On October 18, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., visitors from across North Texas will experience Collin County’s premier family-friendly Halloween event at Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. Halloween at the Heard features a safe environment to experience the joy of trick-or-treating along the eerie "Dinosaurs Live! Live-Size Animatronic Dinosaurs" trail.

Families will enjoy an evening full of fun activities including a presentation of a movie on the Heard's outdoor amphitheater stage. Kids ages 12 and under will also have the opportunity to participate in a costume contest.

Those who dare will be able take a trail detour after the movie through our "Haunted Forest" and “Ghost Town” where they may encounter a ghost or creature of the night (not recommended for younger children)! Visitors will get to walk through the Heard’s newest indoor exhibit, Project Passenger Pigeon, which will be open until dusk. Clix Photography will take professional photos of guests in their costumes.

The Heard recommends that guests bring insect repellant, flashlights, water-resistant blankets and/or stadium seats for use during the movie. Concessions will be available for purchase, including grilled hot dogs provided by Whole Foods Market. Guests may also bring their own picnic dinner and non-alcoholic beverages. Trick-or-treat bags, sponsored by Clif KiD, and other giveaways will be available while supplies last.

Tickets will be available to the public beginning October 1. Tickets for this annual event have sold out each year, so the Heard encourages guests to purchase theirs as soon as possible. Admission to this event is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-12, and free for children ages 2 and under. See heardmuseum.org for more details. 

Proceeds from this event benefit Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, a private 501(c)3 organization. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard.  Miss Heard was 80 years old when she saw 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, particularly of young people, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation.