Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s rules are based on safety for our guests and residents. To make sure you have a great time and get the most out of your visit, all guests are asked to follow our rules.
The following rules are general to our museum and nature preserve. For rules related to a specific program or event, please visit that page for more information.
The Dinosaurs Live! exhibit is only a seasonal exhibit (generally during fall through winter). Please check our exhibit page to verify that the exhibit is at the Heard. Or, feel free to ask by calling our front desk at 972.562.5566 or emailing us at info@heardmuseum.org
Unfortunately, our nature trails are not accessible for wheelchairs or most strollers; however, running strollers can navigate the trails. All indoor exhibits are accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.
Baby-changing tables are located in all main building bathrooms.
Please visit our Hours page for our complete schedule and any applicable exceptions.
Please visit our Directions and Parking page.
The Heard only permits service animals in the sanctuary and museum.
Please visit our Donations page.
We have 2 picnic areas. One is located on the Bluestem Trail, and the other is next to our outdoor amphitheater. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that these are the only areas in the nature preserve where picnicking is allowed.
After checking in at the front desk, all guests are welcome to explore our six and a half miles of maintained trails.
Visit the DFW Wildlife Coalition website at www.dfwwildlife.org or call the DFW Wildlife Coalition at 972.234.9453.
Ensure traffic is clear and help the turtle cross the road. Simply pick up the turtle with both hands and move it in the direction it was headed!
There are many resources available to help you learn more about the world around you. Two of our favorites are iNaturalist and Texas Parks and Wildlife. iNaturalist is a social network designed for wildlife enthusiasts. On this platform, you can share your observations and research various plants and animals.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife website is rich in information about Texas’s natural environment. Here, you can learn about rehabilitation efforts, conservation initiatives, news, and much more.
Birds often see their reflections in glass and mistake them for other birds intruding on their territory. Homeowners can help by covering the window temporarily with paper or any non-reflective material.
Although tarantulas are venomous, their venom is no more toxic than a bee sting. If left alone, tarantulas rarely, if ever, inflict a bite
For help identifying native snakes, we recommend visiting the Texas Parks & Wildlife Snake FAQ.
Although we use various animals in education programs, we only accept animals from professional rehabbers.
You will need to contact a permitted rehabilitator. To find one, please contact the DFW Wildlife Coalition: www.dfwwildlife.org or call 972-234-9453.
All wildlife rehabilitators must be permitted by Texas Parks and Wildlife and, in the case of native birds, U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Again, for help finding a permitted rehabilitator, please contact the DFW Wildlife Coalition: www.dfwwildlife.org or call 972-234-9453.
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