HMNS Events

Family Fun Galore: Exclusive Events and Engaging Exhibits

Discover a World of Entertainment and Education at HMNS

Are you looking for exciting activities to enjoy with your family in Houston? Look no further! Join us at HMNS and experience a wide range of unique events exclusively designed for our members. From the adventure-filled World Trekkers to the fun-filled Member Nights, we have something for everyone. Explore the upcoming events listed below and mark your calendars for unforgettable family experiences. In addition to our special events, we also offer exhibit-themed activities that are bound to bring joy and happiness to the entire family. At HMNS, we are dedicated to providing high-quality family entertainment and education to the community. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery as you explore our engaging exhibits and enjoy the exciting programs we have planned for the upcoming months. We can’t wait to share the wonders of science and culture with you and create lasting memories for your family.

HMNS Family Events

HMNS Farmers Market

Sunday, February 23, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Braeswood Farmers Market will be setting up shop on the Museum Sundial Plaza on February 23 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free to attend and get 20% off any membership level when you purchase from the HMNS plant sale table or one of the vendors.

Can’t make this one? Don’t worry, there are more Farmers Markets coming up!

March 9
April 6
September 14
October 19
November 9

2025 Astronomy Events

Join HMNS astronomers for a guided tour of the night sky highlights and seasonal celebrations.

Tuesday Rooftop Astronomy Upcoming Dates:

March 4, 6-8 p.m. – The Elusive Mercury and The Crescent Moon
April 8, 7-9 p.m. – The Moon and the Calendar

Sundial Celebrations Upcoming Dates:

March 20, 1-2 p.m. – Spring Equinox
June 21, 1-2 p.m. – Summer Solstice

For a full list of dates, click the link below.

HMNS Sensory Friendly Events

Generously supported by the Joan and Stanford Alexander Family Fund

Three times a year, HMNS offers Sensory Friendly events where exhibits and venues are modified for those with sensory sensitivities. Exhibits and venues are modified to create a sensory neutral environment. The Burke Baker Planetarium and Wortham Giant Screen Theatre also offer modified 2D shows with house lights on and the volume reduced. Sensory Backpacks, which include ear defenders, sunglasses, and fidgets, are available to check out with an ID at the Museum Services Desk, and Touch Carts with tactile specimens to explore will be available throughout the museum’s permanent exhibit halls. To pre-register for free permanent exhibit hall entry, please click the link below.

2025 Event dates:

Saturday, April 26, 2025: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 27, 2025: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Monday, December 1, 2025: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Individuals with disabilities and their families will receive free admission to the Permanent Exhibit halls for Sensory Friendly Events at HMNS! To pre-register for these events and to book your visit please click the “Pre-Register” button below or email us at accessprogramming@hmns.org.

King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience

There are currently no upcoming events related to King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience.

Please check back later for updates.

Mixers & Elixirs

Summer 2025

Ditch the usual bar scene and step into something extraordinary. Mixers & Elixirs is where fascinating people, themed cocktails, and electrifying live music come together for a night of next-level fun. Wander off for a free flick in the Giant Screen Theatre or take a cosmic journey in the Burke Baker Planetarium—because this isn’t just a party, it’s an experience.

Member Events

Second Saturdays

2ND SATURDAY is for Members!

Opening at 8:00 a.m. for Members only.

On the second Saturday of each month at our main location in Hermann Park, HMNS will open one hour early for members only! See the museum’s permanent exhibitions—always free for members—before the crowds.

Make the most of your Membership and join us for 2nd Saturday for free

*Special Exhibits, Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, and the Burke Baker Planetarium are not included in early access.

Second Saturday: International Women’s Day
March 8, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Sharon Caples McDougle is a retired NASA spacesuit technician, crew chief, and manager of the Space Shuttle Crew Escape Equipment Processing department—the first Black woman to hold these roles!

Join us in Glassell Hall to design your own space suit, then explore our Space Hall on the lower level to learn from our expert docents about the incredible contributions women have made to astronomy and space exploration!

Event is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances.

Second Saturday: Elephants
April 12, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

With tusks that gleam and ears so wide, I roam the Savanna with grace and pride—what am I? That’s right, an elephant!

This Second Saturday, members are invited to craft their own elephant using a paper plate, then journey to our African Wildlife Hall to discover amazing facts about one of the smartest creatures on the planet!

Event is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances.

Member Night: Cockrell Butterfly Center

Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 6:00 p.m.

Celebrate the first day of spring by immersing yourself in the beauty of blooming flowers, greenery, and fluttering butterflies inside the Cockrell Butterfly Center during this exclusive member event.

Get creative by crafting your own air plant to brighten up your space, or make a keepsake butterfly Riker mount. Feeling adventurous? Take part in Flight School, where you can release a butterfly and watch it take its first flight—tickets are half-off for this special night! And don’t miss the chance to meet some friendly critters at the insect petting zoo.

End your evening with a taste transformation—try a miracle berry and discover how our food samples, like lemon chips and tonic water, turn into something unexpectedly delicious.

*Flight School tickets are only available for purchase during the event and are limited.

*Tickets to Flight School will be half-off for this event.

*Last ticket time is 7:30 p.m.

Senior Social: Audubon’s Birds of America

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Kick off the first Senior Social of the year with a morning infused with art and nature! Enjoy a delicious breakfast and a hot cup of coffee in the Moran Lecture Hall before embarking on a timed, guided tour of our new exhibit, Audubon’s Birds of America, led by one of our knowledgeable docents.

*Your Senior Social breakfast ticket includes entry to Audubon’s Birds of America exhibit.

*Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

*Event is 50+

Audubon’s Birds of America is produced by the National Museums Scotland in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Lead underwriting is provided by the John P. McGovern Foundation in memory of Kathrine G. McGovern.
Additional support is provided by Woodforest National Bank.