HOUSTON, TX —Get ready for a September to remember at the Houston Museum of Natural Science – this month will be packed with thrilling events for every age. Kids and their chaperones can bunk down with the dinosaurs at our Family Overnight, while budding paleontologists can uncover real bone fragments at our Fossil Wash. For the grown-ups, Mixers & Elixirs: Footloose Flashback offers a rad night of 80s-themed fun, and Wine Before Time invites guests to sip and stroll through the Museum’s exhibits after hours. We’ll also be celebrating the 3rd anniversary of the McGovern Hall of the Americas, a vibrant tribute to Indigenous cultures. Join us this September for a month of discovery and celebration.
Check out our website for our full schedule of events and exhibitions.
- Event: Family Overnight
HMNS Hermann Park | Friday, September 12 | Beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what the Museum is like after dark? To find out, join us at the Houston Museum of Natural Science on September 12, 2025 for a Family Overnight!
The Family Overnight is an opportunity for children ages 6-12 and their chaperones (must be at least 21 years of age) to spend a night at the Museum on Friday, September 12, 2025. Overnight participants will be able to visit and explore the Hall of Paleontology while working on a scavenger hunt, participate in an activity, watch a dazzling chemistry demonstration and see a late night Burke Baker Planetarium show. In the morning, breakfast tacos will be provided and, when the Museum opens at 8:00 am, participants are welcome to explore Second Saturday member activities and explore all the permanent exhibits. Coupon codes will also be provided that morning to attend special exhibits and other separately ticketed opportunities. A more detailed schedule will be sent to registered participants closer to the event.
- Event: Fossil Wash
HMNS at Sugar Land | Saturday, September 13 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
A hands-on science experience!
Calling all dino-mite paleontologists—you have a role to play in the scientific process! You’ll wash, rinse, repeat as you search for bone fragments and objects of interest in approximately 1,000 pounds of red Permian dirt, excavated from the HMNS dig site near Seymour, Texas. Indoors, we’ll have some pter-rific crafts and activities. Learn your dino name, make a dino keepsake, and join us for a morning of messy fun, you won’t be saur-y…
All children must be ticketed and accompanied by a ticketed adult.
HMNS at Sugar Land | Friday, September 19 | 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Footloose Flashback, where dancing is definitely encouraged! Head to Sugar Land and bust a move on the dance floor as DJ P. Charm spins all your favorite ’80s hits. Need a break from the groove? Chill out at our craft table, grab some bites from local food vendors (available for purchase), or swing by our cash bars to refresh your drink. It’s going to be a night of rad vibes and retro beats that you don’t want to miss!
*Event is 21+
*Limited tickets available
HMNS Hermann Park | Saturday, September 20 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
You’re invited to a celebration of heritage, resilience, and tradition.
Join us for the 3rd anniversary of the reimagined John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas, an immersive space honoring the vibrant voices of Indigenous Peoples from North, Central, and South America.
Created with the guiding message, “We were here. We are still here.”, this living hall continues to grow thanks to the wisdom and partnership of the HMNS Indigenous Advisory Group.
Bring the whole family for a day filled with live cultural performances, hands-on crafts for kids, curated tours, and inspiring appearances from special guests.
- Event: Wine Before Time
HMNS Hermann Park | Saturday, September 27 | 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
A Night of Wine and Wonder.
Step into a world where fine wine meets ancient wonder. Journey through the Museum’s stunning exhibition halls after hours, glass in hand, sampling tasty bites and over 30 exceptional wines from around the world.
VIP Admission – $150
- 7 p.m. Early Entry—beat the crowd by up to 1 hour
- Access to 30 wines + 10 premium reserve wines
- $20 food voucher for gourmet small bites
- Entry into our VIP lounge
- Limited-edition commemorative favor
General Admission – $100
- 8 p.m. Entry
- Tastings of 30+ curated wines
- 3 snack pairings to complement your sips
- After-hours access to all HMNS exhibits
- Limited-edition commemorative favor
For questions, please contact Sami Mesarwi at smesarwi@hmns.org or (281) 684-0430.
About Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation’s most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.
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