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Stephanie Jennings
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Holidays at the Heard A Fun, Festive and Family-Friendly Fundraising Event Benefiting Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas in the DFW Metroplex

This holiday season, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary invites families, friends, and nature enthusiasts to step into a winter wonderland like no other at Holidays at the Heard on December 6 & 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. Nestled in the heart of McKinney, Texas, the Heard will blend the joy of the holidays with the serene beauty of nature and the excitement of dinosaurs.

Celebrate the Holidays with Nature's Wonders

During this event, visitors will be captivated on a walk along one of the sanctuary's nature trails accentuated by lights and décor. Plus, guests will be able to get a glimpse of the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit. This enchanting evening stroll will offer a magical escape into a world where wildlife and holiday cheer exist in harmony.

Engaging Experiences for All Ages

This year, we are excited to offer live music performances under the stars that will fill the air with festive cheer, creating the perfect backdrop for your holiday experience. On Friday, enjoy classic Americana-rock sounds and holiday cheer from JCD & Lone Star Attitude. And, on Saturday, La Pompe will bring a little bit of French, a little bit of swing, and a whole lot of holiday fun to the Heard amphitheater. Capture the joy of the season with fun photo opportunities, where families can create lasting memories.

A Commitment to Community and Conservation

The Heard's events not only celebrate the season but also support our commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental education. Proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit our preservation and educational initiatives, allowing us to continue our mission of connecting people with nature and inspiring stewardship of the natural world.

Join Us for a Season to Remember

Whether you're a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary warmly welcomes you to join our holiday celebrations. More information and tickets are available now at HeardMuseum.org/Holidays-at-the-Heard, with special discounts available for Heard members. Let the Heard be your destination for a truly enchanting holiday experience this year.

Light the Night

The Heard will also offer Light the Night on December 10-14, from 5-8 p.m. After our Holidays at the Heard event dates, these evenings will offer the opportunity for visitors to enjoy a peaceful winter walking tour of one of our nature trails accented with holiday lights and décor.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Founded in 1967, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to bringing nature and people together. Located on a 289-acre wildlife sanctuary, the museum offers diverse educational programs, exhibits, and trails that foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the environment.

Stephanie Jennings
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Plesiosaur Exhibit at the Heard Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities.

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas, is excited to announce extended summer hours from June 1 to August 5, 2024. This initiative aims to provide visitors with more opportunities to explore the sanctuary during the cooler parts of the day, enhancing their experience and connection with nature. The new hours will allow early morning and late evening visits, creating a perfect setting for observing wildlife and enjoying the serene environment.

During these dates, our regular hours of operation will be as follows:

  • Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.*
  • Saturdays 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.*
  • Sundays 1 p.m.-5 p.m.*

These cooler periods also coincide with peak activity times for many animals, offering a unique chance for visitors to witness wildlife that might otherwise be hidden during the Heard’s regular hours of operation. Early risers might catch a glimpse of activities such as deer grazing and the symphony of birds during their morning routines. Evening visitors might experience the enchanting transition of day to night, with creatures like frogs, raccoons, armadillos, bats and more becoming active as the sun sets. Fireflies may sometimes light up the path as well, adding a magical touch to the nocturnal landscape.

The extended hours also mean more time to explore the sanctuary’s diverse habitats, which are home to a variety of species, including from mammals to an impressive array of birds. This makes it a fantastic spot for both avid nature enthusiasts and families looking to spend quality time outdoors. A list of bird species previously spotted at the Heard in June is available here.

Overall, the extended summer hours at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature in a more comfortable and immersive way. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, these additional hours ensure that everyone can experience the sanctuary's wildlife and natural beauty.

*Please note entry will not be granted less than an hour before closing time. See schedule exceptions at HeardMuseum.org/Hours.

About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing nature and people together to discover, enjoy, experience, restore and preserve our priceless environment. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard at the age of 80. In a time when the rate of expansion of the Metroplex was slower than today, she foresaw the need to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature. Today, the Heard's mission of bringing nature and people together is carried out through education, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.  For more information, visit HeardMuseum.org.