Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
1 Nature Place, McKinney
972/562-5566
heardmuseum.org
Hours: Dinosaurs Live exhibit open through February 2. 9am–5pm Tuesday–Saturday; 1–5pm Sunday. Last admission at 4pm. Open at 7:30am each second Saturday. Closed New Year’s Day.
Admission: $11 for adults; $8 for children ages 3–12. Admission varies by the season.
Parking: Free
As much as dinosaurs fascinate us, let’s be honest. We’re glad that they no longer roam the earth to ruin our afternoons at the park, because mega-lizards are sca-ry. So are the animatronic beasts that live at McKinney’s Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary through February 2. These mechanical creatures actually chomp their jaws, shake their heads and roar ferociously – and the kids will love roaring back at a humongous T. rex and a dino that spits water.
With the nine life-size dinosaurs entwined in tall trees and scattered along the walking trails, there is a delicious opportunity for surprise around every bend. Enjoy your children’s squeals – then take in the beauty of the preserve: birds, foliage, tall prairie grasses and a view from the top of a limestone escarpment.
To discover more about these ecosystems, step back inside the museum for a look at interactive dioramas, a working beehive and more live animals that make the Heard the sanctuary it is. Don’t miss the more exotic residents: ring-tailed lemurs and a capybara, by far the largest rodent you’ll ever encounter.
With books, rocks and natural trinkets, the gift shop will be difficult to leave without breaking the bank. For a cheap lunch on a warm day (hey, you never know with winter in Texas), bring a picnic for a break beside the sandbox, perfect for digging and climbing on play-sized dinos.
Published January 2014
