside the museum.

dinosaurs live trail animals of the nature preserve

Notes & FAQs

Do Heard Museum Members need a ticket?

 

Special event are required for all guests, including Heard Museum Members.

This includes persons that arrive with current ticket holders.

If I plant to visit the museum before event starts, do I need a separate admission ticket?

Special event tickets are required for all guests, including Heard Museum Members. But if you would like to visit earlier in the day, we will honor your Bug-a-thon ticket for early entry. This will help us with planning for the event.

Can my ticket be refunded?

Sorry, because this is a limited engagement event, there are no refunds.

Should I print my ticket(s)?

Please be prepared to show your tickets when you arrive at the door. They can be displayed on your phone or tablet. They will arrive in a 2nd email after your order confirmation. Alternatively,  you’re welcome to print them to show to our staff.

If you did not receive your confirmation email with tickets, please check your spam and junk folders in your email. Then, if they are not there, please contact info@heardmuseum.org

Should I bring money to Halloween at the Heard?

You may wish to bring cash or a credit card in case you would like to purchase food or items in the Heard Nature Store.

How can I best prepare to attend the event?

Most activities will be outdoors. Dress appropriately and wear appropriate shoes. Bring a flashlight and wear bug spray (but do not apply in observation zones)!

Please bring a water-resistant blanket and/or stadium chairs for amphitheater or grassy seating areas. Depending on the weather prior to the event, waterproof seating may be preferred.

Help us keep our sanctuary clean and pick up your trash. Recycle water bottles, cans and other recyclable items in the blue bins or inside the museum.

Volunteer opportunities may be  available for individuals and organizations. Contact our volunteer coordinator for more information.

Notes & FAQs

Do Heard Museum Members need a Halloween at the Heard ticket?

 

Special Halloween at the Heard tickets are required for all guests, including Heard Museum Members.

 

This includes persons that arrive with current Halloween at the Heard ticket holders.

 

A special Heard Members-Only Pre-sale is offered (with discounts) before tickets are made available to the public. See dates above. 

Halloween at the Heard Complimentary Parking Information

Onsite parking is limited; however, a complimentary shuttle will be provided. Check to see if parking is available in the main lot before proceeding to shuttle service.

Please allow extra time in case you need to ride the shuttle.

Sloan Creek Intermediate School

440 Country Club Road, Fairview, Texas 75069

Shuttle Hours

5:30 P.M. – 10 P.M.

Please do not park in the bus drive-through lane. Parking is available in a large lot behind the school and in front of the school.

If I purchase a General Admission ticket earlier in the day, do I need a special ticket for Halloween at the Heard?

 

Special Halloween at the Heard tickets are required for all guests, including Heard Museum Members.

 

This includes persons that arrive with current Halloween at the Heard ticket holders.

Can my ticket be Halloween at the Heard ticket be refunded?

 

Sorry, because this is a limited engagement fundraising event, there are no refunds.

Should I print my Halloween at the Heard ticket(s)?

 

Please be prepared to show your tickets when you arrive at the door. They can be displayed on your phone or tablet. Alternatively,  you’re welcome to print them to show to our staff.

 

If you did not receive your confirmation email with tickets, please check your spam and junk folders in your email. Then, if they are not there, please contact sjennings@heardmuseum.org

Should I bring money to Halloween at the Heard?

You may wish to bring cash or a credit card in case you would like to purchase tasty food from food vendors or items in the Heard Nature Store. Please note that a portion of all food sales benefits the Heard (as well as all sales in the Nature Store).

How can I best prepare to attend the Halloween at the Heard?

 

Many activities are outdoors. Dress appropriately and wear appropriate shoes. Bring a flashlight and wear bug spray!

 

Please bring a water-resistant blanket and/or stadium chairs for amphitheater or grassy seating areas. Depending on the weather prior to the event, waterproof seating may be preferred.

 

If you would like to check out reviews of the movie we’ll be showing (Luca), here is more information.

 

Help us keep our sanctuary clean and pick up your trash. Recycle water bottles, cans and other recyclable items in the blue bins or inside the museum.

 

Volunteer opportunities may be  available for individuals and organizations. Contact our volunteer coordinator for more information.