Celebration: Earth

Safeguarding Our Planet: Houston Museum of Natural Science Celebrates Earth Day

Earth’s Splendor Unveiled

Journey into Nature’s Enchanting Embrace at HMNS
Step into a world of wonder at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where the “Gaia – Earth” sculpture by the talented Luke Jerram awaits, inviting you to gaze in awe at our planet like never before. This magnificent 23-foot diameter sculpture gracefully hovers above you in the Grand Hall, a sight that promises to captivate your senses and ignite a deep appreciation for the beauty of our Earth. As you explore further, discover the enchanting 9 Natives Showcase Garden, a hidden gem behind the Cockrell Butterfly Center, where the Coastal Prairie Conservancy showcases the magic of native plants and their vital role in sustaining pollinators and the prairie landscape.

Embark on a journey of discovery with Flight School at the Cockrell Butterfly Center, where expert butterfly flight attendants guide you through the skies to become a butterfly pilot, culminating in the magical release of your very own butterfly into the lush rainforest exhibit. Your participation not only enriches your experience but also supports essential conservation efforts for butterflies and the rainforest. Dive deeper into nature’s embrace with the City Nature Challenge, a delightful opportunity to observe and document the wild species that call Houston home. Through the iNaturalist app, you can join a community of nature enthusiasts in exploring the rich biodiversity of the metropolitan area, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world around you.

Featured Attractions

GAIA by Luke Jerram

Marvel at the beauty of our planet the way only astronauts can. Created by guest favorite Luke Jerram, this 23-foot diameter sculpture floats above your head in the Grand Hall. Included with permanent exhibit hall admission and always free for members.

On display from April 12 – April 28.

City Nature Challenge

Join the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Audubon, Galveston Bay Foundation, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Texas Master Naturalists, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and over 30 other wonderful groups for a fun challenge to observe and record wild species.

From April 26 – April 29, 2024, participate by making observations on your own using the iNaturalist app. With the iNaturalist app, you just take a picture of a plant or animal, and the community will help identify which species it is. Any observation in the greater metropolitan area of Houston will count during the four-day challenge. You can participate by exploring the life in your backyard (and use the hashtag #backyardchallenge on social media), in your neighborhood park, or from an apartment balcony or courtyard. You can also help with IDs for other people’s observations to increase our species count. Click here for more info!

Need a place to get started? Visit the Community Science Garden at HMNS!
This garden can be found next to the Cockrell Butterfly Center on the museum grounds alongside the Hermann Park Dr. entrance to the museum. This garden demonstrates an example of a pollinator and wildlife friendly outdoor space. Nectar plants provide food for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other pollinating animals. Host plants attract species-specific butterflies to lay their eggs and then provide food for the newly hatched caterpillars. Shelter and water sources are also key components for successful pollinator gardens.

 

The City Nature Challenge is organized by Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and California Academy of Sciences.

Distinguished Lecture- The Energy/Climate Conundrum

April 16, 2024 6:30 p.m. 

Members | Free
Adult | $12

In the real world, we make trade-offs between climate security, energy poverty, and energy security. Energy is necessary for maintaining healthy economies and lifting much of the world out of poverty, however, climate concerns also present real considerations. We need a constructive and honest conversation about these trade-offs. 

Dr. Scott Tinker is the director of the Bureau of Economic Geology, the State Geologist of Texas, professor at The University of Texas at Austin, Chairman of the Switch Energy Alliance, and CEO of Tinker Energy Associates. 

Eligible for CPE credit. 

Virtual ticket sales close April 16 at 4:00 p.m. central. You will receive the Zoom link at 5:00 p.m. central to the email used during registration. 

Distinguished Lectures are supported by Apache Corporation. 

Other Adult Education Programming

Hands-On Classes:

Planting for Pollinators

March 27, 2024 6:30 p.m.

Member Adult | $60
Public Adult | $80

Discover how to transform your yard or patio into a haven for butterflies, bees, and other captivating insects. Be the hero in this important conservation story. Pollinators are facing tough times due to habitat loss, chemicals, and invasive species, but you can be part of the solution. Join us to learn which plants to nurture, how to care for them, and leave with your very own pollinator-friendly plant. 

All supplies included. Eligible for CPE credit. 

Organically Delicious: Regenerative Gardening

April 20, 2024 9:30 a.m. 

Member Adult | $30
Public Adult | $40

Discover the evolution of organics with Regenerative Gardening, a holistic approach that views the garden as a complete ecosystem, mirroring nature’s methods for soil enrichment and pest/disease control. Uncover the secrets of building a resilient garden that can withstand the challenges of summer heat and drought with minimal losses, and experience fewer pest and disease challenges while delivering increased productivity with less effort over time. Learn how to implement regenerative farming techniques in an urban setting on a practical scale. 

Cosponsored by Urban Harvest. Eligible for CPE credit. 

Eco-Alchemy: Transforming Trash

April 24, 2024 6:30 p.m.

Member Adult | $60
Public Adult | $80

Explore the remarkable world of insects and their role in decomposition. Discover how these unsung heroes transform organic waste into ecological treasures, enriching the soil and supporting entire ecosystems. In this engaging learning experience, you’ll even have the opportunity to create your own beetle model, gaining a hands-on understanding of nature’s recycling champions. Explore the essential connection between insects and ecological abundance as we delve into the world of decomposition. 

All supplies provided. Eligible for CPE credit. 

Behind the Scenes Tours:

Cockrell Butterfly Center

May 8, 2024 6:30 p.m.

Member Adult | $25
Public Adult | $35 

On this exclusive tour led by Butterfly Center staff, you will visit the containment room and rooftop greenhouses–areas not open to the public–where staff cares for the Museum’s caterpillars, butterflies, other insects, and grow plants for the butterflies. You will also tour the Cockrell Butterfly Center rainforest and Brown Hall of Entomology. 

Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & the Myths

May 15, 2024 6:30 p.m.

Member Adult | $30
Public Adult | $45

Dive in with master docents for an after-hours tour of Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths. 

Discover the intricacies of the shark world, as you observe these remarkable and tenacious creatures, which play a vital role in our ecosystem. Gain a deeper understanding of their significance, while marveling at the power and grace of these majestic predators. Additionally, witness the presence of smaller sharks and rays in the primary tank, and invertebrates in the tide pool tank. 

Eligible for CPE credit. 

Trips & Excursions:

From Mammoths to Modern Preservation

April 27, 2024 10:00 a.m.

Member Adult | $40
Public Adult | $
60

Explore the Indiangrass Preserve and delve into the rich history of its early inhabitants, pivotal in sculpting our vast grasslands, from mammoths to ancient civilizations. Afterwards, craft a prairie seed ball to cultivate your very own pocket prairie at home. 

Eligible for CPE credit.

Re:3D Plastic Waste Printing

May 10, 2024 10:00 a.m.

Member Adult | $40      Public Adult | $60
Member Child | $40       Public Child | $60

Discover the synergy of innovation and sustainability at Re:3D.

With a focus on affordability and large-scale printing, Re:3D tackles 3D printing barriers by using reclaimed plastic waste, confronting cost and scale challenges head-on.

Join us for a tour of the facility and witness the transformative potential of 3D printing from waste, and see how today’s technology is shaping tomorrow’s manufacturing landscape.

Participants must be at least 8 years of age. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed guardian. Ticket sales close May 9, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. central. You will receive directions and additional information to the email used during registration.

Following the tour, you’ll have the chance to acquire a Re:3D printed rocket. This option costs an extra $40 per rocket, covering shipping to addresses in the Houston area, payable directly to Re:3D. Rockets will be dispatched approximately three weeks post-tour.

Member Events

Second Saturday: Reading time with the Author of the book “A Shell is Cozy”

April 13, 2024 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

This event is free for members!

Embark on a journey of awe and discovery as we celebrate our beloved home, Earth! Join us in marveling at the wonders of Gaia while our knowledgeable docents share fascinating facts about this magnificent globe.

Don’t rush away too soon—linger a while and immerse yourself in creativity at the craft station in the Glassell Hall, where you can craft your unique version of our precious planet. Come, explore, and let the spirit of Earth captivate your senses!

As an extra treat, don’t miss out on our special reading time at 9:30 a.m. in Hamill Hall, located right across from the Matter & Motion Hall. Join us for a delightful session with Dianna Hutts Aston, the author of the book “A Shell Is Cozy.” You can even grab a copy of her book at our Museum Store with your exclusive member discount! It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy a captivating story in a cozy setting. See you there!

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

Member Event: Cockrell Butterfly Center

April 25, 2024 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Engage all your senses at this Member Night! Immerse yourself in the fragrant blooms that flourish inside the Cockrell Butterfly Center, capture moments with our fascinating animals in a photo op and dare to experience an insect petting zoo. Challenge your taste buds with a miracle berry taste test and get hands-on as you craft an air plant hanger and preserve a butterfly keepsake to take home. Join us as we celebrate the reopening of our Cockrell Butterfly Center – an evening designed to make your heart flutter with unforgettable memories!

(Please log in to your account to view this event)

Other Museum Attractions

Planetarium Shows
Expedition Reef
A captivating oceanic safari as you unlock the secrets of the mesmerizing “rainforests of the sea” in the awe-inspiring Expedition Reef. Guided by the enchanting narration of Tony Award® winner Lea Salonga, this all-digital experience harnesses the full potential of the Burke Baker Planetarium’s fulldome screen, immersing you in a breathtaking undersea adventure. Prepare to be amazed as you witness the remarkable growth, feeding habits, reproduction, and vital role of corals, which sustain over 25% of marine life on our planet. 
Get Tickets
Totality Over Texas
A once in a lifetime astronomical event is happening over Texas in 2024! Total solar eclipses are a rare and beautiful phenomena, and in this new planetarium show you will learn how eclipses happen, how to safely view one, and where these two eclipses take place. Texas is the nexus for the annular eclipse of 2023 and the total solar eclipse of 2024! 
Get Tickets
Wortham Giant Screen Theatre Shows
Sharks 3D
Join Jean-Michel Cousteau on this thrilling adventure, as he shares his passion for marine conservation and unveils the awe-inspiring beauty and fragility of the shark world. Prepare to be amazed, educated, and inspired as you embark on this unforgettable journey into the realm of these magnificent ocean predators.
Get Tickets
Secrets of the Sea: Exploring Marine Marvels
Prepare to meet some of the ocean’s strangest and most spectacular creatures in the new film Secrets of the Sea! From adorable pygmy seahorses and opalescent squid, to manta rays, tiger sharks, a coconut octopus, and much more, Secrets of the Sea takes you face-to-face with an astonishing array of marine critters, showing the fascinating ways they interact with each other and their environment. healthy.
Get Tickets

Cockrell Butterfly Center

9 Natives Showcase Garden 

This garden can be found on the museum grounds behind the Cockrell Butterfly Center along San Jacinto St. Sponsored by the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, the 9 Natives program helps to promote the value of native plants to pollinators, and how these native plants are part of the important prairie landscape. There are so many great reasons to incorporate native plants into your yard or garden. They are hardy and can survive local extremes of heat or cold, drought, and wind. Once established, native plants usually require little or no irrigation or fertilization. They are resistant to many pests and diseases so you will not need pesticides or herbicides. Native plants when mixed together can provide year-round color and beauty, and provide food and homes for the birds, bees, and butterflies.

April 8 – Join us as HMNS hosts the Coastal Prairie Conservancy Volunteer Days in the 9-Natives Garden on April 8th. Following volunteer dates will be held on the 2nd Monday of each month.

 

Flight School

Soar into first class with the Cockrell Butterfly Center’s Flight School! Led by a team of expert butterfly flight attendants, you’ll learn what it takes to become an ace butterfly pilot, and release a butterfly of your very own into the Center’s rainforest. Releases are first come, first served and may be purchased inside the rainforest exhibit.

All Flight School funds support our farmers’ butterfly and rainforest conservation efforts.

Summer Camps

Kids ages 6 -12 can explore the world through the fascinating animals that call their amazing range of biomes home, the science of water that covers the planet, and more.

Ecology Engineers (Ages 10-12)

  • Explore the amazing creatures and biomes of our planet. Create snacks and homes for local wildlife, experiment with green energy by building an electric generator, and more.

Shark Camp (Ages 6-7 & 8-9)

  • Make a splash this summer with the world’s fiercest marine predator: Sharks! Explore the science, history, and mystery of sharks and get a chance to touch some live sharks too!

Survivor (Ages 8-9)

  • Distill drinking water, discover how to navigate by the stars, build your own compass and more. Participate in a survivor competition on Friday. Camp includes optional bug tasting activity.

Amazing Animals (Ages 8-9)

  • From meat-eating predators to the tiniest amoebas, your world is full of interesting creatures! Explore our live animal collection, exhibits and venues as we “hunt” for amazing animals.

Waterworks (Ages 6-7)

  • Engage in water-based activities, including creating bubble buildings and bubble art, creating a mysterious diver that sinks and rises, and building a cargo boat that can carry the largest load.

Sugar Land Attractions

In Our Nature

Saturday Nature Series
Learn some beautiful life lessons at HMNS Sugar Land and get to know the world around you. Join us every Saturday in the Outdoor Learning Center and our recently rejuvenated pollinator garden.
 
Make friends with some of the cutest creepy crawlies around in our bug zoo. Explore how to start your own butterfly garden, and support pollinators in your backyard, or try some nature-based activities. It’s all 100% pure organic fun!
 
Join us for one of the many fun, informative, hands-on experiences, presented by Nature experts, including our friends at Texas Master Naturalists – Coastal Prairie Chapter.
 
Check back often, new events are updated weekly, and most are included with general admission.
 

March 16: Texas Master Naturalists: Explore our Texas Wetlands 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
March 23: Texas Master Naturalists: Explore our Texas Wetlands 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
March 30: Coastal Charms: Exploring Seashell Stories 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
April 6: Earth Day Scavenger Hunt 
April 13:
Texas Master Naturalists: What’s the Buzzzz about Native Bees? 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
April 27: Texas Master Naturalists: What’s the Buzzzz about Native Bees? 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Earth Day Festival

April 20, 2024 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Join us for an inspiring Earth Day event in the pollinator garden at the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land on Saturday, April 20, 2024.   

Explore eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable practices, while discovering the importance of biodiversity. It’s a day of interactive education and hands-on fun! 

Water’s Extreme Journey

Become a Raindrop, Change Your World!

Water’s Extreme Journey transforms the visitor into a drop of water entering a watershed, an area of land where water drains and collects into a shared reservoir. Visitors voyage through a maze by making choices, navigating rivers, lakes, wetlands, and even their homes, eventually reaching the healthy ocean. Solve puzzles, ride the zip slide, dodge pollution & get filtered – learn how daily decisions can improve the watershed in your own backyard!

Support Us

Annual Fund
The Annual Fund provides for all the Museum’s ongoing needs, which enables us to continue our mission of science education. If you’d like to make a contribution to HMNS, we encourage you to give to our Annual Fund. Give today!
Donate Now
Membership
If you love the museum and believe in our mission, or if you’re a frequent visitor, join us for exclusive members-only discounts and opportunities throughout the year. And now through April 30th, get 15% off the Membership level of your choosing with code EARTH15. Join today!
Become a Member
Corporate Giving
HMNS offers a variety of corporate partnership opportunities at a wide range of giving levels. From education programs and exhibits to community and fundraising events, partnership with HMNS provides prominent visibility for your company with added exclusive benefits for all employees.
Explore Corporate Giving

Our Community Partners

We’re celebrating community organizations that support conservation and environmental initiatives around the city of Houston and beyond. Check out our community partners below to learn more about what these organizations are doing to celebrate the Earth and how you can learn from them about conservation year-round.

Bayou Land Conservancy preserves land along streams for flood control, clean water, and wildlife. As an accredited land trust at the forefront of land conservation for 25 years in Houston, Texas, protects land focusing on watersheds that feed Houston’s primary drinking water source, Lake Houston. Find out more information about their free adult environmental education program, Ambassadors, or find a map of our 14 mile natural surface trail, Spring Creek Nature Trail by visiting www.bayouland.org.

Advancing its mission of revitalizing Buffalo Bayou, Buffalo Bayou Partnership operates the “Clean & Green Program.” This comprehensive maintenance and management program that utilizes hundreds of community service workers to collect and remove trash and debris from Buffalo Bayou and its tributaries—preventing it from flowing into the Port of Houston and on to Galveston Bay. Click here to learn more.

Happy Earth Compost provides a simple alternative to home composting for their customers. The Houston Museum of Natural is delighted to compost with Happy Earth thereby reducing our waste, supporting sustainability and using the compost to enhance our green spaces. Click here to learn more.

Founded in 1992 as Friends of Hermann Park, Hermann Park Conservancy is a nonprofit citizens’ organization dedicated to the stewardship and improvement of Hermann Park – today and for generations to come. Click here to learn more.

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a nonprofit that provides education about the natural environment to people of all ages and protects and enhances the Arboretum as a haven and sanctuary for native plants and animals. One of the first nature education facilities for children in the state of Texas, the Arboretum provides services to nearly 500,000 visitors annually. For more information about the Arboretum, including visitor information, class and event registration, and levels of membership, please visit houstonarboretum.org.

The Houston Botanic Garden enriches lives through discovery, education, and the conservations of plants and the natural environment. The Garden, which encompasses 132 acres located a short distance southeast of downtown, closes an existing gap in the city’s world-class collection of cultural amenities for residents and tourists. Click here to learn more.

The Nature Conservancy has protected land and water in Texas since 1964. From the mountains of West Texas, through the rolling Hill Country, and all the way to our eastern pineywoods and Gulf Coast, we’re committed to preserving the Lone Star State’s most cherished natural landscapes—and building a more resilient state for all Texans. Click here to learrn more.

Founded in 1994, Urban Harvest has garnered a well-deserved reputation as a leader in the local food movement. We’ve earned this role by adhering to clear and simple values and a focused mission. Over 30 years ago, two Fourth Ward activists, Deacon Malcolm McLemore and Deacon Jean Cameron, started a community garden in their neighborhood along with Dr. Bob Randall, one of the founders of Urban Harvest. Their garden grew and grew. The simple act of growing food brought neighbors together to share recipes and seeds, to solve problems about crime and blight, and to eat and celebrate together. The seed that was planted by the success of this garden led to the creation of Urban Harvest seven years later. Since 1994, Urban Harvest has cultivated communities of gardeners, educators, farmers and neighbors to launch thriving gardens and farmers markets. Click here to learn more.