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Outdoor Nature Activities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

More Programs

Overview

An Array of Offerings

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.

Guests canoeing

Canoeing

3-Hour Wetland Canoe Trails at the Heard

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.

Gallery

Registration

Price

Member Rate: $32 per person

Non-Member Rate: $42 per person

Schedule

March 16, 1-4 p.m.

April 7, 1-4 p.m.

April 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

May 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

May 25, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.

Additional Information

Min age: 7 years

All canoe & safety equipment provided.

Each canoe holds up to 3 people. 

Pre-registration is required.

Forms

Participant Information

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.

Overnight Stays

Sleepover at the Heard

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!

Group Overnight Programs at the Annex

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. 

Accommodations
  • Outdoor area for tents (can be provided at a small fee)
  • Restrooms with running water
  • Indoor area for breakfast, indoor meetings, and shelter for unexpected weather
  • Fire Pit with S’mores included
Sleeping Arrangements

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.

Food Provided

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.

Sample Schedule

 

Day of Arrival

  • 6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Arrival, unpack and set up
  • 6:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. – Introduction and orientation
  • 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Choice of 1st evening activity
  • 8:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – (Break Time)
  • 8:15 – 9:15 p.m. – Choice of 2nd evening activity
  • 9:15 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. – S’mores and Campfire
  • 10:15 p.m. – 10:45 p.m. – Clean up and bed time

Day of Departure

  • 7 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. – Wake up
  • 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast/Last talk
  • 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Cleanup & departure
Evening Activity Choices

 

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.

Pricing

Group Size         Cost Per Person

12-25                       $40

26-40                      $45

*Discounts may be available for nonprofits that qualify. Contact us for details.

Group Overnight Programs at the SRC

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!

Accommodations
  • Large indoor area for bigger groups
  • Restrooms with running water
  • Indoor area for breakfast, indoor meetings, and shelter for unexpected weather
  • Age-appropriate movie and freshly popped popcorn included
Sleeping Arrangements

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.

Food Provided

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.

Sample Schedule

Day of Arrival

  • 6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Arrival, unpack and set up
  • 6:30 p.m. -6:45 p.m. Introduction and orientation
  • 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Choice of 1st evening activity
  • 7:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Break time)
  • 8 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Choice of 2nd evening activity
  • 9 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Movie with freshly popped popcorn
  • 10:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Clean up and bed time

Day of Departure

  • 7 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. – Wake up
  • 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast/Last talk
  • 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Cleanup & departure
Evening Activity Choices

 

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.

Pricing

Group Size         Cost Per Person

12-25                       $45

26-50                      $50

*Discounts may be available for nonprofits that qualify. Contact us for details.

Registration

Contact us to reserve your stay.

Price

See pricing dropdowns above.

Schedule

Available by reservation only.

Additional Information

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)

Family Campouts

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. Pizza and lemonade will be provided for dinner. Guests may bring other food options as desired.

 

Suggested Equipment

 

  • Tent (larger than 4-person size not allowed)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pads
  • Pillow
  • Camp chair, if desired
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Necessary toiletries (contact solution, toothpaste/toothbrush, etc.)
  • Prescription medication, as applicable
  • Water bottle (guests may refill at our building)
  • Flashlight
  • Bug spray
  • Snacks
  • Change of clothes and appropriate closed-toed shoes; weather-appropriate clothing as necessary
  • Sleepwear

Reservations

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+)

Schedule

 

March 9, 5 p.m.

April 6, 5 p.m.

June 1, 5 p.m.

Nature Story Times

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.

Reservations

Price

General Admission

Schedule

Offered on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month

September-May

10 AM

Additional Information

Story Times are available for groups of 10 or more by reservation only. Please contact us at info@heardmuseum.org for more information.

Garden Talks

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).

 

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).

Schedule a Garden Talk

Price

Adults: $11

Seniors 60+: $9

 

Includes gardening talk, tours of Heard native plant gardens and parking

Schedule

Available by reservation only

Additional Information

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  • Pre-payment is required for all reservations.
  • A minimum group size of 10 adults is required to be eligible for the group rate (in lieu of a group of 10 or more persons, groups of 9 or fewer may pay a flat $100 fee. 
  • Fees are non-refundable except in cases of inclement weather (see below).
  • The educational program pricing does not include museum general admission. Guests may add general admission to their trip for an additional $8 per person.
  • Reservations made 6+ weeks in advance of your adult garden group trip date: a 25% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is due within 10 days of making your reservation. You will be emailed a confirmation letter/invoice within 3 to 5 business days. Deposit payments may be made through this form. 
  • Reservations made less than 4 weeks prior to your adult garden group trip date: FULL PAYMENT is due at time of reservation. A Confirmation Letter/Invoice will be emailed to you within 1-3 business days.
  • You have up to 4 weeks prior to your field trip date to call and final make modifications to your invoice. Please call Central Reservations at 972-562-5566 x 241. Any additional participants after that time cannot be guaranteed a guided tour. Please let us know of any changes as soon as possible.
  • Refunds or Credits will not be granted for having fewer participants on the day of your adult garden group trip than what is represented on the invoice.
  • Additional participants not included in the reservation (including Heard Museum members) must pay the applicable program fees at check-in on the day of your field trip.
  • Inclement Weather: Please DO NOT assume your activity is cancelled. An inclement weather refund will not be issued to “no shows.” We hold programs rain or shine, and cancel only for heavy rain, thunder and lightning, or icy conditions. If we cancel, we will try to reschedule for another date that works for you. If we cannot schedule another time, a full refund will be issued. You will be contacted via the phone number provided on your Reservation Form, and we will contact you as soon as possible. The Heard Museum closes when the McKinney Independent School District cancels and follows delayed openings. Your adult garden group trip will be considered cancelled by us under these conditions.
  • Cancellations without penalty: the Heard Museum must receive a written cancellation notice 4 weeks prior to your field trip date (by email to info@heardmuseum.org or through the mail at the following mailing address:  Heard Museum Natural Science Museum, Attn: Education Reservations, 1 Nature Place, McKinney, Texas 75069).

Cancellation Fees

  • 75% Refund: Written notification received at least 4 weeks prior to field trip date.
  • NO REFUND: Cancellations within 4 weeks of field trip date. Includes illness and inclement weather cancellations not made by the Heard Natural Science Museum.
  • NO REFUND: Written notification not received.
  • Group leaders are responsible for arriving ten minutes early for all scheduled activities.
  • Group leaders need to report to the front desk of the main building for check-in.
  • Unless you have been notified otherwise, please use the bus drop-off inlet located directly in front of the museum building on Nature Place road.
  • After check-in, group leaders should station their group participants in the circular garden directly in front of the building. Groups should remain in the garden until greeted by a Heard Staff Member or Docent who will direct your scheduled activities.
  • We request that all vehicles larger than passenger vans adhere to our parking and drop-off guidelines as advised by signage posted on Nature Place road. Vehicles larger than passenger vans should not park or unload in the first parking lot unless you receive other instructions.
  • Groups that arrive over fifteen minutes late cannot be guaranteed a full tour or complete educational program unit.
  • Send your Group Leader inside to the front desk to check-in with the following information
    • Total number of adults
    • Name of Group
    • Type of Activity
  • At this time, the Group Leader will pay for any participants not accounted for in the reservation (including Heard Museum members) and receive further instructions for the day’s activities. Refunds or Credits will not be granted for having fewer participants on the day of your field trip than what is represented on the invoice.
  • Adult garden group participants should be prepared for going outside in all weather.
  • Closed-toe shoes and long pants are the recommended attire for a visit to the Museum & Sanctuary for both students and adults.
  • Insect Repellent and sunscreen are advisable. Applying repellent is time consuming so PLEASE APPLY REPELLENTS PRIOR TO YOUR ARRIVAL.
  • Hairspray, perfume & cologne attract insects!
  • Nametags for each group member identifying the person can be very helpful.

 

  • No one under 18 is allowed inside the Museum or on the Sanctuary unaccompanied.
  • Smoking is prohibited on The Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary property.
  • Help us to preserve our environment. Please do not pick flowers, pull leaves from plants, disturb spider webs, disturb animals, or collect any natural items while you are visiting.
  • Group Leaders are responsible for ensuring the group’s appropriate behavior throughout the entire visit. To guarantee a pleasant visit for all our guests, the Museum reserves the right to remove any individual or group from the premises.
  • If group leaders have questions about any aspect of the field trip or the expectations of chaperones, please ask for assistance from Heard staff.
  • Picnic areas are the only place where food can be consumed.
  • Please store your lunches on the bus until you are ready to eat or leave them in your designated picnic area in marked coolers or containers. Lunches may not be stored inside the museum.
  • Please use the trash and recycling containers located in the picnic areas. Due to the number of wild animals on our sanctuary, containment and proper disposal of your trash is very important.
  • In the case of inclement weather we cannot guarantee an available eating area inside the museum.

For additional information, contact Amy Monroy at amonroy@heardmuseum.org 

Art & Science Workshops

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.

 

Reservations

Ages

16+

Price (per mini camp)

Member Rate: $35

Non-Member Rate: $40

Pre-registration required

Schedule

Mini Plein Air Watercolor Painting Workshop

May 2, 1-3 p.m.

Guided Trails

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. See the schedule below for dates. 

 

 

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.

Schedule

January 6, 2024 | 2pm

February 10, 2024 | 10am

April 6, 2024 | 10am

May 11, 2024 | 2pm

Reservations

Price

$10 per child (age 3-12)
$13 per adult chaperone

 

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).

More Info

Nature Connection Walks

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.

Recommendations
  • Dress for being outside in the weather as we will go out in most conditions. Exceptions include heavy rain, thunder/lightning, and very icy trails.
  • Wear long pants and closed toe shoes that are suitable for walking on gravel and uneven surfaces.
  • Insect repellent effective against mosquitoes, ticks and chiggers is advised during warmer months.
  • Water bottle with carrier to bring on the trail.

Schedule

Offered on the 3rd Saturday of each month

9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Reservations

Price

$25/person

Heard members receive a 10% discount

More Info

Refunds are not offered; however, tickets are transferrable.