Exhibits

Dinosaurs Alive! Oct 1 - Jan 31

Fall into Nature at the Heard

Before fall arrives each year, Texans have had their share of hot, humid, and uncomfortable days.  The pleasant weather that this month brings inspires many people to look for opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.  You may even look to this month as the perfect time to host the last outdoor celebrations of the year or even as a nice time to prepare your yard for next year. 

The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, too, looks to fall as an excellent time to encourage the young and young at heart to celebrate and enjoy nature.  On October 1st, Dinosaurs Alive! returns for the 4th year! This exhibit will feature nine scary life-size animatronic dinosaurs along the nature trails. At this point, the Heard will offer dinosaur birthday parties in addition to our consistently-available nature-themed birthday parties.  Because the Heard has affordable general admission ($8 for adults, $5 for children 3-12 and seniors, free for children 2 and under) and a $75 family membership, it is the perfect place for an inexpensive, fun education and nature exploration outing. The Heard has something for everyone, including native plant gardens , distinctive indoor and outdoor exhibits, hiking trails and education programs. 

On October 24th, the Heard will host their 3rd annual Halloween at the Heard.  Children will have a family-friendly, safe environment to experience the joy of trick-or-treating that many of us experienced as children.  Don’t misunderstand us: Halloween at the Heard will be spooky!  Kids will trick-or-treat on the Dinosaurs Alive! Live-Sized Animatronic Dinosaurs at the Heard trail as well as the opportunity to participate in a costume contest and watch a movie under the stars in the Heard’s outdoor amphitheater.  Tickets sell out every year so get yours beginning October 1st online.

If you are among the many who will prepare their yards to look gorgeous for the fall and even next year, the annual Fall Plant Sale at the Heard is the perfect place to start.  Choose from dozens of native plant varieties ideally suited for Texas weather.  Also, get expert advice from Heard Natural Science & Wildlife Sanctuary professionals to help you find the right plant for you and your landscape!  The sale will be open to members only on October 9th from 4 to 7 PM.  On October 10th and 11th, the sale will be open to the public. 

Don’t miss out on our newest event: Holiday Trail of Lights!  See thousands of twinkling holiday lights along the Dinosaurs Alive! nature trail and enjoy festive activities, including: a Christmas tree lighting, an Artisan’s Market, live entertainment, family photo opportunities, complimentary hot chocolate and cider provided by Preservation Tree Services, and concessions.  This event is sure to make the holiday season memorable for your family.

Also, be sure to experience other Heard exhibits: Treasures from the Earth, an exotic collection of diamonds, gems, precious metals, rare minerals, pearls and fossils, and Animals of the World, a home to native animals and non-native animals from around the globe.

Make your special occasions extraordinary. The Heard is the perfect place for holiday parties, birthday parties, weddings, corporate meetings and other functions. Also, check out the Heard Ropes Course – a great teambuilding activity for individuals, families, or organizations – available by reservation. The new Eco-Adventures program will give people the opportunity to canoe & kayak in the Heard wetlands.