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spring break activities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Spring Break at the Heard

Overview

Have a fun Spring Break close to home

Less than 10 miles from downtown McKinney and only 30 miles from the heart of Dallas, it is the perfect location for a daytrip.

The Heard has shaded picnic facilities, 289 acres of varied eco-systems with miles of hiking trails running through them, a variety of special programs and exhibits, and much more. Plus, during Spring Break, we offer special programs for a variety of ages.

More information coming soon!

Kids walking the trail with a camp leader during spring break mini camp

Spring Break Offerings

Spring break is just around the corner. And what better way to spend it than a visit to the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, TX!

 

With 289 acres in our nature preserve, visitors can explore the scenic beauty of North Texas while learning about the region’s flora and fauna. From March 17-22, the Heard will be offering a variety of fun programs that are sure to engage visitors of all ages. Take a stroll through the trails, spot the resident Texas wildlife, join a bird-watching tour, and more. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience nature up close and personal this spring break at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary! Learn more below.

Spring Break Offerings Available March 17 – 22, 2025

 

 

Click each grey box for more information.

These story times are designed primarily for young children and will introduce a different nature-themed book each week. During most of the story times, a puppet, live animal or enrichment items will be included to enhance the experience. 

 

 

  • Date/Time: March 14, 10a.m.
  • Price: Included in General Admission (Free for Heard Members)

 

Nature Story Times are offered on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month. More Info

The Family Campout will offer groups an evening of fantastic discovery after hours! Our programs include team-building activities, the opportunity to experience Texas wildlife, s’mores, and more. Experience what it’s like to be a member of the Heard’s nightlife. And, enjoy a night that your group will never forget! Spots are limited, so be sure to get your ticket now.

 

Click Here for More Info and to Register

 

  • Date/Time: March 15, 5:30pm (See More Dates)
  • Ages: This program is available to families with kids ages 5 through 12. Each attending group must have at least 1 adult per 4 children to provide supervision.
  • Price: $24 per child (ages 5-12), $29 per adult (ages 18+)

The Heard will be open on Monday, March 17 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (No entry granted after 4 p.m.)

 

Click Here for General Admission

 

Click Here for Heard Hours of Operation

Come join us for an amazing time learning about insects and arthropods of the world. Each day of camp we will be talking about a specific group of “bugs”, walking our Bugs Live trail, meeting and seeing insects firsthand, and other fun creepy crawly activities.

 

Click Here to Register

 

  • Date/Time: March 17-21, 9am – 12pm
  • Ages (use age as of Sept. 1, 2024):
    • preschool
    • 5-8 year-olds
    • 9-12 year-olds
  • Tuition: $150 for Members; $175 for Non-members

Join us for a walk in our wetlands. A trained trail guide will lead you and others to our wetlands to teach specifically about wetland ecology.

 

Click Here to Register

 

  • Date/Time: Monday, March 17, 9:30am – 11am
  • Prices:
    • Members: $5 for adults, $2 for kids ages 3-12
    • Non-members (includes general admission): $17 for adults, $12 for kids ages 3-12 (includes general admission)

Head to the Animal Encounter Trail to hear one of our keepers talk about our beloved animals. Registration not required, but subject to availability.

 

  • Date/Time: Tuesday, March 18, 9:30am and 11:30am
  • Price: 
    • Members: Free
    • Non-members: Included in general admission 

Join us for a walk to our prairie. A trained trail guide will lead you and others to our prairie to teach specifically about prairie ecology. Click Here to Register

 

  • Date/Time: Wednesday, March 19, 9:30am – 11:00am
  • Prices:
    • Members: $5 for adults, $2 for children, ages 3-12
    • Non-members (includes general admission): $17 for adults, $12 for children ages 3-12 

Head to the Animal Encounter Trail to hear one of our keepers talk about our beloved animals. Registration not required, but subject to availability.

 

  • Date/Time: Thursday, March 20, 9:30am and 11:00am
  • Price: 
    • Members: Free
    • Non-members: Included in general admission 

Learn about our native owls! Join us for a night with special owl guests, fun owl facts, and a walk on our trails to see if we can spot some outstanding owls. The first hour will be a presentation in Laughlin Hall and the second hour the night exploration. Pre-registration is required. Click Here for More Info and to Register

 

  • Date/Time: Saturday, March 22, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
  • Price:
    • Members: $18
    • Non-members: $20
    • Ages 3 years through adult

Spring Break General Admission Special

Monday, March 11, 2024 through Friday, March 15, 2024

Heard eNews subscribers will enjoy $2 off regular child (ages 3-12) general admission Monday, March 11, 2024 through Friday, March 15, 2024. Valid only during listed dates for general admission purchased at the Heard admissions desk only. Not valid online or in combination with other offers. Not a Heard eNews subscriber? Sign up now.

Special Monday Hours: March 11

The Heard is normally closed on Mondays, but will be open on Monday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Guests may not be admitted after 4 p.m.) For more information about our scheduled hours of operations visit our Hours page.