Located in the Houston Art District, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a world of wonder waiting to be explored. HMNS is not only my favorite Houston museum, but it’s the best science museums from all our family travels. During years of HMNS memberships and frequent homeschool field trips into downtown Houston, this amazing Houston Science Museum is my standard of what all other museums should (and could) look like. The Houston Science Museum is our favorite!
Featuring kid-friendly activities, hands-on learning opportunities, and unique educational programs, the museum provides a four floors of science and history discovery. From towering dinosaur skeletons and dazzling gemstone collections to immersive space and planetarium shows, this museum offers one of Houston’s top family-friendly attractions and a must-visit Houston destination all Texas road trips. Whether you’re visiting the Cockrell Butterfly Center, digging into the best dinosaur fossil exhibit, or exploring a huge Egyptian mummy exhibit, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science Houston Tx promises an unforgettable experience.
Here’s all the top HMNS tips you need from this frequent visitor and membership-holder. Read and add this downtown Houston museum to your Texas road trip to Houston or Houston-area field trip.
What is the Houston Museum of Natural Science?
HMNS is the science museum of all science museums. The building size is a testament to how much goodness is inside. Although this isn’t a hands-on science museum, this is a fully brains-on science museum. There is something here for everyone in your group.
Here science means lots of scientific studies related to history. This is another huge collection of mummies and Egyptian artifacts as well as a walk through history of Native American and Central America.
Here science means awesome gemstone and rocks, the biggest dinosaur collection I’ve ever found, and learning about Houston’s role in oil production. It means exploring the treasures in the hands-on area in the Weiss Energy Hall as well as learning about local Texas wildlife. And prepare yourself to wait with the kids while the watch the two-story Foucault’s pendulum swing from the ceiling.
~~~> Are you a homeschool family looking to add more museums to your homeschool life? Make sure you check out this ultimate list of homeschool including our Classical Conversations curriculum, roadschooling, unschooling, and living book lists.
What is there to do at the Houston Museum of Natural Science?
While the whole HMNS museum is amazing, in addition to the animal exhibits in the Texas Wildlife, African Wildlife, and Hall of Texas Ecology, my family has some definite favorites. There’s also the Hall of the Americas, Hall of Malacology (huge shell collection), Faberge eggs, and the Weiss Energy Hall. Don’t forget to walk through the often-overlooked amazing Hall of the Americas; usually we’re so tired with our favorites (see list below) that we can’t get to everything before needing to head home.
There’s something new you will discover every visit because this Houston favorite just too big to take it all in on one trip.
Hall of Ancient Egypt
The HMNS Egypt area is honestly the best museum Egyptian collection we have ever seen. Start your visit with a walk through the grand entrance flanked by statues to look through display cabinets full of artifacts. You pass by sarcophagi and coptic jars and more before every arriving at the room full of mummies and a fully-golden tomb reproduction.
There is so much here to read and explore; there isn’t another Egyptian museum exhibit like this. Lit with dramatic lighting, it feels like a full adventure.
Morian Hall of Paleontology
Not to be redundant, but the HMNS dinosaurs is also the best dino exhibit out there. Original fossils mix with casts to create a huge room full of dinosaur skeletons. Pterodactyls fly high above while the giant dinosaurs your kids love will tower above them. I highly recommend that, if possible, you grab a tour for this part of the museum so they can show you highlights you would otherwise miss… including which dinosaur tail still has intact fossilized skin!
The Houston Paleontology exhibit is beautiful with lighting and dramatic displays. This isn’t just a boring old dinosaur exhibit.
~~~> PS: If you have a true dinosaur lover in your family, make sure you plan a road trip to Dinosaur National Monument on the Utah and Colorado border. It really does bring fossil history to life. Learn about it here on my “Yellowstone to Texas Road Trip”.
Morian Cabinet of Curiosities
If your inquisitive kids want to touch and explore and find treasures, this HMNS permanent exhibit is the place for them. Based on the collections people gathered years ago, the whole area is a giant “Cabinet of Curiosities”. This varied display collection is full of drawers to open and touchable treasures. This HMNS kid-friendly exhibit is taxidermied animals, skeleton, world artifacts, pottery, and a bit of everything.
Special Exhibits at HMNS
In addition to the amazing permanent exhibits at HMNS, check out the always-rotating special exhibitions. We went to a special exhibit about mummies once, and we learned so much. Not just Egyptian mummies but also the kind that form naturally when they fall in bogs and such. Very well done!
These are accessed with an additional ticket and always look amazing. Check out the HMNS special exhibit list here and plan which one you want to visit.
Cockrell Butterfly Center
Add on top of these museum exhibits, the beauty of the HMNS Butterfly Garden needs to be experienced at least once. Walk past the man-made 50-foot-tall waterfall into the rainforest dome, grab the butterfly identification card, and prepare to be surrounded by butterflies everywhere. There are also a few land animals to discover.
In addition, there is also a kid-friendly butterfly area with hatching Chrysalises and see insects at the Brown Hall of Entymology. Purchased as a separate ticket, you don’t have to visit the rest of the Houston science museum to see these Houston butterflies. Plan your visit to the butterflies at the Houston Science Museum here.
~~~> If you’re a Texan or driving through on a family Texas road trip, make sure you add Dallas museums to your list! With many free museums and some covered with reciprocity, a walk around the downtown Dallas museum district rivals that of Houston. Read all about it: “How To Spend A Kid-Friendly Day In Downtown Dallas.”
Where is the Houston Museum of Natural Science?
Located in the downtown Houston museum district, the HMNS location is perfect for a day of exploring with family. Located right across the street from Hermann Park in downtown Houston, a visit to this Houston museum can easily be combined for a full day of Houston family fun.
Where do you park at HMNS?
With its own parking garage (which can get full), weekday parking at HMNS isn’t an issue. On weekends, it will fill up. You can always walk over from the larger Houston Zoo parking lot or one of the many Hermann park parking areas. As it is next to the McGovern Centennial garden, you can park there free for two hours, but since your HMNS visit will last longer, this isn’t my top recommendation. There is some street parking if needed. Usually driving around the area will find you a spot; it just might not be close.
Parking in the HMNS garage is $30 for the whole day. Even with a membership, it’s still $10 a day. As your HMNS parking pass lasts the whole day, so this is a great option if you are planning to walk over to another museum. And its fully-covered parking garage. The whole museum-zoo-Hermann park area is walkable, so park securely here and wander from one museum to the next.
How Much are Tickets to the Houston Science Museum?
How much does HMNS cost?
Full price. Sorry. However, with that in mind, if I were going to pay for a Houston museum, this is the one. It’s the best, and it honestly could be a full-day experience. For 2025, HMNS adult tickets are $25 and kids 3-11 are $16. A
As at the desk about add-ons including the Butterfly Garden, I-Max Theater, or even special exhibits. Ask about a tour that day as well.
Do I need to book HMNS tickets in advance?
Houston Science Museum tickets can be purchased at the museum. Here you can additionally purchase the planetarium, butterfly, or special exhibit tickets. The lines can be long, so plan accordingly.
Can I Visit the Cockrell Butterfly Exhibit separately?
Unfortunately, the Houston museum butterfly exhibit is an extra cost, but if you’ve never done it before, I suggest doing it at least once. With a printed, full-color guide, let your kids wander among the enclosed garden identifying all the different species. It’s like a real-world treasure hunt. They’ll love it. But watch out! It’s humid!
Included in the ticket to the butterfly exhibit is the Brown Hall of Entomology. This is where you can read up on the butterflies and even see some hatching pupae.
Are there any related HMNS museums?
The only related museum within the HMNS Houston next is their branch in Sugarland, only about 30 minutes away. If you’re looking for a smaller museum to explore without having to drive into downtown Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land would be a good option. You can use your membership card there.
Is the Houston museum of natural science on my reciprocity?
HMNS isn’t on any museum reciprocity lists unfortunately. This means that if HMNS is a stop on a Houston road trip, it is just going to cost you full price. However, if you are a local, a membership to this Houston museum is the perfect Christmas present.
As a testament to my love of this Houston science museum, I usually only stick to free or museum membership programs (because I’m cheap!). But I am willing to pay for an HMNS membership. It’s very much worth it especially when you have a family and you’re saving money with reduced tickets for six people.
~~~> If the cost of museums keeps you from visiting, head here to learn about saving money with membership museum associations. “Museum Memberships: How to Save Money on Family Travel (2025)”
Are there free days at HMNS?
Is HMNS free? Yes! Every Thursday 5 to 8 PM, you can get into the Houston science museum’s permanent exhibit halls for free!
However, if you only have a little bit of time to see the museum and don’t want to pay… check out the giant sundial in front of the museum and see how the changing seasons affects the shadow. Or take a quick walk in the entrance hall to check out the giant geode. Better yet, wander the hall and see a few cool exhibits hanging out here. There are some amazing specimens to buy in the museum store as well.
Even without purchasing a HMNS ticket, you can separately see the Butterfly Exhibit, go to the Burke Planetariums, or watch an I-Max video. You can see some HMNS even during a quick 30 minute trip.
Are there HMNS ticket discounts?
The only real way I’ve found to get multiple discounted HMNS ticket on Groupon. You can often find a reduced price here, and show your ticket at the front desk to get a printed ticket for a HMNS day visit. It is also a bit cheaper if you arrange to visit with a group of 10 or more.
Is HMNS Good for Kids?
Field Trips at HMNS
If you live in the Houston area – or even want a two hour road trip for a day – HMNS is perfect for a group of kids. Book a special tour, and you will get more information with your guide; it’s my favorite way to show these homeschool kids awesome adults who love what they do. These HMNS guides may even bring out some special carts for you to be able to have more hands-on experiences. Additionally, there are special learning classes (for a cost), if you want to look into adding these onto your field trip day; I’ve heard they’re fabulous.
What are the Best Exhibits at HMNS for kids?
Best exhibits for kids at the Houston Museum of Natural Science depends on your kids’ age, interest level, and museum experiences. Definitely head to the dinosaurs as the HMNS dinosaurs are amazing. And since all kids seem to love Egypt, I would plan to spend some time there as well. The Cabinet of Curiosities is designed for little explorers to touch and open drawers and discover something new in every nook.
If your kids are losing interest, this may be the time to head to the Butterfly Exhibit or even just take an outside lunch before heading back in.
Are there Hands On Exhibits?
While HMNS is not a hands-on children’s museum, there are several areas that let the kids touch. The absolute best hands-on will be in the Cabinet of Curiosities. Additionally, in the Energy Hall, there is a ride to take and hands-on things to push and pull.
~~> Best and most popular museums that will hold your kids’ attention? Add the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum to your family road trip plan with these posts.
FAQ About the HMNS
How long should I spend at the Houston Science Museum?
I would plan to spend at least half a day at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Head out to your car to grab your picnic lunch and eat across the street at the —— or eat at the cafe in the museum. This is when having a museum membership comes in handy; you can stay for a couple of hours and plan to just come back another day. However, if you have a full day (and your group is willing), you could spend a whole day exploring this museum.
Is HMNS stroller and wheelchair accessible?
HMNS is perfect for a wheeled outing. The floors are all smooth, most of the exhibits are along the walls of each area with plenty of open floor space. Unlike other museums which have narrow areas, I wouldn’t even hesitate to bring a double stroller if needed. While the museum is spread out among several floors, there are several elevators to use at either the front or the back of the building.
Can I bring food or get meals at the museum?
Food and drink are not supposed to be taken inside HMNS. However, as a mom of 4, I admit to having snuck in some water bottles and small snacks. There are water fountains scattered around near the restrooms if you don’t want to bring yours in. However, this is not the kind of place where your kid can sit in their stroller munching on Goldfish and making a mess. I would keep all food out in the lobby. If you need to leave and eat, they will very willingly let you back in with your ticket.
What is near the Houston Museum of Science?
HMNS is located in the Museums District of Houston near amazing art museums, zoos, and history museums. It’s a walkable area, so plan to spend at least one day. There is so much to do without ever having to move the car.
- Houston Zoo
- Hermann Park and Miller Outdoor Theater
- Houston Museum of Fine Arts
- Holocaust Museum Houston
What are free things to do in the Houston Museum District?
Even if you don’t have time or the budge to spend days in the amazing downtown Houston museums and zoos, there’s plenty to keep you busy for half a day!
- Check out the outside sundial at HMNS and gift store treasures
- See famous artists at the Cullen Sculpture Garden at the Museum of Fine Arts
- Explore the Hermann Park Japanese Garden and nearby reflecting pool
- Check out the schedule for free performances Miller Outdoor Theater
- Climb the hill at McGovern Centennial gardens, see the pergola, and enjoy the peaceful grounds
- Feed the ducks and walk around the McGovern Lake
~~~> Do you get stressed when planning road trips? Make sure you read “10 Tips to Less Stress on Road Trips” and these detailed itinerary road trip Virginia itinerary and Yellowstone itinerary.
Let me know if you have any questions about visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Once you’ve visited this Houston best, you just might be disappointed with other museums on your family road trips. You’ve been warned!
Thanks for stopping by my little corner! Here’s to your next adventure.
I’m Bobbie. As transplants from Texas, my family of six is on a mission to discover all of Georgia’s amazing places, experience amazing road trips across the United States, and create a homeschool life along the way.
Want to adventure like me? Reach out! I’d love to chat. Stop by my Instagram or Pinterest page to discover more of our adventures.
Want to work with me? I’d love to work with your destination and tourism board to help other family travelers see all you have to offer.
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