Do you remember the joy of spending childhood summers outdoors? Register for Heard Summer Nature Camps and give those wonderful moments and memories to your child. The Heard’s mission is to inspire children to discover, enjoy, experience, and restore our priceless environment.
Heard Summer Camps feature opportunities for children from north Texas and beyond to delve into the wonders of nature on our 289-acre sanctuary, encounter animal ambassadors, investigate nature-themed topics, and more. We’ll spend time both indoors and outside. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors is not only fun for our children, but also plays an important role in many facets of child development.
Summer 2024 information coming soon.
Would you like updates when information is available? Please sign up here!
Click here to view the message regarding Heard Summer Camps and COVID-19.
What creatures take to the skies, scuttle under leaves, or bask on sun-warmed logs? In our Wings and Things Summer 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.
Register for a week-long camp by March 1 and you’ll also receive a $10 Heard Nature Store gift certificate (limit one per family/household) through our Early Bird offer.
(As of June 1, 2026): 5 year olds, 6-7 year olds, 8-9 year olds, 10-12 year olds
Member Rate: $225
Non-Member Rate: $250
Pre-registration is required.
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
June 1-5
July 6-10
Dive into the world of science with Ologies summer camp. This unique camp offers an exciting exploration of various scientific fields, ranging from biology, ecology and more! Campers will become young scientists, engaging in hands-on experiences, interactive demonstrations to uncover the mysteries of the natural world.
Register for a week-long camp by March 1 and you’ll also receive a $10 Heard Nature Store gift certificate (limit one per family/household) through our Early Bird offer.
(As of June 1, 2026): 5 year olds, 6-7 year olds, 8-9 year olds, 10-12 year olds
Member Rate: $225
Non-Member Rate: $250
Pre-registration is required.
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
June 15-19
July 20-24
Join us for a wild adventure at our Mammals summer camp. This unique camp is dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of mammals. Campers will discover the incredible diversity of mammals, learning about their habitats, behaviors, and adaptation through hands-on activities, interactive investigations.
(As of June 1, 2025): 5 year olds, 6-7 year olds, 8-9 year olds, 10-12 year olds
Member Rate: $225
Non-Member Rate: $250
Pre-registration is required.
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
June 16-20
July 21-25
Spots are limited.
Information coming soon!
Would you like to receive an email notification when more information is available? Click here.
Youth artists will follow in the footsteps of great artists such as Audubon, Beatrix Potter and Anna Atkins, with unique opportunities to create their own art inspired by nature and live animals. Each day, a different type of medium will be explored.
Unleash your creativity in the great outdoors with our summer Nature Art Camp! This unique camp combines the beauty of nature with the magic of art, offering campers the opportunity to explore their artistic side while surrounded by the wonders of the natural world. Our nature art camp is designed to foster creativity, imagination, and a deep appreciation for the environment.
Register for a week-long camp by March 1 and you’ll also receive a $10 Heard Nature Store gift certificate (limit one per family/household) through our Early Bird offer.
(As of June 1, 2026): 5 year olds, 6-7 year olds, 8-9 year olds, 10-12 year olds, and 13-16 year olds
Member Rate: $225
Non-Member Rate: $250
Pre-registration is required.
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
June 8-12
July 13-17
Campers experience a behind-the-scenes, hands-on adventure with our education and exhibit animals. Learn about our different animals and what it takes to properly care for them. Spots are limited.
Embark on a compassionate adventure at our summer camp for animal caretakers. This unique camp offers campers a chance to learn about and care for the incredible creatures that help educate and inspire others in exhibits and educational programs. From feeding and cleaning to handling and socializing, campers will develop a deep understanding of the responsibilities involved in caring for animals in a professional setting.
Register for a week-long camp by March 1 and you’ll also receive a $10 Heard Nature Store gift certificate (limit one per family/household) through our Early Bird offer.
Early Bird Registration
Ends 3/1
(Age as of June 1, 2026): 5 year olds, 6-7 year olds, 8-9 year olds,10-12 year olds, and 13-16 year olds
Member Rate: $225
Non-Member Rate: $250
Pre-registration required.
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
June 22-26
July 27-31
Information coming soon!
Discover your passion for nature, science, and conservation at our summer career exploration camp for teens! This immersive camp offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the diverse job opportunities in natural science museums and wildlife sanctuaries. From learning about animal care to understanding the importance of research and public outreach, this camp is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of conservation leaders.
Register for a week-long camp by March 1 and you’ll also receive a $10 Heard Nature Store gift certificate (limit one per family/household) through our Early Bird offer.
13-16 years old
Member Rate: $225
Non-Member Rate: $250
9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
July 13-17
Information coming soon!
Need a little more flexibility in your day? Our 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 this program is not available for Roly Poly Camp or Summer Mini Camps.
Register for a week-long camp by March 1 and you’ll also receive a $10 Heard Nature Store gift certificate (limit one per family/household) through our Early Bird offer.
5 years old, 6-7 years old, 8-9 years old, 10-12 years old, and 13-16 years old
$100 per week
2:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.
Spots are limited. We reserve the right to cancel any extended care registrations submitted without an applicable camp registration.
Campers must be picked up by 5:30 PM. Any time after that will incur a fee. 1-5 minutes late: $20, 6+ minutes late: $5 per minute.
Extended Care Refund/Cancellation Policy
(For camp cancelation policies, please see our FAQs.)
Based on our popular Nature Explorers preschool program, each day, campers will meet one of the Heard’s live animal ambassadors and take a nature hike to explore different habitats from wetlands and forests to prairie and ponds. We will also explore museum exhibits, participate in hands-on science activities, sing songs, listen to stories, and play nature theme-games! A simple snack (such as animal crackers, goldfish, or pretzels with water) will be served.
Register for a week-long camp by March 1 and you’ll also receive a $10 Heard Nature Store gift certificate (limit one per family/household) through our Early Bird offer.
For 3-4 year olds (as of June 1, 2025)
Member Rate: $125
Non-Member Rate: $150
9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
June 1-5
June 15-19
July 6-10
July 20-24
Spots are limited.
Get a 2026 Heard Summer Nature Camps T-Shirt
For camp cancelation policies, please see our FAQs.
Fit a little more fun in nature into your summer! Spots are limited. Register today.
Unleash your creativity in the great outdoors with our summer Nature Art Camp! This unique camp combines the beauty of nature with the magic of art, offering campers the opportunity to explore their artistic side while surrounded by the wonders of the natural world. Our nature art camp is designed to foster creativity, imagination, and a deep appreciation for the environment.
Register for a week-long camp by March 1 and you’ll also receive a $10 Heard Nature Store gift certificate (limit one per family/household) through our Early Bird offer.
(Age as of June 1, 2026): 3-4 years old, 5 years old, 6-7 years old, 8-9 years old, 10-12 years old, and 13-16 years old
Member Rate: $35
Non-Member Rate: $40
Pre-registration required
For camp cancelation policies, please see our FAQs.
(9:30 a.m. – noon)
Wednesday, July 5 – Amazing Amphibians
Thursday, July 6 – Fossil Finds
Friday, July 7 – Bird Basics
Summer Nature Camp Refund/Cancelation Policy
Extended Care Refund/Cancellation Policy
Heard Member discounts are applicable only to persons covered under a Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary membership. Learn more here.
We do not know what the coronavirus situation will be when camp actually occurs. But assuming conditions are the same as they are now, the following procedures, based on CDC guidelines, will be implemented to help reduce potential exposure for campers and staff. If community conditions improve or worsen, we will adjust our policies accordingly.
What About Face Masks?
What Else Are We Doing?
Health Screening
(Policy current as of 1.24.23)
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1 Nature Pl, McKinney, TX 75069 | Contact | Privacy Policy
