This summer, Children’s Museum Houston is marking a major milestone—45 years of inspiring play and discovery. To celebrate, the Museum is launching a new theme: Party All Summer Long!
From May 26 through August 10, the Museum will host a summer-long celebration where each week feels like a birthday. Visitors can look forward to creative activities, hands-on exhibits, and special events that highlight four and a half decades of sparking imagination.
PHOTO CREDIT: Cody Duty
In honor of the occasion, the Museum is extending its summer hours. From Memorial Day through Labor Day (except for June 9, when it will be closed for a private event), families can explore the Museum seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Whether you’re revisiting favorite exhibits or discovering new ones, this summer offers plenty of opportunities to connect, play, and celebrate a Houston institution that’s been making memories for generations.
May Events
The celebration begins on Saturday, May 24, with a Birthday Kickoff Party, featuring a confetti dance party, carnival-style games, custom party hat-making, DJ-led games, and interactive arts and crafts including mixed media birthday cards and cascarón egg decorating.
On Saturday, May 31, the Museum hosts a Bubble Party focused on the science and creativity of bubbles. Activities include a bubble science station, music and games with DJ Tyler, a bubble gum-blowing contest, DIY bubble wands and solution-making, bubble art, and creative projects themed around personal “bubbles.”
June Events
June 7 features a Color Party inspired by Bluey, highlighting creative expression through activities like a Bluey character meet-and-greet, candy-making demonstrations by PapaBubble, a cosmic color powder throw, a chalk art car project, rainbow-themed science experiments, and tie-dye bandana workshops.
On June 12, visitors can join the Animal Party, with reptile encounters, a live reptile show, and a bug-themed story time.
Let’s Play Party on June 14, sponsored by Oxy, celebrates the opening of the Museum’s summer musical, “Let’s Play: The Musical.” The day includes live performances, cast meet-and-greets, giant lawn games, DJ-led activities, video game experiences, and board game creation workshops.
A Juneteenth Celebration on June 19, supported by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, will feature an art exhibit honoring Black changemakers by T. Ellis, West African drumming, DJ performances, and creative activities exploring Juneteenth symbols and stories.
The Slime Party on June 21 offers a playful day of messy fun with slime-making, chemistry-themed skits, and a meet-and-greet with a character from “Let’s Play: The Musical.”
On June 28, the Museum hosts a “626 Day” STEM Party in celebration of Stitch, featuring character meet-and-greets, science demos with explosive reactions, DIY crafts like UV bracelets and shrinky dinks, and pond exploration activities.
July Events
The month kicks off with a Kidpendence Day Party on July 4, featuring themed story times, explosive science shows, confetti dance parties, and appearances by Lady Liberty and a Captain America-inspired character.
On July 12, the Puppy Palooza Party brings Bluey and Bingo to the Museum alongside therapy dogs, pet care activities, Clifford story times, and plush dog-making workshops.
July 19 and 20 mark the Museum’s Ice Cream Party in celebration of National Ice Cream Day. Families can enjoy ice cream-making, ice painting, live ice sculpting, Frozen-themed sing-alongs, and a hands-on frozen rescue challenge.
The Splash Party on July 26 focuses on water-themed play, including a water balloon battle, dunk tank, robotics activities, and workshops on water conservation through puppetry and painting.
On July 31, a Magic Party wraps up the month with live magic performances, DIY wand-making, and science-meets-magic activities like disappearing ink and creating enchanted maps.
August Events
On August 2, the Pedal to the Metal Party, sponsored by Mitsubishi, features racing-themed experiences and hands-on activities inspired by motion and mechanics.
The summer celebration concludes on August 9 with the Blowout Bash, a light-hearted exploration of digestion. Through demos, games, and wellness-themed activities, kids can learn about how the body works in a fun and engaging way.
Ongoing Summer Highlights
BASF Kids’ Labs, held every Friday from June 6 to September 5, offer chemistry workshops where young scientists can conduct hands-on experiments in a guided, interactive environment. Registration is available on-site.
The Museum is also hosting Amazingly Immature, an exhibit inspired by the KLUTZ Encyclopedia of Immaturity, which encourages creative learning through playful activities that integrate STEM and literacy.
