The Heard Natural Science Museum is a top destination during the Summer for kids and families to explore the outdoors and natural world, but each year from September through February a special attraction draws visitors to the 289 acre wildlife sanctuary….. Dinosaurs! Along their popular hiking trail there are strategically placed, life-sized dinosaurs, which will thrill visitors young and old. These prehistoric phoenixes don’t just stand there looking cute, either! Fully animatronic, the are motion activated and when they sense you, they will move and roar! We’ve spent countless hours trying to sneak by them, almost always to be caught! Happily, these guys do stay in place and are never hungry enough to go after a light snack!
For 2 special days each December, the trails are lighted and open after dark for Holidays at the Heard, when visitors can experience the 1/2 mile trail enhanced with beautiful Christmas lighting! Santa loves dinosaurs, too!
During Dinosaurs Live! the Museum also host an outdoor fossil dig for budding paleontologist!
Don’t forget your camera, as there are special Dinosaur-themed photo ops, as well!
Each Friday morning at 10:30am, the Heard Museum offers a storytime for children, offering a nature-themed book, puppet or live animal presentation. This is currently suspended due to Covid-19.
Know Before You Go
Parking is FREE at the Heard Museum.
The trails are closed on rainy days.
The animatronic dinosaurs will not be available on days when the temperature in under 35 degrees.
The hiking trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, except for jogging strollers.
More Things To Do in McKinney
Play
Chestnut Square Historic Village offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore life for settlers in McKinney and North Texas!
Downtown McKinney has unique shops and restaurants in a vibrant, revitalized setting!
Eat
Cadillac Pizza Pub in Downtown is just one of our favorites!
Stay
McKinney has some great places to hang your hat for a weekend, from the Historic Grand Hotel, to cute B&B’s like the Red Gate Inn and even camping out at Erwin Park, there’s something for everyone!
Dinosaurs Live! at the Heard Natural Science Museum
1 Nature Place McKinney
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun is on PINTEREST! Use it as a quick resource to find activities in different Texas towns! Click HERE!
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