Children's Museum Houston turns up the heat with blockbuster summerlong celebration!

June 6 to Aug. 9

Open seven days a week from Memorial Day through Aug. 10

(Closed Monday, June 8 for private event)

Extended summer hours, 5 to 8 p.m., First Friday of the Month (June 5, July 3, & Aug. 7)

HOUSTON, TX (May 27,2026) – School’s out. Party’s on!  Grab your party hats, lace up your sneakers, and prepare to turn up the dial because this summer, Children's Museum Houston is throwing the ultimate celebration with “Party All Summer Long,”  a jam-packed season of themed events bursting with imagination, discovery, culture, creativity, and enough excitement to make the Houston heat wave jealous.

From rainbow powder tosses and soccer showdowns to superhero encounters, ocean adventures, holiday hijinks, and explosive science demos, the Museum is serving up a summer where every single week feels like a brand-new festival. Families can color outside the lines, travel the globe without leaving Houston, dive into hands-on STEM adventures, dance to international beats, and celebrate the joy of play all summer long!

JUNE HAPPENINGS

Pop of Color Party

Saturday, June 6

Can’t Miss:  Cosmic Color Throw!

Kick off summer in full technicolor as the Museum bursts into a rainbow-powered celebration where science fizzes, creativity splashes, and imagination quite literally pops off the walls. Mix, swirl, build, and bubble your way through a day where every activity proves that life is better in color!

• Watch bubbles become science magic as Texas Bubblers transform simple suds into floating, shimmering experiments which defy gravity and spark wonder in INVISTA Science Station.
• ‍Help brave Kip and Ember solve friendship challenges in a heartwarming mini drama where dragons learn that empathy is the real firepower in Gallery of Wonder.
• ‍Celebrate YOU in a joyful story time sponsored by Phillips 66 and inspired by “I Am Me” by Susan Verde then design a crown as bold, bright, and unique as your own personality in Parent Resource Library.‍
• Step into a swirling storm of color during the Cosmic Color Throw: an all-out celebration of movement, music, and rainbow energy in the Patio.
• ‍Explore reflective art inspired by Rothko Chapel and create meaningful pieces connected to hope, healing, and humanity in Kaleidoscope.‍
• Watch science turn style icon with Thin Films bookmarks that shimmer like captured rainbows in motion in INVISTA Science Station.
• ‍Build glowing creations with Paper Circuits where art literally lights up before your eyes in Chevron Maker Annex.
• ‍Transform everyday materials into blooming bursts of color with Color Coffee Filter art experiments in Kaleidoscope.‍
• Mix milk, soap, and color into swirling galaxies of Rainbow Milk chemistry that look too magical to be real in BASF Power Science Lab.‍
• Craft rainbow wands that celebrate identity, individuality, and everything that makes each child shine differently in Kids’ Hall.

Let’s Play Soccer Party

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Sponsored by Chevron

Can’t Miss:  Oversized Soccer Darts!

Get ready to move, groove, and score big as the Museum becomes a high-energy playground where science meets sport and every corner feels like game day. From robot soccer matches to heart-pumping fitness challenges, this is play with no sidelines.

• Power up your body in the Kick Into Action Fitness Challenge and see your heartbeat turn into real-time athlete data in Playscape.‍
• Meet colorful characters from the Museum’s summer musical and jump straight into their world of playful storytelling and song in Kids’ Hall Alcove.‍
• Experience opening-day excitement of “Let’s Play: Unraveled!,” a musical adventure where toys, teamwork, and imagination take center stage in Brown Auditorium.
• ‍Launch into oversized Soccer Darts and aim for glory in a giant inflatable goal built for big kicks and bigger laughs in Playscape.‍
• Command robots in a Soccer Arena showdown where coding meets competition in a fast-paced mini match in Invention Convention.‍
• Break the ice(and learn about friendship) with interactive “Getting to Know You” soccer ball games in Kaleidoscope.
• ‍Discover UV-detecting bracelets that shift color under sunlight like wearable science in action in INVISTA Science Station.‍
• Test lightning-fast reflexes in the Reaction Time Lab and challenge your inner goalie instincts in BASF Power Science Lab.‍
• Engineer cardboard stadiums in the Stadium Builders challenge where creativity becomes architecture in Prototopia.‍
• Find your calm between the chaos with mindful movement and relaxation in Tibetan-inspired yoga workshops in Brown Auditorium.

Juneteenth Celebration

Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19, 2026

Sponsored by Shriners Children's Texas

Can’t Miss:  Ministry in Motion live performances!

Honor history, celebrate resilience, and uplift voices of courage through a powerful two-day experience blending art, storytelling, movement, and reflection. This meaningful celebration brings the past into conversation with the present through creativity and connection.

• Step into a living tribute inside Juneteenth Champions, featuring powerful portraits honoring trailblazers from past to present by T. Ellis in Tree Top.‍
• Gather for moving story times sponsored by Pi Beta Phi, exploring freedom, legacy, and Houston’s historic Emancipation Park through powerful storytelling in Brown Auditorium.‍
• Experience uplifting performances from Ministry in Motion, blending dance, music, and storytelling into moments of reflection and joy in Kids’ Hall Alcove.‍
• Create your own Juneteenth Freedom Flag and transform history into a colorful symbol of hope, pride, and progress in Kaleidoscope.‍
• Hear a special reading by author Tonya Duncan Ellis and connect deeply with stories of courage, community, and liberation in Parent Resource Library. (Friday only)

Global Goal Soccer Party(Futbol)

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Sponsored by Chevron

Can’t Miss:  Soccer Skill Stations with coaches and guest players!

Take a whirlwind trip around the world without ever leaving Houston as the Museum transforms into a global celebration of cultures, rhythms, languages, and soccer spirit. Every station is a new destination filled with discovery.

• Experience pop-up performances bursting with global music, dance, and movement inspired by teams from around the world, all around the Museum.
• Build your own musical instruments and discover how rhythm connects cultures across continents in Chevron Maker Lab.
• Listen to stories told in multiple languages that bring global traditions to life through imagination and sound in Parent Resource Library.
• Train like a champion at Soccer Skill Stations led by coaches and guest players in high-energy drills in Playscape.
• Go head-to-head in a fast-paced Global Trivia Challenge hosted by DJ Tyler in Brown Auditorium.
• ‍Design colorful pennant flags and join a Parade of Nations celebrating unity through creativity in Kids’ Hall.
• Create artistic expressions inspired by Arabic quilt traditions that weave story telling and heritage together in Kaleidoscope.
• ‍Explore the science of motion in Friction Ramp soccer challenges where physics meets play in INVISTA Science Station.

Papa Party!

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Can’t Miss: PapaBubble’s candy creations!

Celebrate the dads, grandpas, mentors, and everyday heroes who show up with love, laughter, and the occasional dad joke. This heartfelt day mixes sweet moments, silly humor, and hands-on creativity made to say “thanks, Dad.”

• Snuggle into story time with “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney and turn feelings into handmade keepsake crafts in Parent Resource Library.
• Watch sweet science in action as PapaBubble creates live candy magic that delights all ages in Kids’ Hall Alcove.
• Laugh until it hurts with Bruce Manners as he delivers a high-energy set of classic (and questionable) dad jokes in Brown Auditorium.
• Design surprise pop-up cards that turn heartfelt messages into unforgettable Father’s Day creations in Chevron Maker Annex.

You Got a Friend in Me Party

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Can’t Miss:  Meet Woody, Buzz and Jessie!

Friendship takes centerstage as toys come to life, imagination runs wild, and every activity reminds families that play is better together.

• Meet Woody, Buzz, and Jessie for unforgettable photo moments with everyone’s favorite heroes inspired by “Toy Story” in Kids’ Hall Alcove.
• Build your own intergalactic Toy Story-inspired alien plushie and take home a cuddly companion from another galaxy in Alexander Design Studio.
• Experience there turn of “Let’s Play: Unraveled!” musical where toys, music, and storytelling collide in a joyful adventure in Brown Auditorium.
• Launch creativity sky-high with Hot Air Balloon maker builds that defy gravity and expectations in Chevron Maker Annex.
• Craft Buzz Lightyear-inspired wings and prepare for imaginative “flight” to infinity and beyond in Kids’ Hall.
• Trigger fizzy reactions in Alka Seltzer rockets and watch science launch into action in INVISTA Science Station.

 JULY HAPPENINGS

Final Kickoff Soccer Party

Friday, July 3, 2026

Sponsored by Chevron

Can’t Miss:  Game-day glam face painting!

Celebrate the final moments of global soccer fever with a high-energy sendoff packed with music, movement, creativity, and championship-level fun.

• Get game-day glam with face painting inspired by global teams, flags, and soccer pride in Tree Top.
• Design custom team jerseys for teddy-bear athletes in a fashion-meets-fandom workshop in One World.
• Kick off storytelling fun with soccer-themed tales of teamwork and perseverance in Parent Resource Library.
• Dance into victory with DJ Tyler’s all-day soccer soundtrack takeover in Kids’ Hall Alcove.
• Shrink into science mode with soccer bracelet experiments which twist and transform under heat in INVISTA Science Station.
• Engineer foosball players and test how tiny design tweaks change big game outcomes in Prototopia.
• Create zentangled soccer art inspired by focus, flow, and the final whistle in Kids’ Hall.

Kidpendence Day Party

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Can’t Miss:  Patriotic Xtreme Science Demos!

Celebrate America’s 250^thbirthday with a kid-sized twist through explosive science, giant games, community creativity, and red-white-and-blue fun that lights up every corner of the Museum.

• Build a massive community art chain filled with dreams, drawings, and messages for Houston’s future in New Kids’ Hall.
• Watch science burst into patriotic brilliance with fiery demos, geysers, and liquid nitrogen spectacles in Patio.
• Transform faces into stars, stripes, and superheroes with festive face painting in Kids’ Hall Alcove.
• Spin up sweet science with cotton candy workshops that turn sugar into fluffy clouds of joy in Chevron Maker Lab.
• Enjoy laugh-out-loud puppet shows full of teamwork, humor, and Kidpendence spirit in Parent Resource Library.
• Experience candy-making magic with Papa Bubble live demos and tasty giveaways in Patio.
• Dance through a confetti burst in a red-white-and-blue celebration finale in Kids’ Hall Alcove.
• Explore fizzy, colorful science art that fuses creativity and chemistry in BASF Power Science Lab.
• Take over giant lawn games and compete in oversized backyard-style challenges in Playscape.‍
• Create patriotic eyewear that lets kids literally see the world in red, white, and blue in Kids’ Hall.

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How Far I’ll Go - Ocean Adventure Party

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Can’t Miss:  Moana and Polynesian dance performances!

Dive deep into an ocean of discovery where science, storytelling, and culture come together in a tidal wave of hands-on exploration and splash-worthy fun.

• Sponsored by ExxonMobil, brave the dunk tank and make a splash while raising the energy meter sky-high in Patio.
• Experience mini dramas where ocean creatures, gnomes, and surprises come to life on stage in Parent Resource Library.
• Create shimmering ocean animals using heat-activated materials that transform like sea magic in INVISTA Science Station.
• Build and test sailboats while learning how wind and water shape real-world travel in Chevron Maker Annex.
• Meet fascinating animals in live Creature Feature encounters that bring ecosystems to life in CenterPoint Eco Station.‍
• Meet Moana in a tropical-inspired adventure filled with music, storytelling, and island spirit inspired by the Moana movie in Kids’ Hall Alcove.‍
• Enjoy Polynesian dance performances that move like waves and celebrate heritage through rhythm in Brown Auditorium.
• Craft leis and ocean-inspired art that bring island traditions into your hands in Kids’ Hall.
• Create colorful sand art that captures the motion, texture, and beauty of the sea in Alexander Design Studio.

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Tanabata Japanese Star Festival

Sunday, July 12, 2026

In partnership with Consulate-General of Japan in Houston

Can’t Miss: Kamishibai Japanese storytelling!

Wish upon a star during this dazzling celebration of Japan’s beloved Star Festival, where centuries-old traditions sparkle to life through storytelling, hands-on crafts, cultural experiences, and heartfelt wishes hanging from bamboo branches. Families can step into a world of legends, lanterns, and celestial wonder inspired by one of Japan’s most magical traditions.

• Begin your Tanabata adventure with a festival passport, photo opportunities, and immersive welcome activities inspired by the legendary Star Festival in New Kids’ Hall.
• Snip, fold, and create colorful Kirigami decorations that transform the Museum into a sky full of wishes and celebration in New Kids’ Hall.
• Write heartfelt dreams and wishes on vibrant Tanzaku papers to hang on the community bamboo wish tree in New Kids’ Hall.
• ‍Fold magical Origami Magpies inspired by the birds said to reunite the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi in New Kids’ Hall.
• Discover the elegant art of Japanese Shodo calligraphy using traditional brushes, ink, and beautiful character writing techniques in Kaleidoscope.
• Watch jaw-dropping Kendama demonstrations and test your own skills with the classic Japanese cup-and-ball toy in Parent Resource Library.
• Gather for special readings of The Star Festival, a touching tale of love, wishes, and family traditions passed down for generations in Kaleidoscope.
• Experience Kamishibai Japanese storytelling, where stories leap off illustrated boards in an interactive theatrical performance in Parent Resource Library.‍
• Create shimmering Tissue Paper Stars bursting with color, creativity, and wishes for the future in Kaleidoscope.
• Add your hopes and dreams to the Tanabata Wish Tree, continuing a beloved tradition celebrated in Japan for centuries in Kaleidoscope.

Super Squad Party

Friday, July 17, 2026

Can’t Miss:  Meet Superman and Supergirl!

Up, up, and away! Superheroes swoop into the Museum for a larger-than-life celebration where kindness saves the day, creativity becomes a superpower, and every child gets the chance to become the hero of their own story. Capes are highly encouraged.

• Meet legendary heroes Superman and Supergirl for super-powered photo opportunities and heroic memories inspired by the Supergirl movie in Kids’ Hall Alcove.
• Discover the science behind “invisible” technology through Wonder Woman-inspired refraction experiments that bend light before your eyes in INVISTA Science Station.
• Jump into interactive puppet adventures where kids help decide the twists, turns, and heroic outcomes of the story in Brown Auditorium.
• Create your very own kindness superhero and discover why compassion may be the greatest power of all in Kaleidoscope.
• Design colorful superhero capes and masks that are ready for soaring through imaginary skylines in Chevron Maker Lab.‍
• Bring your imagination to life by designing original comic books filled with epic battles, daring rescues, and larger-than-life heroes in Alexander Design Studio.

Under the Big Top Party

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Can’t Miss: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey!

In partnership with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

Step right up for a whirlwind day of circus-inspired excitement where carnival magic, balancing acts, sweet treats, and colorful spectacles turn the Museum into the greatests how in Houston. Families can clown around, test their skills, and run away to the circus without ever leaving town.

• Experience exciting circus-style activations inspired by the thrills, laughter, and wonder of the big top in Kids’ Hall Alcove.
• Spin sugar into fluffy deliciousness during Cotton Candy Science workshops where chemistry becomes a sweet treat in Chevron Maker Lab.
• Test your coordination, patience, and engineering skills in balancing challenges which defy gravity in Chevron Maker Annex.
• ‍Gather for playful story times and crafts packed with colorful characters and circus-inspired imagination in Parent Resource Library.
• Build whimsical carousel-inspired creations that spin creativity into motion in Alexander Design Studio.‍
• Craft silly and spectacular Jester Hats fit for the grandest circus parade imaginable in Kids’ Hall.
• ‍Challenge family and friends to classic Carnival Games filled with prizes, surprises, and nonstop laughs in Patio.

Ice Cream Party  -  In Celebration of National Ice Cream Day

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Can’t Miss:  Ice cream making workshops!

Cool down and sweeten up summer with a brain-freezing blend of science, creativity, and delicious fun where ice cream becomes the ultimate ingredient for discovery. This scoop-tacular celebration is sprinkled with hands-on experiments and frosty family adventures.

• Churn up delicious discoveries during Ice Cream Making workshops that blend chemistry with sweet summertime flavor in BASF Power Science Lab.
• Join the Penguin Pals mini drama for a heartwarming icy adventure filled with friendship, laughter, and playful surprises in Parent Resource Library.
• Race against melting time in Ice Rescue challenges where science and strategy collide in chilly competition in INVISTA Science Station.
• Let loose in the Scream Off sound experiments where volume, vibration, and silliness take centerstage in Prototopia.

Jingle in July Party

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Can’t Miss: Soft Snowball Battles!

Who says holiday magic belongs only in December? This snow-filled summertime spectacular flips the calendar upside down with frosty fun, giving-back activities, winter wonderland science, and enough festive cheer to make even Santa trade in his sleigh for sunscreen.

• Dive into hilarious Snowball battles where soft “snowballs” fly through summertime snow-day chaos in Playscape.
• Explore cool chemistry with Fake Snow experiments that bring winter magic to the middle of Houston heat in INVISTA Science Station.
• Design glittering Snow Globes filled with tiny worlds of swirling holiday imagination in Chevron Maker Lab.
• Dance and play beneath flurries from the Museum’s snow machine as summer transforms into a winter wonderland in Playscape.
• Chill out with icy treats from the Snow Cone truck serving colorful frozen favorites in front of Museum.
• Write heartfelt holiday letters filled with kindness, gratitude, and cheerful wishes for others in Kaleidoscope.
• Help create cozy no-sew blankets for animals in need in a heartwarming community service workshop benefiting Friends For Life in Kaleidoscope.
• Rock around the Museum with DJ Grinch spinning holiday beats with a mischievous twist in Kids’ Hall Alcove.
• Cozy up for Cindy Lou Who story times filled with festive fun and Whoville-worthy cheer in Parent Resource Library.

AUGUST HAPPENINGS

Spiderman’s Web-Slinging Party

Saturday, August 1,2026

Can’t Miss:  Meet Spider-Man and Web Sling Showdown!

Your friendly neighborhood superhero swings into the Museum for a web-packed day of action, agility, science, and adventure where families can climb into hands-on challenges worthy of a true superhero origin story.

•  Meet Spider-Man during heroic roaming appearances throughout the Museum and snap action-packed photos with the web-slinger himself in a Spider-Man-inspired event all around Museum.
• Test your aim, agility, and courage in the high-flying Web-Sling Showdown obstacle experience in Patio.
• Enjoy superhero-inspired stories sponsored by Phillips 66, alongside fascinating animal encounters featuring incredible web-spinning creatures in Parent Resource Library.
• ‍Create bold comic-inspired masterpieces during hands-on Spider-Man art workshops bursting with color and action in Alexander Design Studio.
• Engineer giant webs and structures in the Web Building Maker Challenge where teamwork and creativity save the day in Chevron Maker Annex.
• Craft your own Spider-Man masks and transform into a hero ready to protect the city in Kids’ Hall.

It’s My Party (and I’ll Cry If I Want To!)

Saturday, August 8,2026

Sponsored by Oxy

Can’t Miss: Silent Disco and therapy dogs!

Feelings take center stage during this colorful, thoughtful, and joyfully expressive celebration inspired by emotions, mindfulness, and the wonderfully messy world inside all of us. Families are invited to laugh, reflect, dance, create, and discover healthy ways to express every emotion under the sun.

• Explore the immersive Mixed Emotions exhibit where interactive experiences help kids understand feelings through play and creativity.
• Dance through a Silent Disco packed with expression games, movement challenges, and emotional storytelling through music in Prototopia.
• Challenge your focus and concentration with Mind Flex brain-powered activities that put your thoughts into motion in INVISTA Science Station.
• Experience calming Music Therapy workshops where rhythm, sound, and creativity become tools for emotional wellness in Tree Top.
• Read, relax, and connect with gentle therapy dogs during comforting story times inspired by The Color Monster in Tree Top.
• Discover sensory-friendly pop-up experiences designed to support emotional regulation, mindfulness, and inclusive play in Kids’ Hall.

FUN FOR THE GROWNUPS!

Rewind & Play:  Soccer Edition!

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Rewind & Play is the Children’s Museum Houston’s signature adults‑only night—where growing uptakes a backseat and play takes over. Each event puts a fresh spin on after‑hours exploration, and this summer we’re kicking things up a notch with a Soccer Edition, inspired by the World Cup excitement happening right here in Houston. Once the doors close, the museum transforms into a high‑energy, playful social space filled with interactive exhibits, music, hands‑on experiences, and plenty of ways to tap into your competitive side, curious side, and inner kid. 

EXHIBITS

Mixed Emotions

Now Open!

Sponsored by Oxy and The William Stamps Farish Fund

Children's Museum Houston has all the feels!  Feelings are taking center stage in a brand-new exhibit that’s anything but emotional baggage. Mixed Emotions invites children and grown-ups alike to press pause on the daily whirlwind and step into a world where joy, sadness, anger, fear, disgust (and every feeling in between) are welcome at the table. Mixed Emotions transforms social-emotional learning into a playful, hands-on adventure designed to help families better understand what’s going on inside their heads… and hearts.  Families will navigate ups, downs, twists, turns, and occasional meltdowns with empathy, curiosity, and a healthy dose of fun.

*Activities, events and times subject to change.

_{ABOUT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM HOUSTON}

_{Winner of 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, winner of Good Housekeeping’s “Best Family Travel Award” four years in a row (2023 to 2026), voted “Houston’s Best Museum” in Houston Chronicle’s Best of the Best Awards two years in a row (2023and 2024), winner of Trip advisor “2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards,” only American continent finalist in 2023 Hands On! Children in Museums International Award, listed among Forbes, LA Times and USA Today’s “Best Children’s Museums in the U.S.,” The Culture Trip’s “Top Museum and Landmark to Visit in Houston” and one of “Houston’s Must-See Museums” by Travel Channel, Children’s Museum Houston isa Playground for Your Mind™.  It is dedicated to improving the trajectories of children in Greater Houston through innovative, child-centered learning. Founded in 1980 and housed in a whimsical building designed by internationally acclaimed architect Robert Venturi, Children’s Museum Houston offers a multitude of innovative exhibits and bilingual learning programs for kids ages birth to 12 years. The Museum is a501(c)(3) organization. SUMMER HOUR Sare Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Memorial Day through Aug. 16, 2026. For more information, visit www.cmhouston.org or call (713) 522-1138. Can your mind come out to play?™}‍