The goal of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is to connect kids with nature – with the hope to inspire within them, as well as their parents, families and teachers, a deeper appreciation for the environment.
The Heard’s education department offers innovative programs designed for all age groups, interests and abilities. Programs include guided nature trails, live animal presentations, a preschool program, homeschool science classes, summer camps, adult and teacher workshops and more.
Field trips, laboratory workshops, scouting programs and merit badge classes are available by reservation from September through May.
Experience the amazing diversity in wetland vegetation and wildlife while learning about the history and basics of wetland ecology. After a safety and canoeing introduction, spend about 40 minutes on a guided trail around the Heard wetlands, followed by free paddle time to explore on your own.
No experience is necessary for any of the paddle programs. All participants will be given an introduction to canoeing that includes basic strokes, boat safety, and flat water maneuvers.
Member Rate: $32 per person
Non-Member Rate: $42 per person
October 5, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.
October 27, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.
November 16, 1-4 p.m.
Min age: 7 years
All canoe & safety equipment provided.
Each canoe holds up to 3 people.
Pre-registration is required.
Forms
Waiver of Liability and Release of Claims
Heard canoes are not available for personal use. Canoeing at the Heard is only available by reservation for groups or during pre-scheduled canoeing events.
Custom Canoe Programs
A limited number of canoe programs are available only by reservation and as water levels permit (often, the water levels are only suitable from February through May) for groups of 12 or more. Request a Custom Program
For more information, email ropes@heardmuseum.org.
Group overnight stays offer groups an evening of fantastic discovery after hours! Our programs consist of team-building activities, educational presentations, and, of course, the opportunity to experience Texas wildlife. Our programs are specifically customized based on your group’s interests.
Experience what it’s like to be a member of the Heard’s nightlife. And, enjoy a night that your group will never forget!
Our Annex building is situated on the southeast corner of the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary, away from the main building. It provides a secluded forest area for groups to work on team-building, learn about Texas wildlife, and completely immerse in the natural beauty the Heard has to offer. The Annex building is also adjacent to the Heard Ropes Course.
Overnight programs at the Annex come with 2 sleeping options.
Groups can bring or rent tents and experience what it is like to camp outdoors in a secure and safe environment or bring sleeping bags and sleep inside the Annex building.
Dinner is not provided in our programs. Guests should eat before arriving. Guests may bring snacks and refreshments to have throughout the night if needed.
We provide a breakfast of muffins, fruit, and crackers you may eat at your convenience in the morning.
Day of Arrival
Day of Departure
Low Ropes Course Elements
We will choose low rope elements based on your desired group experience. These on-ground elements have a deep focus on teamwork and communication within groups. Facilitators whose primary goal is to bring a group of individuals into a team of one will lead the elements!
Herpetology Talk
Learn about different types of reptiles and amphibians. We’ll talk about the fantastic abilities these animals have. You’ll also learn about their essential role in Texas ecology. We’ll also take a group walk to see what reptiles and amphibians your group can spot in our forest.
Get Creative!
Get educated while having fun and stepping into your creative brain. We’ll create a group craft that will double as a souvenir for your group to take home! Each craft project is different and personalized to your group.
Group Size Cost Per Person
12-25 $40
26-40 $45
*Discounts may be available for nonprofits that qualify. Contact us for details.
Designed using green architecture and built beside a nature trail, the SRC sits atop a hill overlooking the wetlands and wildlife sanctuary. This building is excellent for larger groups that want to sleep inside for their overnight program. This facility comes with special amenities like a movie and popcorn at the end of the night!
Overnight programs are held in our large meeting hall. For your comfort, guests should bring sleeping bags and pillows. Your group will sleep in a safe and secure area from all other guests.
Dinner is not provided in our programs. Guests should eat before arriving. Your group may bring snacks and refreshments to have throughout the night if needed.
Breakfast will be included in your overnight stay. Guests will be served eggs and a fruit platter. Your group will also be able to choose between cinnamon rolls or biscuits.
Day of Arrival
Day of Departure
Herpetology Talk
Learn about different types of reptiles and amphibians. We’ll talk about the fantastic abilities these animals have. You’ll also learn about their essential role in Texas ecology. We’ll also take a group walk to see what reptiles and amphibians your group can spot in our forest.
Get Creative!
Get educated while having fun and stepping into your creative brain. We’ll create a group craft that will double as a souvenir for your group to take home! Each craft project is different and personalized to your group.
Texas Native Scavenger Hunt
Challenge your peers to look for items we have hidden all over the Heard Museum. Your group will be divided into teams to look for native flora, fauna, and more.
Group Size Cost Per Person
12-25 $45
26-50 $50
*Discounts may be available for nonprofits that qualify. Contact us for details.
Contact us to reserve your stay.
See pricing dropdowns above.
Available by reservation only.
Each participant must have a completed Liability Release and Health Statement prior to participating at the Heard Ropes Course. For your convenience, please print a copy, fill it out and bring it with you to the event you are participating in.
Ages 10+ (for Overnight Stays incorporating Heard Ropes Course Programs)
75-275 lbs. (for Overnight Stays incorporating Heard Ropes Course Programs)
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.
Guests must bring their own tent and other equipment. See the suggested equipment list below. Please note that lights out will be no later than 10 p.m. A light breakfast will be provided on the morning of your departure. Guests are welcomed and encouraged to bring their own dinner and snacks for the evening of their campout.
Tentative General Itinerary (Dependent on time of year):
Suggested Equipment
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.
$24 per child (ages 5-12)
$29 per adult (ages 18+)
September 27, 6 p.m.
October 19, 6 p.m.
November 9, 6 p.m.
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.
General Admission
Offered on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month
10 AM
Story Times are available for groups of 10 or more by reservation only. Please contact us at info@heardmuseum.org for more information.
Join us for our scheduled talks to learn about various topics in gardening for butterflies and moths.
Learn how your garden can become a haven for butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. You’ll learn how to select the perfect plants to attract a kaleidoscope of butterflies to your space. Learn not just which plants to grow, but how to arrange them to create a thriving ecosystem right in your backyard. This talk will transform your view of gardens from mere spaces of beauty to vital refuges for some of nature’s most fascinating creatures.
Are you familiar with the basics of gardening to support monarch butterflies? In this talk, we’ll go beyond the basics and take you on a deep dive into gardening techniques tailored to support their unique life cycle. Learn about creating a sanctuary that not only attracts these magnificent creatures but also nurtures them through each stage of their journey, from egg to butterfly. We’ll explore specific plant recommendations, garden designs, and conservation strategies essential for sustaining monarch populations.
Adults: $12
Children ages 3-12: $9
Children ages 2 & under: free
Heard members save 50% per scheduled garden talk.
General admission to the museum is included.
These programs are most appropriate for ages 8+. Children must be accompanied by adults.
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Cancellation Fees
For additional information, contact Amy Monroy at amonroy@heardmuseum.org
We offer a unique combination of indoor and outdoor activities that will enhance your knowledge of native plants and more. Plus, experience a tour of a wonderful display of trees, shrubs, grasses, vines, ground covers and perennials native to the Lone Star State in our native plant gardens. These gardens demonstrate how native plants can be used in urban garden settings.
Garden talks and tours may be scheduled by any adult group of 10 or more persons. Groups of 9 or fewer persons are subject to a flat fee (see Payment Procedures tab).
These talks are available by reservation only. We ask that groups place a reservation request at least two weeks prior to the requested date. Our reservation request form does not create a reservation or hold a date. It is only a request for us to contact you for confirmation. Requests will be processed in the order they were received during our normal business office hours (Tuesdays through Fridays).
Adults: $11
Seniors 60+: $9
Includes gardening talk, tours of Heard native plant gardens and parking
Available by reservation only
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Cancellation Fees
For additional information, contact Amy Monroy at amonroy@heardmuseum.org
Enjoy workshops featuring opportunities to learn new techniques and create art inspired by nature and science.
May 2 – Mini Plein Air Watercolor Painting Workshop
Naturalists often keep a journal to record their explorations of the natural world. Make a journal to use during camp and take it home to keep using on your own.
16+
Member Rate: $35
Non-Member Rate: $40
Pre-registration required
Mini Plein Air Watercolor Painting Workshop
May 2, 1-3 p.m.
Experience the ecology, geology, flora and fauna of the Heard Sanctuary.
Led by our trained guides, your group will spend 45-60 minutes hiking our unique landscape.
New for Fall 2024: these programs will be offered monthly on the 1st Saturday of each month from September through June at 9:30 a.m.
Have a group of 10 or more?
We may be able to arrange a private hike for your group; contact us for availability. Available September through May, as scheduled.
September 7, 2024 | 9:30am
October 5, 2024 | 9:30am
November 2, 2024 | 9:30am
December 7, 2024 | 9:30am
January 4, 2025 | 9:30am
February 1, 2025 | 9:30am
March 1, 2025 | 9:30am
April 5, 2025 | 9:30am
May 3, 2025 | 9:30am
June 7, 2025 | 9:30am
See registration form for pricing. Heard members save 50% per Fall 2024-Spring 2025 Guided Trail.
Admission to museum included.
Please note that many scouts participate in this program; however, all members of the public are welcome. Info for Scouts: Each scout must have a responsible adult in attendance; one adult may bring up to 10 scouts.
For every 10 paid scouts, get one (1) adult free (when paid for and reserved simultaneously with all 10 scouts).
Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing
Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, each Nature Connection Walk will be an immersive time spent connecting with nature in our wildlife sanctuary. They will include guided activities done while walking, standing, and/or sitting along our trails. The trails and guided activities will change each month, making each walk a fresh experience.
The variety of health benefits that time in nature offers is well documented. These benefits include the potential reduction of blood pressure and stress/anxiety. Spending time in nature can increase a sense of well-being. Join us and discover how much spending intentional time connecting with nature can improve your life.
Participants need to be able to spend about 2 hours outside, walking at an easy pace, and stand and/or sit on the ground quietly for up to 20 minutes at a time. Trails are not handicap accessible; some trails include walking up and down hilly areas. Phones and other electronic devices are discouraged from use during the walk, and ringers and notifications must be kept silent.
Offered on the 3rd Saturday of each month, September through June
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
$25/person
Heard members receive a 10% discount
Refunds are not offered; however, tickets are transferrable.
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