Encounter the 46-foot T-Rex and 14 new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s nature trails at the 19th annual Dinosaurs Live! Life-size Animatronic Dinosaurs exhibit.
Heard Museum Dinosaur Exhibit
This dinosaur exhibit at Heard Museum always gives families and friends a fun, educational activity to enjoy together. See the dinosaurs move and hear them roar! Photo op and play area dinosaurs will be available as well. This year, the exhibit also features an outdoor fossil dig.
Dinosaurs Live! is included in general admission and free for Heard Museum members. This is a seasonal, annual exhibit. When it is open, it is available during our regular hours of operation.
Each dinosaur in Dinosaurs Live! is fitted with its own electronic brain and powered by a pneumatic system to produce smooth and realistic movements. Situated in a natural setting, these dinosaurs are sure to capture your imagination.
Chasmosaurus
Massospondylus
Thank you for your interest in sponsoring one of the animatronic or photo op dinosaurs in the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Your generous gift will be used to help further our mission to bring nature and people together. You are able to choose from our T-rex, Dilophosaurus or photo-op Pachyrhinosaurus.
Each Family Dinosaur Sponsorship is just $10! As a sponsor of our dinosaurs, you’ll receive access to a downloadable pack with an info sheet about the dinosaur of your choice as well as a coloring sheet. Plus, we’ve also included 3 fun activity sheets for the future paleontologist in the family. All sponsor benefits are emailed to decrease our carbon paw-print and costs.
Visit Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary during our Dinosaurs Quiet events, which will offer a sensory-friendly experience along our Dinosaurs Live! exhibit trail. The dinosaurs of this exhibit usually move and roar; however, Dinosaurs Quiet offers a calmer environment without sounds or movement.
The Heard will offer Dinosaurs Quiet on the second Saturday of each month of the exhibit from 8–9 a.m.
Dates:
This event is included in general admission and free for Heard members.
Thank you for your interest in sponsoring one of the animatronic or photo op dinosaurs in the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Your generous gift will be used to help further our mission to bring nature and people together. You are able to choose from our T-rex, Dilophosaurus or photo-op Pachyrhinosaurus.
Each Family Dinosaur Sponsorship is just $10! As a sponsor of our dinosaurs, you’ll receive access to a downloadable pack with an info sheet about the dinosaur of your choice as well as a coloring sheet. Plus, we’ve also included 3 fun activity sheets for the future paleontologist in the family. All sponsor benefits are emailed to decrease our carbon paw-print and costs.
During its seasonal availability, this exhibit is included in general admission and free for Heard Museum members.
During the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit dates, the Heard offers (by reservation) Dinosaur Parties.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers birthday parties for children (see party descriptions for age requirements) on Saturdays and Sundays by reservation. Children will explore the natural world both inside and out.
The dinosaur trail is jogging stroller (i.e. strollers with large wheels) friendly. Many guests with small children also enjoy using hiking carriers.
Unfortunately, the trail the Dinosaurs Live exhibit is situated on is not suitable for strollers with small wheels or wheelchairs.
We are unable to animate the dinosaurs when temperatures drop below 35 degrees.
See any of our Guides to help you plan your trip.
While the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers educational exhibits and programs to better help our visitors connect with nature, the Heard is a “nature preserve” rather than a “park.” Our mission to bring nature and people together to promote an interest in preserving nature. And, as such, our Wildlife Sanctuary also functions as a nature preserve.
The primary focus of a nature preserve is to maintain and/or restore its native ecological conditions in order to protect the land and its native plants and wildlife. In general, while our nature preserve is open to the public for hiking and educational opportunities, we do not offer as wide of a variety of recreational opportunities as you might see at a typical park. The activities we offer within the preserve are limited so as to prevent deterioration of the land and the plants and animals living on it. For example, this is why we ask all visitors to stay on the trails. Additionally, as a nonprofit nature preserve, we have few paid staff to pick up litter and perform other maintenance tasks. We regularly depend on volunteers and donors to assist with the upkeep of the habitat.
Please take a moment to read our complete list of Tips, Rules and Answers to Frequently asked Questions so that you can help in preserving this natural resource for future generations!
How much does it cost to visit Dinosaurs Live?
Dinosaurs Live! is included in seasonal general admission. And, Heard Museum members get in free!
Why do you charge admission?
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private (rather than publicly funded), nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Your support through financial contributions, such as your admissions fees, will help ensure the Heard will be sustained for future generations to enjoy. In other words, you’re supporting our nonprofit while enjoying dinosaurs!
I see that Heard Museum members get in free. What other membership benefits are there?
Heard Museum members receive free general admission year-round. You’ll also enjoy discounts on a variety of programs. Plus, you’ll get invitations to member-only events and previews. Reciprocal admission through the Travel Passport Program to more than 300 ASTC participating member museums and science centers worldwide.** Because the Heard is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, portions of payments for memberships may be tax-deductible as a charitable contribution (consult your tax advisor).
How long is the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit trail?
The Dinosaurs Live! exhibit trail is about .5 miles long. Guests are allowed to spend as much or as little time on the trail as they wish during our regular hours of operation.
When is Dinosaurs Live! open?
Dinosaurs Live! is open during our regular hours of operation. See our hours page for more details and information on any relevant exceptions for holidays and special events.
What is your photography policy?
All guests are welcome to take nature photographs of the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary and to take casual snapshots during visits. We ask that all photographers follow our rules (such as staying on the trail). However, all portrait photographers and videographers (amateur or professional) must preregister and pay the Heard a permit fee to take posed portraits or videos of individuals or groups on our grounds. We appreciate your cooperation. Learn More
Are picnics allowed on the trails?
Please only enjoy your food and beverages at one of our designated outdoor picnic facilities, available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Can I purchase Dinosaurs Live! souvenirs and other merchandise?
A variety of merchandise is available in our Nature Store. As a private, nonprofit organization, we appreciate your support through purchases in our Nature Store!
Where can I find more information about where the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit is located? And, how much is parking?
Please visit our Directions and Parking page for more information.
How accessible is the nature trail that Dinosaurs Live! is located on to strollers and wheelchairs?
The dinosaur trail is jogging stroller (i.e. strollers with large wheels) friendly. Many guests with small children also enjoy using hiking carriers. Unfortunately, the nature trail the Dinosaurs Live exhibit is situated on is not suitable for strollers with small wheels or wheelchairs.
Where can I book at birthday party at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary?
Please visit our Birthday Parties page for complete information.
Where can I find information about ways I can prepare for my visit (including other things I can see while I’m there)?
There’s so much to explore at Heard. We want you to enjoy your experience here and learn as much as you can! Please note that if you’re interested in seeing wildlife, being respectful of their needs (keeping your volume low and walking rather than running) will provide you the most opportunities to see them. Below are links to a few resources that will help you get the most out of your visit.
Can I apply my general admission purchase towards a membership at the end of my visit?
Heard family memberships start at just $85 per year. If you purchase a Heard membership on the day of your visit, you’ll also be able to discount your family’s general admission from the membership price, making Heard memberships even more affordable! Please ask our front desk staff for more information if you’re interested.
Where can I provide feedback?
Have questions or comments? If you’d like to provide feedback after your visit, we welcome you to use our feedback form.
How can I get involved at the Heard?
Founded in 1967, the Heard consists of a 289 acre wildlife sanctuary and a natural science museum. The Heard is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and exists to bring nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore, and preserve our priceless environment. Your support through volunteering, memberships, general admission, donations, in-kind contributions and more will help ensure the Heard will be sustained for future generations to enjoy.
What are the general admission ticket terms of Use?
General Admission Tickets can be used on any day of your choosing for one year from the date of purchase. General admission is valid during our regular hours of operation. These tickets are not valid for special events requiring separate tickets or education programs. There are no refunds or exchanges for general admission.
This fun, festive and family-friendly fundraising event benefiting Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas features holiday lights and décor accentuating a lovely half-mile Heard nature trail. Also, you’ll get a glimpse of the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit along the trail and more!
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