What to Expect at HMNS at Sugar Land

From the moment we walked in, the museum felt interactive and approachable—especially for younger kids. While smaller than the main Houston campus, it really makes the most of its space and feels stress-free to explore with little ones in tow.

We started upstairs, where the Hall of Paleontology instantly wowed us. Towering dinosaur skeletons—Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and more—set the scene for an immersive look at prehistoric life. The exhibit features beautifully preserved fossils of plants, marine life, and mammals, all arranged to tell the story of Earth’s evolution in a way that’s both educational and visually stunning. There’s plenty for kids to gawk at, but it’s also engaging for adults, with detailed info about how these creatures lived and the environments they inhabited.

Right next door is Science in Motion, one of our kids’ favorite stops. This interactive gallery is all about cause and effect, with hands-on stations exploring electricity, magnetism, and mechanics. Whether they're spinning gears, launching balls, or completing circuits, kids are encouraged to learn through experimentation—something that kept ours busy in the best possible way.

Downstairs, we explored the Hall of Technology, which dives into four interconnected zones: Chemistry, Energy, Geology, and Salt. Each section offers tactile exhibits and experiments that connect real-world science to everyday life. One standout? The light booth. A quick flash captures your silhouette and leaves it glowing on the wall for a few seconds. It’s simple but endlessly entertaining for kids (and pretty fun for adults, too).

Also located on the first floor is the Dig Pit, a must-do add-on for kids ages 3–11. For a small extra fee, children get shovels, brushes, and trowels to dig through mulch in search of hidden fossils. It’s a great way for them to channel their inner paleontologist!

We also love that HMNS at Sugar Land often features rotating special exhibits, which means there’s usually something new to discover—making return visits fresh and exciting. While we were there, we got to experience the museum’s current special exhibit, Ciao Bambini!, a colorful and hands-on celebration of Italian culture. Designed especially for children and families, the exhibit transports visitors to the heart of Italy through imaginative play, art, and storytelling.

Know Before You Go

• Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 10am–5pm (open daily during summer)
• Admission: Adults $13, Children $10, Free for HMNS members
• Location: 13016 University Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479
• Parking: Free and easy, right next to the building
• Plan for 1–2 hours: The museum is just the right size for a short and sweet visit
• Stroller-Friendly: Yes
• Restrooms & Changing Tables: Available
• Food: No café onsite, but you’re welcome to bring water or small snacks; plenty of restaurants nearby
• More Info: sugarland.hmns.org

Parent tip: Make a day of it by pairing your visit with other Best Things to Do in Sugar Land—there are lots of family-friendly options just a few minutes away.