My family and I love spending time at the Children’s Museum of Houston all year long, but when October rolls around — it truly morphs into a whole new experience! From the monstrous calendar of events to the spooky exhibits to the frighteningly awesome community partners that make it all possible {shout out to our friends at Reliant!}, the Museum really knows how to do it right and create a safe and festive environment just in time for Halloween. And while we could easily create an entire novel of things to do and exhibits to check out at the Museum this month, we’ve somehow narrowed it down to the top five activities your children won’t want to miss. The best part? For families who have been displaced due to Hurricane Harvey, the Museum is making it super easy for your kids to enjoy all they have to offer with free admission!
1} Trick-Or-Treat Monster Hunt
Looking for a safe place to trick-or-treat with your little ghouls? Set out on a Trick-Or-Treat Monster Hunt from 4 – 6 p.m. on weekdays, 4 – 8 p.m. during FREE Family Night Thursdays {more info below!}, and all.day.long. on weekends. Happy trick-or-treating, my friends!
2} Imagination Reanimation
From October 12th – 18th, the Museum is going to come ALIVE for Imagination Reanimation WonderWeek, sponsored by Reliant. For one electrifying week, your little goblins can bring their creativity to life with tons of fun-filled, hands-on activities including…
- A glowing art station in the Alexander Art Academy.
- An opportunity to make a paper snake come to life in EcoStation.
- A freaky Frankenstein / bride of Frankenstein mask building experience at Junktion.
- Also at Junktion, engineer your own mad scientist goggles and strand together a mad scientist wig.
- Make monsters come alive in 3-D by creating hologram pyramids at Science Station.
- And last, but certainly not least, create a mini solar fan that’ll blow away ghosts in the Chevron-Houston Texans Maker Annex.
3} Special Activities & Performances
The Children’s Museum of Houston is well known for hosting special activities and performances, but this month they are really doing it up BIG! With so much happening all month long, try to be strategic with your planning. For example, if you want to visit during Imagination Reanimation WonderWeek, then try to time it so you’re there on Saturday, October 14th for the Pool Noodle Monsters craft too. Two birds, one stone, best mom EVER! {Here’s a full list of the Halloween activities and performances for planning with ease.}
4} Happy House
That Free Family Night I mentioned above? It’s happening on Thursday, October 26th from 5 – 8 p.m.! Join Majic 102.1 FM, 97.9 The Box, and Boom 92 FM for Happy House — the Museum’s safe and friendly trick-or-treat party that’s FREE for the whole community. Your little monsters will love every minute, and chances are, you’ll probably have a pretty electrifying time too!
5} Halloween Monster Mash Bash
You didn’t think we would wrap up this list without mentioning THE ultimate Halloween party just for kids, did you? Halloween Monster Mash Bash is happening on Tuesday, October 31st, and this year it’s supposed to be bigger and better than ever. At 4:30 p.m. there will be a Monster Mashup featuring a wicked DJ, at 5 p.m. don’t miss the Thriller Dance Party, and then trick-or-treat the night away from there!