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Events

Family Fun Galore: Exclusive Events and Engaging Exhibits

Discover a World of Entertainment and Education at HMNS Sugar Land
Are you looking for exciting activities to enjoy with your family in Houston? Look no further! Join us at HMNS Sugar Land and experience a wide range of unique events. Explore the upcoming events listed below and mark your calendars for unforgettable family experiences.

In addition to our special events, we also offer exhibit-themed activities that are bound to bring joy and happiness to the entire family. At HMNS Sugar Land, we are dedicated to providing high-quality family entertainment and education to the community. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery as you explore our engaging exhibits and enjoy the exciting programs we have planned for the upcoming months. We can’t wait to share the wonders of science and culture with you and create lasting memories for your family.

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Upcoming Events

Bourbon – A Tasting Event

Friday, September 29 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Everything you ever wanted to know about America’s Native Spirit! Why does almost all of this uniquely American spirit come from Kentucky? What goes into distilling and aging bourbon, and how is it different from other whiskeys? Is the historical record advertised by the distillers factual or are these stories embellished?
 
Discover the science behind bourbon and explore a range of flavors as you taste different varieties, paired with delicious light bites. Kentucky native, Randy Bruner, will walk you through the history, methods and myths related to bourbon. Randy developed his interest in bourbon at an almost legal age, and has continued to follow trends in the world of bourbon ever since. He has visited every distillery in Kentucky, and makes an annual pilgrimage every year to seek out new products and craft distilleries. 21 and over only.

Jingle Tree

November 10-16, 2023
Plant a Seed for Jingle Tree’s 10th Anniversary this November!
One of Fort Bend’s most anticipated holiday traditions—Jingle Tree, presented by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital—celebrates 10 happy returns at HMNS at Sugar Land. Jingle Tree features a showcase of beautifully decorated trees and décor, up for bid in a week long, online silent auction.  Proceeds support the Museum’s daily operations, expand access to underserved communities and support innovative sensory-friendly programming.  From the inaugural Tree Lighting, to exclusive limited-capacity VIP Experiences, and culminating in the countdown at the Festive Finale, join us and decorate the holidays with Natural Science!
 
Chairs: Stacy Borgfeldt and Pam Gray
 
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In Our Nature

Saturday Nature Series
Learn some beautiful life lessons at HMNS Sugar Land and get to know the world around you. Join us every Saturday in the Outdoor Learning Center and our recently rejuvenated pollinator garden.
 
Make friends with some of the cutest creepy crawlies around in our bug zoo. Explore how to start your own butterfly garden, and support pollinators in your backyard, or try some nature-based activities. It’s all 100% pure organic fun!
 
Join us for one of the many fun, informative, hands-on experiences, presented by Nature experts, including our friends at Texas Master Naturalists – Coastal Prairie Chapter.
 
Check back often, new events are updated weekly, and most are included with general admission.
 
October 14: Texas Master Naturalists- Batty Bats 10:30am-3:30pm
October 28: Texas Master Naturalists- Batty Bats 10:30am-3:30pm
November 4: Texas Master Naturalists – Monarch Migration 10:30am-3:30pm
December 9: Texas Master Naturalists – Winter Wildlife 10:30am-3:30pm

Magical Maze Halloween Festival

Saturday, October 21 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tricks, Treats & T-Rex is back at HMNS at Sugar Land!  Our Magical Maze Festival features early Halloween fun.  Every young pirate and princess will enjoy carnival games, trick or treating, character photo-ops, face painting, and more.  Get creative and wear your best costume for the Grand Costume Contest, with prizes to be won!  It’s a spooky Saturday you won’t forget!

Haunted House

Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28 | 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Step into the darkened museum after hours. Our family-friendly haunted house is back to usher in the horrors of Halloween with all-new thrills!! Explore every creepy corner – you have the museum to yourself… or do you?
 
Best for those 7 years of age and up

Cookies with Santa

Saturday Dec 2nd, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Our annual family friendly event is your chance to catch Santa during an early visit to Sugar Land.  Enjoy holiday crafts in Santa Land, the tradition of cookies and milk, and a take away photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus.  Be sure to bring your own camera to snap some candids, too! A festive way to support HMNS at Sugar Land’s mission of science education and accessibility programming. 

Sensory Friendly Events

Three times a year, HMNS at Sugar Land offers Sensory Friendly Events where exhibits and venues are modified to create a sensory neutral environment for those with autism and sensory sensitivities. Sensory Backpacks, which include ear defenders, sunglasses, and fidgets, are available to check out with an ID at the Box Office, and Touch Carts with tactile specimens to explore will be available throughout the museum’s permanent exhibit halls. Pre-registration is required for these events, which take place during the hour before the Museum opens to the public. Tickets may be purchased at a discounted rate. Free permanent exhibit hall admission for Sensory Friendly Events at HMNS at Sugar Land is made possible by proceeds from our annual fundraiser, Jingle Tree. We are grateful to all our generous donors for their support

2023 Event Dates are:
Saturday, January 28th – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, May 13th – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 14th – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
 
2024 Event Dates are:
Saturday, January 27th – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, May 11th – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 12th – 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Individuals with disabilities and their families will receive free admission to the permanent exhibit halls for Sensory Friendly Events at HMNS and Sugar Land! Pre-registration is required to access free admission. To pre-register for these events and to book your visit, please email us at SLAccessProgramming@hmns.org.