Youth & Family Opportunities
Interactive Experiences
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.
Little Learner Labs: Early Childhood Classes
Explore, create, and perform in hands-on science adventures.
These engaging, daily two-hour science classes are designed to foster independence and discovery for children ages 4 to 5. Your child’s love for science will bloom as they explore, create, and perform in these interactive, hands-on classes. Our expert educators are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every child feels encouraged to express their natural curiosity and creativity.
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 GuideScouts
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.
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.
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!