Houston Museum of Natural Science

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Houston Museum of Natural Science
Photo: Euthman Ed Uthman, CC BY 3.0

5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

One of the most-visited museums in America: a hall of 60+ dinosaur skeletons, a walk-through butterfly rainforest, a planetarium, and a gem vault that makes adults gasp. Bigger than you expect.

Insider tip

General admission is free Tuesdays 5-8pm, first-come first-served (blackout dates are published). The Butterfly Center, Planetarium and Giant Screen are separate tickets even then.

Before you go

What they actually say

  • General admission is $25 for adults 12+, $16 for children 3-11, $16 for seniors 62+ with ID, and free for children 2 and under.
  • General admission is free on Tuesdays from 5pm to 8pm, first-come first-served, with last entry at 7:30pm. The museum publishes blackout dates.
  • The Cockrell Butterfly Center, the Planetarium and the Giant Screen Theatre are separate tickets on top of general admission, at $15, $12 and $12 for adults.
  • Hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 6pm Friday to Sunday, with last entry 30 minutes before close.

Read off their own site in Sep 2026. Prices and policies drift, so confirm before you travel.

Located in Museum District. 19 museums in a 1.5-mile radius, many free.

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