Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offers guided trails, workshops, and service projects that are appropriate for all types of groups with an interest in exploring the outdoors, including Cub Scouts, Webelos, Brownies, Junior Girl Scouts, Campfire, Bluebirds, and YMCA Guides.
Your group is also welcome to pay regular admission and tour the Museum and Sanctuary on your own (admission is included with programs). Between the museum and live animal exhibits, miles of hiking trails, and picnic areas, there is something for every group!
Scout Badge Workshops
Interested in earning a badge or looking for a fun nature-based activity for your group? Our badge workshops might be just what you need. Each two hour workshop is specifically geared to meet the requirements for the listed organization’s badge, but they are open to any interested groups. Click the tabs on the table below to access the workshops by type.
| Date | Time | Workshop |
|---|---|---|
| September 16 | 10am | Earth Rocks |
| September 23 | 2pm | Into the Wild |
| October 7 | 2pm | Into the Woods |
| October 21 | 2pm | Into the Wild |
| November 4 | 10am | Into the Wild |
| November 4 | 2pm | Earth Rocks |
| December 2 | 10am | Into the Woods |
| December 9 | 10am | Earth Rocks |
| January 6 | 10am | Into the Woods |
| January 20 | 10am | Into the Wild |
| January 27 | 2pm | Earth Rocks |
| February 3 | 2pm | Into the Wild |
| February 10 | 2pm | Into the Woods |
| February 17 | 10am | Earth Rocks |
| March 23 | 10am | Into the Wild |
| March 23 | 2pm | Earth Rocks |
| April 6 | 2pm | Into the Woods |
| April 20 | 2pm | Into the Wild |
| April 27 | 10am | Earth Rocks |
| May 4 | 10am | Into the Woods |
| May 11 | 10am | Into the Wild |
| Date | Time | Workshop |
|---|---|---|
| September 9 | 2pm | Super Science |
| September 30 | 10am | Fur, Feathers, and Ferns |
| October 28 | 2pm | Fur, Feathers, and Ferns |
| November 11 | 10am | Fur, Feathers, and Ferns |
| December 2 | 2pm | Fur, Feathers, and Ferns |
| December 16 | 2pm | Super Science |
| January 13 | 10am | Fur, Feathers, and Ferns |
| February 3 | 10am | Super Science |
| February 17 | 2pm | Fur, Feathers, and Ferns |
| March 30 | 10am | Fur, Feathers, and Ferns |
| April 13 | 2pm | Fur, Feathers, and Ferns |
| May 4 | 2pm | Fur, Feathers, and Ferns |
| Date | Time | Workshop |
|---|---|---|
| September 9 | 10am | Animal Habitats |
| November 11 | 2pm | Animal Habitats |
| December 16 | 2pm | Animal Habitats |
| January 13 | 2pm | Detectives |
| March 2 | 10am | Detectives |
| March 30 | 2pm | Animal Habitats |
| April 13 | 10am | Animal Habitats |
| Date | Time | Workshop |
|---|---|---|
| September 16 | 2pm | Wonders of Water |
| September 23 | 10am | Senses |
| October 28 | 10am | Wonders of Water |
| December 9 | 10am | Senses |
| January 20 | 2pm | Senses |
| January 27 | 10am | Wonders of Water |
| March 2 | 2pm | Wonders of Water |
| April 20 | 10am | Wonders of Water |
| April 27 | 2pm | Senses |
$15 per participant
Museum admission for the day is free with workshop purchase. Each scout must have a responsible adult in attendance at the workshop; one adult may bring up to 10 scouts.
To reserve spots in a workshop, please click the dates in the workshop list table, which are linked to the registration forms. You will be able to add them to your shopping cart individually and then check out.
Have a group of 10 or more? We may be able to arrange a private workshop for your group; contact us for availability.
Scout Badge Workshops
Our Merit Badge workshops are led by Merit Badge Counselors and are typically offered once or twice a year. Many requirements are completed during each workshop, but some work may need to be done outside of the workshop in order to complete all requirements. See individual merit badge descriptions for more details. Pre-registration is required.
Environmental Science Merit Badge
Participation in both part 1 & 2 required.
Hiking for Scouts
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.
$10 per child (age 3-12)
$13 per adult chaperone
Admission to museum included. 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).
September 30, 2023 | 2pm
October 21, 2023 | 10am
January 6, 2024 | 2pm
February 10, 2024 | 10am
April 6, 2024 | 10am
May 11, 2024 | 2pm
Thank you for your interest in participating in scouting activities at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary! Please use the following guidelines to ensure your group has a wonderful visit.
The Heard welcomes scouts and other groups to assist with special service projects. Picking up trash from our grounds and trails is always an available project option for groups of all sizes. Other projects such as trail and sanctuary maintenance, habitat restoration, and handiwork jobs may be available. If your group has an idea for a particular project, you may also submit it for consideration. All service projects must be pre-scheduled. Ages: 10 through adult.
The Heard works with a limited number of Eagle Scouts each year. For additional information on coordinating an Eagle Scout project, please email us or call 972.562.5566 x238.
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1 Nature Pl, McKinney, TX 75069 | Contact | Privacy Policy
