Located in the suburb of McKinney - just a short half-hour trip from downtown Dallas - the HEARD Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to escape the bright lights and loud sounds of Dallas. Now through Feb. 2, 2014, the Museum is home to the exciting Dinosaurs Live! exhibit.
Life-size dinosaur replica — Photo courtesy of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary Facebook Page
This amazing exhibit features a wide variety of lifelike prehistoric creatures, including a 46-foot T. rex and eight new life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that are strategically placed along walking nature trails. This is the eighth year for this popular exhibit, and it is always a hit for families looking for a fun, educational activity to enjoy together.
The "live" dinosaurs actually move and roar, and the exhibit also has a fun play area and photo op spot for kids who want to get their pictures taken with these giant creatures. The main dinosaur trail is walkable for visitors of all ages, and it is stroller friendly for the youngest guests. It's a great outing for active families who enjoy nature and the outdoors.
The HEARD Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary also has a wide variety of trails and gardens perfect for your little one to run and play, as well as a number of interesting year-round interactive collections and exhibits - like the honey bee observation hive, a native Texas butterfly garden and a children's fossil dig. Another great exhibit, the Living Lab, is a fantasy laboratory set within a magical forest environment. It gives visitors of all ages the opportunity to explore biology, geology and ecology within a real wildlife sanctuary.
Parents and families can rent out areas of the park for private parties and events. There is also a ropes course perfect for group activities. Check out the onsite gift store for unique souvenirs and gifts.
Don't miss the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit going from now until Feb. 2. It's a great place to spend after holiday shopping all day, and families who can't squeeze it into their schedules then can plan an outing there to lull the doldrums of wintertime. 
Another dinosaur replica — Photo courtesy of Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary Facebook Page
The current cost for admission is $11 for adults and $8 for seniors 60+ and children ages of 3-12. Children under three are admitted for free. If you'd like to become a member of the HEARD Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, you can do so for $60 per person or $80 per family. Members get into the park and museum (and the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit) for free.