Heard Natural Science Museum and Sanctuary

We all know Mother Nature can be quite interesting, especially since she is quite unpredictable. Well here at Heard Natural Science Museum and Sanctuary, you can see, touch, and even smell just a taste of what mother nature has to offer. As you step into the exhibit, the first part features the very beginning of Natural Science....Dinosaurs. If you have kids, they will be able to become little paleontologists when they dig into a replica dinosaur discovery interactive exhibit.

From here, move to the more modern day where you can hold different rocks and experience different smells like a grey fox or a pine forest, they can even see a real life honeycomb. They do have a skunk smell too but I am pretty sure no one wants smells that.  Also in the area is a massive chunk of a tree where you can learn how to read the different rings of the tree. From here we will jump back in time again to see the fossilized remains to various creatures as well as minerals found here in North America. One particular item on display is a Gemstone Window.

As you journey from this room, you will come into the live animals room where you will see an assortment of snakes, spiders and other animals like this curious owl.

From here take a small detour into the room of Texas cave rocks. You can actually touch some of them and your kids can make up their own cave drawings. WARNING!!! A large chunk of Obsidian is on display and available to touch. Certain areas are sharp and can cut, so if your child wants to touch it, you might want to guide his or her hand to prevent it from getting cut. Get back on the path and make your way into the Sea exhibit. Millions of Years ago (depending on what you believe) Texas was underwater. As a result creatures like this Mosasaur roamed the seas. Yikes

When you exit this area, you will have arrived full circle back to the entrance. However there is still more to explore. The Sanctuary part features 289 acres of hiking trails, more animal exhibits and even a mock pioneer village for the kids. I wouldnt suggest going in midsummer as Texas can get quite hot and unless you are prepared to beat the heat, It wouldnt be a good idea to go hiking. Also, Be on the lookout for snakes. Because this is a wildlife sanctuary, any of the animals outdoors are in their natural habitat and may not like you being on their turf. Before you leave, be sure to visit the gift shops. The usual stuff like T-shirts, mugs, and trinkets are here but they also have toys for the kids, water for the hiking trails, and even animal shaped cookie cutters.

Entertainment: 4
Educational: 4
Price:3
Cafe: N/A
Giftshop: 3
Overall: 4

Additional Information

Address: 1 Nature Pl., McKinney, TX

Hours of Operation: 
Tues - Sat. 9 a.m - 5 p.m.
Sun: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Mondays: Closed
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
Open until 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

Price: See website for details. Price varies based on Season

For More information, visit: http://www.heardmuseum.org/