Education

Youth & Family Opportunities

Educational & Entertaining

HMNS strives to deliver interactive experiences that are so much fun you might not realize you’re learning!

We have a range of interactive experiences designed to make learning fun. Our Afterdark programs provide an opportunity to explore the museum after hours, with hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and the chance to sleep among the exhibits. We also offer virtual family movie nights, providing interactive boxes filled with everything needed for a fun night in. For those curious about what happens after dark at the museum, we offer Late Nights and Overnights, allowing science clubs, student councils, scouts, and birthday parties to explore the museum after hours. Additionally, we provide both virtual and in-person labs on topics such as Dissection, Earth Science, TechnoScience, Time, and Wildlife.

Upcoming Family Events

Become a Member

Join us for exclusive members-only discounts on summer programs and other opportunities throughout the year!

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Interactive Experiences

Summer Camps Program

Interactive Learning – Week-long, hands-on camps featuring science activities for children ages 6 – 12.

Summer Camps Program

Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers and Scientists
Summer Camps at HMNS offer a unique experience. With real dinosaur fossils, live chemistry demonstrations, and a prestigious institution as the backdrop, kids aged 6-12 can enjoy an educational and adventurous summer. Led by distinguished teachers, these camps aim to inspire future engineers and scientists through hands-on learning. A variety of topics, including physics, coding, paleontology, and forensic science, are explored.

HMNS After Dark

Have you ever wondered what really happens after dark or overnight at the museum?
Find out what happens at the museum after the sun goes down! Enjoy a fun-filled evening with hands-on activities and scavenger hunts before settling down to sleep among the exhibits. Learn more about our After Hours add-ons, such as Labs or Outreach, in our School Year Programs Guide.
School Year Programs Guide
Book an Event After Dark

See what comes alive at the museum after dark.

Book a Scouts Event

Learn more about how we can assist Boy and Girl Scouts along their journey of achievement and adventure.

Scouts

Scouting provides boys and girls self-confidence, ethics and values that will stay with them throughout their lives.
The HMNS Scouting Program offers badge classes for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as enrichment field trips and events at HMNS facilities in Hermann Park, Sugar Land and Brazos Bend State Park, home of the George Observatory. Classes take place on Saturdays during the school year and in week-long day camps during the summer.

Generously Supported by OXY

Transforming Students into Space Explorers

Inspiring Lifelong Learning and Interdisciplinary Skills through Simulated Space Expeditions
The Expedition Center offers an engaging learning experience that transforms students into scientists, engineers, or researchers during simulated space expeditions. It expands the classroom to distant planets, inspiring students to become explorers. Our focus extends beyond space science, using the excitement of space travel to develop interdisciplinary skills and life lessons that have a lasting impact.
Expedition Center

The Expedition Center offers a transformative learning experience, turning students into scientists and explorers on simulated space expeditions.

Book a Birthday or Party

Learn more about how we’ve got birthdays and parties down to a science.

Birthdays & Parties

Your one-stop-shop for party planning!
You’re busy. We’ve got birthdays and parties down to a science, so leave the planning to us. From selecting a theme and deciding on décor, to securing activities and entertainment—we’ve got you covered. Our parties are intended to match your budding scientist’s interests with age-appropriate activities. We know that science and fun are for everyone, so we want to make sure you get to spend your special day in our favorite place: HMNS!