spring break activities in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

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. 

• Date/Time: March 13, 10a.m.
• Price: Included in General Admission (Free for Heard Members)

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These bird walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. 

Included in General Admission, free for Heard Members.

Date/Time: March 14, 8am

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. 

• Date/Time: March 15, 1pm – 4pm
• Cost: $32 for Members, $42 for Non-members
• Minimum age is 7 years
• Pre-registration is required

Register for Wetland Canoe Trail

The Heard will be open on Monday, March 16 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (No entry granted after 4 p.m.)

Click Here for General Admission

Click Here for Heard Hours of Operation

Join us for an amazing time learning about insects and arthropods! We will go through the different groups of “bugs”, meet some creepy crawlies, and hike our trails to see what insects spring time brings. 

• Date/Time: March 16, 9am – 12pm
• Tuition: $35 for Members, $40 for Non-members
• Ages (use age as of Sept. 1, 2025):
  • 3-5 years old
  • 6-8 years old
  • 9-11 years old

Register for Spring Break Mini Camps

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!

Guests must bring their own equipment. Click here for more details.

• Date/Time: March 16, 6pm
• Cost: $24 per child (ages 5-17), $29 per adult (ages 18+)
• Minimum suggested age is 5 years old
• Pre-registration is required

Register for Family Campout

What creatures take to the skies, scuttle under leaves, or bask on sun-warmed logs? In our Wings & Things Spring Break Camp, campers will discover the incredible adaptations of bugs, birds, and reptiles. Through hands-on activities and animal encounters, they’ll uncover how wings, scales, and extraordinary behaviors help wildlife thrive in the warming days of spring.

Click Here to Register

• Date/Time: March 16-20, 9am – 2:30pm
• Ages (use age as of Sept. 1, 2025):
  • 3-5 year-olds
  • 6-8 year-olds
  • 9-11 year-olds
• Tuition: $225 for Members; $250 for Non-members

Extended Hours Available

Need a little more flexibility in your day? Our Spring Break Extended Care program at the Heard provides a relaxed cool-down after camp. Campers can unwind with quiet games, reading time, and fun activities in Laughlin Hall. 

*Please note that the Extended Care program is available only for those registered for the Wings and Things Camp, and is for the whole week*

• Time: 2:30pm – 5:30pm
• Cost: $85 for Members (for the week); $100 for Non-members

Register for Extended Care

Campers will explore the different kinds of reptiles through hands-on activities and close-up encounters with our animal ambassadors, getting a chance to touch real scales and observe their behaviors in real time! Campers will also practice spotting reptiles outdoors through a guided hike and explore the ecosystems they call home. 

• Date/Time: March 18, 9am – 12pm
• Tuition: $35 for Members, $40 for Non-members
• Ages (use age as of Sept. 1, 2025):
  • 3-5 years old
  • 6-8 years old
  • 9-11 years old

Register for Spring Break Mini Camps

These bird walks are intended to help beginning and intermediate birders with bird spotting and identification techniques. 

Included in General Admission, free for Heard Members.

Date/Time: March 19, 8am

Learn about our native owls! Join us for a night with special owl guests, fun owl facts, and a walk on our trails to see if we can spot some outstanding owls. The first hour will be a presentation in Laughlin Hall and the second hour the night exploration. Pre-registration is required. Click Here for More Info and to Register

• Date/Time: March 19th, 7pm – 9pm
• Price:
  • Members: $12
  • Non-members: $14
  • Ages 3 years through adult

Join us as we take flight into the wonderful world of birds! Campers will explore what makes birds so unique – from beaks and feathers to songs and soaring skills – through fun, hands-on activities and close-up encounters with our feathered animal ambassadors. They’ll also learn and practice bird identification skills, using their senses to spot birds and listen for their calls during guided outdoor hikes. This mini camp is the perfect adventure for budding bird lovers! 

• Date/Time: March 20, 9am – 12pm
• Tuition: $35 for Members, $40 for Non-members
• Ages (use age as of Sept. 1, 2025):
  • 3-5 years old
  • 6-8 years old
  • 9-11 years old

Register for Spring Break Mini Camps

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!

Guests must bring their own equipment. Click here for more details.

• Date/Time: March 20, 6pm
• Cost: $24 per child (ages 5-17), $29 per adult (ages 18+)
• Minimum suggested age is 5 years old
• Pre-registration is required

Register for Family Campout

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. 

• Date/Time: March 22, 1pm – 4pm
• Cost: $32 for Members, $42 for Non-members
• Minimum age is 7 years
• Pre-registration is required

Register for Wetland Canoe Trail