Discover our newest exhibit, Faithful Friends, with fun and engaging programming that inspire children to ask questions and learn about the diverse world of faith, beliefs, culture, and friendship!
Kaleidoscope Room inside Faithful Friends
Activities, events and times subject to change.
A dynamic space for hands-on activities, storytelling, and cultural programming, the Kaleidoscope Colloquiums in the Kaleidoscope Room invite you to engage in crafts, games, and rotating interactive experiences inspired by global traditions. Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, these workshops will host community partners, artists, and educators who bring beliefs, faith-based and cultural storytelling to life. Families can explore a diverse collection of books and resources that encourage conversations about friendship, respect, and understanding.
Collaborative Kindness Quilt: Just like the bunny class in the Kindness Quilt book by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, Children’s Museum Houston is making its own Kindness Quilt! You can help us by adding your own Kindness Square to our wall. Think of something kind, thoughtful, special...that you have done for someone recently then write and/or draw it. We can’t wait to see all the kind things you all are doing to make the world better!
The Dharma Way Scavenger Hunt: Try an activity scavenger hunt to honor the Buddhist holiday of Vesak. This holiday is one of the most important holy days in Buddhism, especially Theravada Buddhism. Vesak commemorates the birth, life and teachings of the Buddha. In Buddhism, “Dharma” are the Buddha’s teachings. Buddhists believe that living your life in the “Dharma Way” will lead to greater happiness and awareness. You can explore some of the principles of the Dharma Way here at the Children’s Museum!
Woven Nine-Pointed Star: Join us in making a woven nine-pointed star to honor the Baha’i holy days of the Declaration of the Bab and the Ascension of Baha’u’llah. Nine-pointed stars are the informally adopted symbol of the Faith, and they symbolize unity and completeness. With this craft you can make a fun keepsake to take home, learn about the Baha’i faith and even practice your ABCs as you follow the weaving pattern!
Ten Commandments Wheel: Make a Paper Wheel with the Ten Commandments! Reading and discussing the Ten Commandments are an important part of the observation of the Jewish holiday Shavuot. Shavuot commemorates when God gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai over 3,000 years ago. This is an important moment for the faith as the people received the Law and Words of God which remain a central part of Jewish practice today.
Sheep Craft: Make a cotton ball sheep card to honor the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha. This festival honors Ibrahim’s (Abraham) the strength of faith and depth of trust in God. This holy day is observed by Muslims in many different ways, but popular practices include feasting with friends and family, donating meat or money to charitable organizations and communal prayer.
Stained Glass Windows: You can make a stained-glass window in honor of the Christian holiday of Pentecost. This holiday commemorates the event when Christians believe that the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles. This event is often observed with special church services and feasts. Since Medieval Times, stained glass windows have been used in churches to convey stories and themes from the Bible.
Design a Sacred Space: Join us in designing your own sacred space. During the month of June, Sikhs honor the 5th of their 10 Gurus (spiritual and communal leaders), Guru Arjun Dev Sahib (1563-1606). He was known for many things including compiling the Adi Granth (the holy scriptures of the Sikhs) as well as completing the construction of the Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. This impressive place of worship is known today as the Golden Temple.
Flower Crowns: Let’s make paper flower crowns! The holiday of Midsummer is celebrated all over the world, but especially in Scandinavia and it is a national holiday in Sweden and Finland. This communal celebration focuses on the joys of life and the beauty and abundance of nature. Midsummer celebrations include open air festivals, dancing, singing and collecting flowers to weave into crowns and garlands. Flowers are symbolic of good luck!
Greeting Cards: Make a Greeting Card to give to someone! Sending or giving someone a card is a great way to be kind and thoughtful. Think how good it makes you feel to receive something from a loved one. Wouldn’t it be great to make someone else feel good by letting them know you are thinking about them
Paper Chariots: Make an Indian style paper chariot to celebrate the Hindu holiday of Rath Yatra. This holiday - one of the biggest and most popular festivals in India –honors Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Vishu) and his brother and sister. A massive procession of 3 carved wooden chariots pulled by devotees honors the 3 deities’ journey to the Gundicha Temple.
Arabic Quilt: To celebrate Muharram—the Islamic New Year—you can make a paper Arabic quilt to take home, just like Kanzi and her classmates do in the story “The Arabic Quilt” by Aya Khalil. Muharram is a sacred month for Muslims and a time of focus on themes of gratitude and reflection.
Kaleidoscope Room inside Faithful Friends
Supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
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