Seasons of Sharing

Ho ho ho! As we usher in December and get closer to Christmas, we keep the holiday spirit alive! At home you string up colorful lights, hang the stockings, and here at the Museum you celebrate by taking part in these very merry holiday activities! Remember, Christmastime is not just about gifts and decorations, it's also about the spirit of sharing and giving.

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Children’s Museum Houston embraces Houston’s diversity with its completely updated Seasons of Sharing exhibition, open now through January 7, 2024. One of the most diverse cities in the nation, Houston is home to many faiths from around the globe. As Houston’s only multicultural holiday exhibit for children, Seasons of Sharing celebrates practices and traditions throughout the year in Houston and worldwide!

Real Houston families that observe Ramadan, Diwali, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas, Vaisakhi, Kwanzaa, and Lunar New Year have each adopted a house in Seasons of Sharing, creating a block-long mini-neighborhood that highlights not just each holiday, but also each family’s personal traditions. Stroll along the houses and spot dipa lamps, menorahs, kinaras, and Christmas lights. Step inside each home, make a special craft, engage in fun hands-on activities, and explore images and items important to each holiday. 

“Seasons of Sharing allows kids and their parents to learn about other cultures’ celebrations, traditions, and practices while reflecting on their family traditions,” said Kaitlyn Dougherty, Exhibit Development Coordinator for Children’s Museum Houston.  “Through this exhibit, we want to highlight how Houston’s diversity is what gives Houston its strength, making it a wonderful place to live.”

The Museum will provide additional Seasons of Sharing programs and activities throughout the holiday season by showcasing different cultures through hands-on activities, classical dance performances, storytelling, workshops, and more! Make sure your family plans a visit to the most diverse neighborhood in town!

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ON-GOING ACTIVITIES

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Mixed Media Greeting Cards

Craft your own holiday card to share with a loved one using textured paper, buttons, markers, and your imagination!

‍Location: Alexander Art Academy

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Chemistry of Autumn Leaves/Leaf Rubbings (*November Only)

Table 1: Learn why leaves change color in the fall while making your own forest floor collage with the leaf stamps.

Table 2: Make a leaf rubbing and learn about the different parts of the leaf!

‍Location: EcoStation

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Make a Snowflake!/Animals in Winter (* December)

Table 1: Learn about the uniqueness of snowflakes by making your own melt-free snowflake!

Table 2: Discover how animals survive through winter by sorting the animal cards and checking to see if you were right!

‍Location: EcoStation

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Chemistry Makes Scents!

Explore various smells of the holidays and learn why they’re similar…hint…it’s all about the molecules!

‍Location: Science Station

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Chemistry Makes Scents!

Explore various smells of the holidays and learn why they’re similar…hint…it’s all about the molecules!

‍Location: Science Station

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Picnic Science will temporarily takeover the Power Science Lab space during Free Family Night! Don’t worry, we’re still doing science, but the activities will be different from the planned Power Science Lab programming. Sign up at Power Science Lab for these special workshops!

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Identifying Starch & Lungs Anatomy Model

Learn about the carbohydrate starch, its role in the human body, and how scientists can use iodine to identify starch.

Learn about the anatomy of the lungs, and the role that they play in our bodies.

‍Location: Power Science Lab

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Mini Battle Bots

Create your own miniature battle bot and test it out against bots made by other visitors!

‍Location: Chevron Maker Annex

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Dino Ramas

Build moving dioramas of dinosaurs (or anything you want)!

‍Location: Chevron Maker Annex

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Robotics: Robo Claw

Create your own robotic claw!

‍Location: Chevron Maker Annex

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Engineering Challenge: Racecar Challenge

Can you beat the Chevron Maker Mobile? Build your own racecar and go for the gold!

‍Location: Chevron Maker Annex

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