T. rex Week

Step into the Morian Hall of Paleontology for a dynamic journey through prehistoric life. This isn’t your typical museum exhibit; here, ancient creatures are brought to life in action-packed scenes of survival. Embark on a “prehistoric safari” that spans from our tree-climbing ancestors to mammoth-hunting humans.

While you’re there, say hi to our three T. rexes: “Wyrex”, our hometown hero, famous for its missing tail and extraordinarily well preserved hands and feet; “Stan”, who has the best-preserved T. rex skull ever discovered; and “Bucky”, the only subadult displayed at HMNS and our favorite teenage resident!

Thursdays through Sundays from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:00 p.m., our intrepid paleontologists are on hand to answer your questions, demonstrate the tools of their trade and show you the latest finds from the field.

Step into the Morian Hall of Paleontology and watch prehistoric creatures come to life through art! Join the incredibly talented artist Bill Ferguson and HMNS’s very own Daniel Huerta as they bring dinosaurs to life—one sketch at a time.

Marvel as Bill and Daniel capture the fierce majesty of our skeletal giants, from the towering T. rex to the swift and sleek raptors. Both artists love to chat while they draw, so feel free to ask them questions—whether it’s about their creative process, their favorite dinosaurs, or how they turn ancient bones into dynamic works of art.

Whether you’re a budding young artist, a lifelong dino fan, or just curious, this is a roarsome experience you won’t want to miss.

Bring your curiosity, creativity, and inner paleontologist—and get ready to be inspired by Bill and Daniel as they sketch history back to life!

Keep an eye out for Colin Diggins, one of our awesome paleontologists, in the center of Morian Hall of Paleontology! He’s ready to answer all your dino-sized questions—so don’t be shy! Ask a great question, and you might even get a small prize… and maybe a selfie with Colin too! 

Did you know we have some of the best volunteers in Houston? Stop by and ask them all your dinosaur questions—they’ll be on hand to share their knowledge and help you dig into prehistoric fun! While you’re there, enjoy hands-on activities like creating your own dinosaur craft. 

There’s something for every future fossil hunter! 

All week long, make your way to our photo op station at the entrance of the Morian Hall of Paleontology and strike a pose with your favorite dino backdrop!

Snap fun pics with family and friends, then grab a dino-themed scavenger hunt to test your fossil-finding skills. Once you’ve completed the hunt, turn it in at museum services for a special prize—because every great explorer deserves a reward!

It’s a perfect way to kick off your T. rex Week adventures!

Come say hello to the real scientists who study dinosaurs and ancient creatures! Visit the Paleo Lab in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, where you can ask questions, see cool fossil replicas, and even wear a lab coat just like a paleontologist. Don’t forget to snap a fun photo while you’re there! 

Wrap up the week with a prehistoric twist—HMNS style! Dress as your favorite dinosaur and join us in the Morian Hall of Paleontology for our very own version of the Harlem Shake. It’s a Jurassic-sized dance party, who knows, you might just show up on our social media!

Bite into savings with an exclusive member offer—enjoy $35 off the Little Paleo Bag Bundle in celebration of T. rex Week!  

Visit the Museum Store in person or shop online to take advantage of this dino-sized deal and discover even more T.rex-themed treasures. 

Join Paleo Lab manager, Colin Diggins, and learn how paleo volunteers clean and preserve specimens and piece together stories from millions of years ago.

Stop by for this 20-minute tidbit of science!

Distinguished Lectures are supported by Apache Corporation.

Members $25 | Public $35

Experience the Morian Hall of Paleontology like you’ve never experienced before–by flashlight! In this unique tour, you’ll catch a glimpse of what the dinosaurs might be up to when the lights go out and experience up-close encounters with ancient sea monsters, early land-dwellers, and mysterious fossils that reveal the strange, captivating saga of life on Earth.

Tour led by David Temple, Curator of Paleontology. Eligible for CPE credit.

Ages 15+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. No refunds.

Members $50 | Public $70

Enter the captivating world of carnivorous plants. Discover the unique adaptations and survival strategies of these incredible species that have evolved to thrive in nutrient-poor environments by capturing and digesting insects. Learn about various types of carnivorous plants, such as Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and sundews, along with their ecosystems and care requirements. Then, take home your very own carnivorous plant to nurture and enjoy.

All supplies provided. Eligible for CPE credit.

Ages 15+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. No refunds.

Members $50 | Public $70 

Create your own stunning textile art inspired by the intricate details of fossils. Using embroidery techniques, you’ll transform patterns reminiscent of ancient creatures into beautiful designs. No prior embroidery experience is necessary–our instructor will guide you through each stitch, helping you develop your skills while fostering creativity. By the end of the class, you’ll leave with your own embroidered masterpiece with a deeper appreciation for both art and the natural history that inspires it.

All supplies provided. Eligible for CPE credit.

Ages 15+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. No refunds.

Sure, movies may not always get the science exactly right—but who says imagination can’t take us on a prehistoric journey? Escape the summer sizzle and cool off in the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre as we dive into the dino-tastic world of The Good Dinosaur (2015)!

Before the lights dim, stroll over to our Periodic Table Grab-and-Go to purchase some scientifically delicious snacks.

Then sit back, relax, and join Arlo and Spot on a heartwarming, wild adventure to find their way home—and maybe discover a little courage along the way.

*Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie will start at 7:00 p.m.

*Periodic Table will be open until 8:00 p.m. for purchases.

June is all about T. rex Week—and what better way to end it with a bang than at our Member Second Saturday? Join us for a dino-mite morning as you explore the Morian Hall of Paleontology before the crowds roll in! Chat with our knowledgeable volunteers and ask all your burning dinosaur questions—no fossil fact is too big or small.

Need a break from roaming with the giants? Stop by our craft station and create your very own dinosaur… out of a paper plate!

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

Kick off your summer with a cool breeze at HMNS! From 90’s jams to vibrant Latin nights, Mixers & Elixirs brings you a season of unforgettable fun. Enjoy cash bars, food tents, and unique interactive experiences at every mixer. Whether you join us for one or all, you’ll see the museum in a whole new light! 

90’s Night – Friday, June 6, 2025, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Before Dinosaur Discoveries gets released to the world, see it today at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in its World Premiere Special Preview! Dinosaur Discoveries brings life-size dinosaurs up close and personal to audiences inside the historic Wortham Theatre’s new HoloTheater. This dynamic and immersive storytelling attraction uses 3D holographic technology and video mapping to take audiences through more than 140 years of scientific discovery and disputes on the journey to understanding the truth about dinosaurs.

Watch Wyrex dominate the big screen, then meet this superstar face-to-face in the Morian Hall of Paleontology! Walk with a menagerie of late Cretaceous giants, from Quetzalcoatlus and Champsosaurus to Triceratops—the three horned devil of Hell Creek—and, of course, Wyrex, one of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever discovered. Follow Wyrex from egg to subadult, through the many injuries that make this specimen a unique window into the life of a T. rex.   

Delve into the ancient mysteries of the dinosaurs and uncover the truth behind their demise in the captivating exhibition, “Dinosaur Extinction: Unraveling the Enigma.” Embark on a mesmerizing journey through time as you witness the incredible lives and survival strategies of these colossal creatures that once roamed the Earth millions of years ago. Immerse yourself in the world of the dinosaurs, guided by stunning animations that bring their stories to life, and explore the very sites where their fossil remains were discovered.

Dark Universe whisks audiences out of the Milky Way galaxy, drops them alongside a parachute descending through Jupiter’s atmosphere, and brings them all the way to the afterglow of the Big Bang while revealing the breakthroughs that have led astronomers to confront two great cosmic mysteries: dark matter and dark energy.

You’re busy. We’ve got birthdays & parties down to a science, so leave the planning to us. Party with the dinosaurs in your own party room, learn through a special dino-themed birthday activity, then explore the museum with your guests! 

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 paleontologist’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! 

Birthday Party Packages:

• Party Packages for Ages 1-3
• Party Packages for Ages 4-6
• Party Packages for Ages 7-9
• Party Packages for Ages 10-12

For more information, click below!

Junior Paleontologist (Ages 6-7)

• Investigate how our resident dinosaurs lived, died, and were discovered by paleontologists. Get up close and personal with our specimens, go on a mock dig, and touch a real dinosaur bone!
  

T. rex Explorers (Ages 6-7)

• Uncover the wonders of the mighty T. rex! Explore the Museum’s exceptional specimens, engage in hands-on activities, creative crafts, and captivating stories to unearth everything, from its towering height and huge sharp teeth to its fascinating habits and habitats.

Dino Claws & Shark Jaws (Ages 8-9)

• From sauropods to sabertooths, dig into the past to see what it takes to be a paleontologist. You’ll curate a fossil collection of your own, meet the “residents” of the Morain Paleontology Hall, and much more! 

Paleontology 101 (Ages 10-12) 

• Discover how fossils form and how to make your own! Learn more about the ancient creatures that call HMNS home, excavate your fossil fish from stone, and take it home.

Scouts BSA – Geology Merit Badge (One-Day Class) 

• Examine fossils, explore the history of the Earth and the processes that have shaped it over time. Visit the Hall of Paleontology to see how HMNS preserves and displays fossils. 

Scouts BSA – Archaeology Badge (One-Day Class) 

• Explore human cultures through the clues they left behind. Examine Museum artifacts, complete a mock dig, and create a cuneiform tablet. 

Survivor: Ultimate Edition

Dinosaurs, including T. rex, weren’t the only ones to go extinct. Or were they? Play the Survivor game and discover who is the ultimate survivor. Featuring fossil contestants from our Paleontology Hall.

Included with general admission.

Join HMNS at Sugar Land SciTeens for pterrific paleo crafts and activities to learn all about T. rex and other prehistoric animals.

Included with general admission.