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 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.

2024 Event dates:

Saturday, April 27, 2024: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 28, 2024: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Monday, December 2, 2024: 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 and Elixirs

Mixers and Elixirs: New Year’s Eve

Tuesday, December 31 | 8:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Ring in the New Year surrounded by the magic of the Houston Museum of Natural Science! Dance among the dinosaurs, savor delicious food on the sundial while counting down the moments, or share a romantic kiss under the stars in the Planetarium. Enjoy live music from the Joilux Band and DJ Hype. Celebrate midnight with confetti filling the Grand Hall and Glassell Hall. This enchanting evening is the perfect way to start your year with unforgettable memories!

General tickets only: Purchase your champagne toast wristband at the box office or online for just $12, and visit the designated champagne locations near midnight to pick up your celebratory toast!

Looking for a more exclusive experience? Our VIP package offers access to two private VIP areas—the Morian Hall of Paleontology Overlook and a section of the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals. Enjoy a complimentary drink ticket, a champagne toast at midnight, and a food voucher redeemable at any sundial food vendor. Celebrate in style and make your night unforgettable!

VIP Menu

*Explore all first and second-floor exhibits, open exclusively for this event.

*Enjoy continuous shows throughout the night in the Burke Baker Planetarium, culminating in a special midnight countdown. Free for all attendees.

*Wortham Giant Screen Theatre will be playing The Great Gatsby (2013) on a continuous loop during the event, also free of charge.

*Additional exhibits will open as guest attendance grows to accommodate the flow of the event and enhance the experience for all attendees.

Please note – This event is for adults 21 or older.

To provide increased safety for our beloved guests (you), law enforcement will be using metal detection wands to briefly scan each party-goer on their way in.

No outside alcohol will be allowed into the museum.

HMNS is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. With that in mind, the museum security staff has implemented additional security measures ahead of Mixers and Elixirs: New Year’s Eve. We encourage attendees to arrive early to allow extra time to get into the special event. You and your belongings may be searched upon entry. If you elect not to consent to the searches, you will be denied entry into the museum.

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.

Our November 9 event was the last Second Saturday of the year. Please visit our Holly Jolly page for all December events HERE.

Yoga Night

January 23, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.

Shake off the stresses of the holidays, set positive intentions, and reconnect with yourself at our first Yoga Night of 2025! Perfect for beginners and experienced yogis alike, this class, led by our instructor, Auhona Hoq, will guide you through poses designed to leave you feeling relaxed and revitalized. Bring your mat and join us in the serene setting of our Morian Hall of Paleontology. Afterward, refresh at our juice station and enjoy a peaceful stroll among the towering dinosaurs in the hall.

*Please Note: The location may change due to private events

*Yoga mats not provided