Texas Living

10 Best Texas Science Museums for Every Age

By Andi Breitowich 7.26.24

Picture this: School’s out, the temperatures are soaring, and your kids are bursting at the seams for some action. It’s too hot to play outside, but you want to keep them engaged and learning while also having fun. Texas science museums to the rescue. 

Whether your kiddos love trains, dinosaurs, storytelling, or aquatic wildlife, there’s a Texas science museum for every interest and age, and we’ve taken the liberty of rounding up the top 10. 

Texas Science & Natural History Museum, Austin

Discover your place in the natural world at the Texas Science & Natural History Museum. Children of all ages will find something that piques their interest. The building is packed with exhibits on paleontology, geology, wildlife, and the science and creativity behind sequins! 

Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston

Get ready to bring learning to life at the Houston Museum of Natural Science with state-of-the-art exhibits and top-tier learning materials. With current special exhibitions on King Tut’s tomb and sharks, in addition to permanent exhibits on matter and motion, as well as the world around us, you could spend hours exploring everything it has to offer. 

Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas

Don’t miss an adventure at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science because this gorgeous institution is known for its curious exhibits and interactive projects. With exhibits on the T. rex, Mars’ Perseverance Rover, and gems and minerals, you can expect an extraordinary, highly accessible experience that broadens the understanding of our magical world. 

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Fort Worth

Established in 1941, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History has a long history of engaging visitors through its rich collections and creative programs. Their mission is to interpret science in an accessible and engaging light, and the exhibits on energy, dinosaurs, and the galaxy do just that. 

The Witte Museum, San Antonio

This San Antonio staple is where nature, science, and culture meet. The unique exhibits on asteroids, Black cowboys, and Texas wildlife inspire excitement and engage any age, making it the perfect family day trip. 

Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, Corpus Christi

Discovery begins at this renowned museum in Corpus Christi. With a mix of ecology, history, geology, science, and paleontology, there’s an exhibit for every interest. The massive facility is also a repository for hundreds of thousands of artifacts and hands-on learning.

Science Mill, Johnson City

This “hands-on, minds-on” museum located in the heart of Texas Hill Country is known for its world of science, technology, engineering, and math. It’s a family destination for all ages and offers exhibits, games, and programs to ignite curiosity and innovation. Fan-favorite exhibits include the “Food Forest,” deep sea robotics, fossil digs, and a cell phone disco.

Thinkery, Austin

Looking for a children’s museum that blends science, art, and hands-on activities? Thinkery is your pick. Located in downtown Austin, this fun-filled museum has exhibits on farmers markets, currents, motion, light, and trains for a play-based learning experience.

Don Harrington Discovery Center, Amarillo

Discover something new at this Amarillo gem. The Texas museum prides itself on fostering curious minds and sparking the spirit of discovery, all while prioritizing community. The immersive experience is tough to beat, and top exhibits range from giant crawlers to space to the power of storytelling.

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney

The Heard has brought nature and people together since 1967 through captivating and experiential events, exhibits, and outdoor exploration. Aside from the beautiful 289-acre nature preserve, there’s indoor exhibits on fossil fish, native Texas snakes, pioneers, mammoths, and more.

There are plenty of acclaimed museums in Texas, but these seven museums display some of the strangest collections in the state.

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