Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas invites you to join us for two evenings of family fun on December 15 and 16 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. during Holidays at the Heard. This festive fundraising event brings the beauty of the holiday season into nature.
Holiday lights and décor gently accentuate a half-mile Heard nature trail. In keeping with the Heard’s role as a nature preserve, this light display enhances, rather than overpowers, the wildlife sanctuary’s natural beauty. Along the trail, you will see a bur oak tree, Quercus macrocarpa, believed to be over 250 years old situated in a beautiful forest. You will also get a chance to see Tyrannosaurus rex and nine other life-size dinosaurs along the trail. While these dinosaurs typically move and roar during our regular operating hours, they will not be animated during the event. This gives younger children a little time to get more comfortable with seeing these very realistic-looking dinosaurs. As you walk the trail, also be sure to keep an eye out for naturally occurring mistletoe in the trees!
After your group has finished a festive stroll through our lighted trail, be sure to relax and enjoy live music and entertainment designed to complement the holiday atmosphere in our outdoor amphitheater. To see the complete entertainment schedule, click here. You will also be able to warm up with hot cocoa, apple cider, coffee and treats available for purchase from fILTER(ed) Craft Coffee and Culture House. Guests are also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in our amphitheater and picnic area. Additional vendors include Topgolf, Grandma’s cupboard, Bare Naked Bee Co., Origami Owl and Lisa Johnson State Farm. Visit our vendors for fun activities, thoughtful gifts, giveaways and more. A portion of the proceeds from our vendors benefits the Heard.
Children (and the young at heart) will have fun taking a photo with Father Christmas and Mother Nature in a festive setting. They will also have the opportunity to play on stationary baby dinosaurs and on two photo-op Tyrannosaurus rex. Our pioneer village will be transformed into the North Pole Children’s Village for all to explore. You will also have the opportunity to explore our indoor exhibits, watch for up-close encounters with our animal ambassadors and more.
Tickets at the door are only $9 for adults and seniors and $5 for kids ages 3 through 12 (children 2 and under are free). Guests can save $2 per ticket when they purchase online by December 14, 2017 at www.heardmuseum.org/holidays! Tickets will also be available at the door. To see the Holidays at the Heard Facebook event page, click here.
About Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary is a private 501(c)3 organization comprised of a 289-acre nature preserve and museum. The Heard was founded in 1967 by Bessie Heard, who 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 children, which emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation. Additional information is available at www.heardmuseum.org.