CNBC reported that 42% of Americans avoided summer travel last year because of high costs. If you don’t want to spend time and money traveling but want to discover something new, McKinney is a great city to reside in.
Finding accessible travel destinations close to home can give you exploration without discomfort. Redbud Place residents gain access to outdoor activities for seniors. At the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, you can find wonderful exhibits and endless wildlife.
Read below to discover the best attractions at the museum, along with useful tips!
Senior-Friendly Attractions at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
The Heard Natural Science Museum is an inspirational and informative attraction. The museum does an excellent job updating the exhibits to follow interests and the latest (or rather, oldest) discoveries.
Here are a few exhibits you won’t want to miss:
- Texas Nessie
- Bugs Live! (NEW)
- Native Texas Butterfly Garden
- Native Plant Garden
- Animal Encounters Trail
Aside from the wonderful exhibits, the Heard Science Museum also hosts events to engage with the community. The best part about this museum is that it’s open to everyone, so your family can join in on the adventure!
Fossil Exhibits
To understand more about the McKinney region, it helps to know what once roamed the land. Not only did previous flora and fauna influence fossil imprints, but they also paved the way for life for residents.
Here are some of the fossil-related exhibits to check out:
- Fossil Tortoise Exhibit (“Tootsie & Peanut”)
- Fossil Fish
- Living Lab (glimpse into the Heard’s major ecosystems)
By taking a step back in time, you can see how the local ecosystem and wildlife evolved. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax outside of the Redbud Community, you can go at your own pace in these exhibits. Each time you visit, there is more to explore and friendly staff ready to help.
Take a Walk on These Nature Trails for Seniors
To meet NIH’s current physical activity guidelines, you must walk briskly for 30 minutes each day. This low-impact exercise can help reduce the risk of multiple age-related diseases and improve mental health.
Although treadmills are convenient, looking at the same scenery can deter people from returning. If you want a way to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle, the Heard Museum is recommended. It only takes a moment to view our Redbud activity calendar for upcoming events!
Museums and wildlife sanctuaries are engaging and this museum offers numerous trails to explore. Take a further look to learn more.
Easier Terrain to Tackle in McKinney
Did you know that the Heard Museum offers over six miles of interpreted and self-guided nature trails? Each route offers a unique perspective and comes at a different pace.
These are a few of the easier trails in McKinney:
- Hoot Owl Trail (upland & bottomland terrain)
- Cedar Brake Loop (scenic native flora)
- Animals of the World Trail (near the Native Texas Butterfly House & World Animal Exhibit)
With the right pair of shoes and clothing, you can enjoy these trails without difficulty. Before leaving, take a look at our sample dining menu to ensure you get essential nutrients prior to exercise!
Explore the Beauty of More Moderate Trails
If the easier trails aren’t as adventurous as you want, there are more desirable locations to hike to. McKinney has a unique landscape, allowing you to uncover native species from different locations.
Here are some of the more challenging, yet approachable trails:
- Laughlin Loop (upland & bottomland terrain, well-shaded)
- Sycamore Trail (shaded by old, large trees native to the area)
- Bluestem Trail (best view of the Heard Prairies)
- Wood Duck Trail (wetlands boardwalk & overland trail)
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary offers scenic trails and indoor exhibits where you can cool off. The indoor exhibits offer easy navigation for wheelchairs, but the nature trails are not accessible due to uneven terrain.
Follow These Tips to Avoid a Bad Trip
Although the Heard Museum and trails aren’t far, you don’t want to get to the trails, just to turn around. RedBud Place Assisted Living puts you in a prime location for many local attractions in McKinney.
To make the most of your daily adventures, there are a few things to take note of.
Avoid Dangerous Flora and Fauna
With busy and well-maintained trails, outdoor risks are reduced, but not all can be avoided. Certain species of flora and fauna can result in pain or injury if you aren’t careful.
The region is known for having copperhead and cottonmouth snakes, often spotted in the summer. Fire ants and poison ivy can be another threat to your exploration, which is why it’s essential to remain on the paths. By looking up photos of these species, you can come prepared and avoid potential threats.
Luckily, Redbud Place Assisted Living is only ten minutes down the road if you need to treat poison ivy or red ant irritations.
Prep for the Trip
A short drive can be deceiving when preparing for your museum and wildlife adventure. To ensure a fun trip to the trails and indoor exhibits, you’ll want to prep the day before.
Many things to do in McKinney, TX require planning to prevent overheating or exhaustion. Eating a well-balanced meal will provide you with the nutrients and energy for walking. Sleeping a full night before your trip is also essential, and Redbud Place offers a quiet community to rest.
If you don’t want to visit the museum alone, you can coordinate a Heard Museum trip with your neighbors. Redbud Place has excellent personal care and a lively residence for those who want to continue thriving into their golden years.
Make the Most of Your Day in McKinney
Finding areas to stay active, mentally and physically, near Redbud Place Assisted Living isn’t difficult.
Trails and exhibits will keep you motivated at the Heard Museum, where you can focus on your well-being. After a fun day at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, it feels good to unwind at home.
Compassion and individualized care ensure resident comfort at Redbud Place Assisted Living. To schedule a tour of our McKinney, TX, community, complete our online form!
