Do you remember the joy of spending childhood summers outdoors? Register for Heard Summer Nature Camps and share those wonderful moments and memories with your child. The Heard’s mission is to inspire children to discover, enjoy, experience, and restore our priceless environment.
Heard Summer Camps feature opportunities for children from north Texas and beyond to delve into the wonders of nature on our 289-acre sanctuary, encounter animal ambassadors, investigate nature-themed topics, and more. We’ll spend time both indoors and outside. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors is not only fun for our children, but also plays an important role in many facets of child development.
Summer 2024 information coming soon.
Would you like updates when information is available? Please sign up here!
Click here to view the message regarding Heard Summer Camps and COVID-19.
These weeklong Heard Summer Nature Camps will feature opportunities to delve into the wonders of nature on our 289-acre sanctuary, encounter animal ambassadors, investigate nature-themed topics, and more! Spots are limited.
Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration
Through 2/15
Registration Now Open to Public
Early Bird Registration
Ends 3/1
5 – 12 Years (as of June 1, 2024)
Member Rate: $225
Non-Member Rate: $250
Pre-registration is required
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Camp Wolf
June 10-14 – (SOLD OUT)
June 24-28 – (SOLD OUT)
July 8-12 – (SOLD OUT)
Camp Barn Owl
June 17-21 – (SOLD OUT)
July 1-5
July 15-19
Discover the fascinating world of invertebrates at our summer camp. Our campers will dive into the diverse and incredible realm of animals without backbones. We will use engaging activities and hands-on investigations to inspire curiosity and excitement about invertebrates.
Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration
Feb 17 – March 2
Registration Open to Public
March 3
5 – 12 Years (as of June 1, 2024)
Member Rate: $180
Non-Member Rate: $195
Pre-registration is required.
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
June 2-6
July 7-11
Spots are limited.
Dive into the world of science with Ologies summer camp. This unique camp offers an exciting exploration of various scientific fields, ranging from biology, ecology and more! Campers will become young scientists, engaging in hands-on experiences, interactive demonstrations to uncover the mysteries of the natural world.
Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration
Feb 17 – March 2
Registration Open to Public
March 3
5 – 12 Years (as of June 1, 2024)
Member Rate: $180
Non-Member Rate: $195
Pre-registration is required.
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
June 9-13
July 14-18
Spots are limited.
Join us for a wild adventure at our Mammals summer camp. This unique camp is dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of mammals. Campers will discover the incredible diversity of mammals, learning about their habitats, behaviors, and adaptation through hands-on activities, interactive investigations.
Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration
Feb 17 – March 2
Registration Open to Public
March 3
5 – 12 Years (as of June 1, 2024)
Member Rate: $180
Non-Member Rate: $195
Pre-registration is required.
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
June 16-20
July 21-25
Spots are limited.
Information coming soon!
Would you like to receive an email notification when more information is available? Click here.
Youth artists will follow in the footsteps of great artists such as Audubon, Beatrix Potter and Anna Atkins, with unique opportunities to create their own art inspired by nature and live animals. Each day, a different type of medium will be explored.
Unleash your creativity in the great outdoors with our summer Nature Art Camp! This unique camp combines the beauty of nature with the magic of art, offering campers the opportunity to explore their artistic side while surrounded by the wonders of the natural world. Our nature art camp is designed to foster creativity, imagination, and a deep appreciation for the environment.
Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration
Feb 17 – March 2
Registration Open to Public
March 3
5 – 12 Years (as of June 1, 2024)
Member Rate: $180
Non-Member Rate: $195
Pre-registration is required.
9:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
June 23-27
All art supplies are included.
Campers experience a behind-the-scenes, hands-on adventure with our education and exhibit animals. Learn about our different animals and what it takes to properly care for them. Spots are limited.
Embark on a compassionate adventure at our summer camp for animal caretakers. This unique camp offers campers a chance to learn about and care for the incredible creatures that help educate and inspire others in exhibits and educational programs. From feeding and cleaning to handling and socializing, campers will develop a deep understanding of the responsibilities involved in caring for animals in a professional setting.
Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration
Feb 17 – March 2
Registration Open to Public
March 3
Early Bird Registration
Ends 3/1
Jr. Keeper camps available for: 5 year olds, 6-7 year olds, 8-9 year olds, 10-12 year olds (as of June 1, 2025)
Teen Keeper II Camp available for 13-16 year olds
Member Rate: $275
Non-Member Rate: $295
Pre-registration required.
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
July 28 – Aug 1
Attendees of Keeper Camp 2 must have attended Keeper Camp 1.
Information coming soon!
Discover your passion for nature, science, and conservation at our summer career exploration camp for teens! This immersive camp offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the diverse job opportunities in natural science museums and wildlife sanctuaries. From learning about animal care to understanding the importance of research and public outreach, this camp is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of conservation leaders.
Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration
Feb 17-March 2
Registration Open to Public
March 3
13-16 years old
Member Rate: $135
Non-Member Rate: $150
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
June 9-13
Spots are limited.
Based on our popular Nature Explorers preschool program, each day, campers will meet one of the Heard’s live animal ambassadors and take a nature hike to explore different habitats from wetlands and forests to prairie and ponds. We will also explore museum exhibits, participate in hands-on science activities, sing songs, listen to stories, and play nature theme-games! A simple snack (such as animal crackers, goldfish, or pretzels with water) will be served.
Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration
Feb 17 – March 2
Registration Open to Public
March 3
Pre-K campers born between January 2020 and January 2022 (older 3-year-olds through younger 5-year-olds that have not attended Kindergarten)
9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
June 2-6
June 16-20
July 7-11
July 21-25
Spots are limited.
Member Rate: $135
Non-Member Rate: $150
Fit a little more fun in nature into your summer! Spots are limited. Register today.
What can make the ground shake? What can shoot rocks high into the sky and even change the weather around the world? Discover how events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have change the landscape, and how studying them have helped us learn more about the earth.
Heard Museum* Members-Only Registration
Through 2/15
Registration Open to Public
6-12 (as of June 1, 2024)
Member Rate: $21
Non-Member Rate: $24
Pre-registration required
Mini Camps are not included in the Early Bird Offer.
(9:30 a.m. – noon)
Wednesday, July 5 – Amazing Amphibians
Thursday, July 6 – Fossil Finds
Friday, July 7 – Bird Basics
The Heard offers Heard Summer Camp t-shirts (available only when ordered by May 1).
Our Medication Policy is for the protection and safety of your child while he/she participates in Museum Programs. Your cooperation with this policy is necessary for the safety of all participants. We appreciate your consideration.
*Please note that the reciprocal admission agreement that the Heard has with the Perot Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Nature & Science and ASTC Passport Program participants does not apply to education programs or special events.
Heard Member discounts are applicable only to persons covered under a Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary membership. Learn more here.
We do not know what the coronavirus situation will be when camp actually occurs. But assuming conditions are the same as they are now, the following procedures, based on CDC guidelines, will be implemented to help reduce potential exposure for campers and staff. If community conditions improve or worsen, we will adjust our policies accordingly.
What About Face Masks?
What Else Are We Doing?
Health Screening
(Policy current as of 1.24.23)
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1 Nature Pl, McKinney, TX 75069 | Contact | Privacy Policy