T. rex Week

Step into the Morian Hall of Paleontology for a dynamic journey through prehistoric life. This isn’t your typical museum exhibit; here, ancient creatures are brought to life in action-packed scenes of survival. Embark on a “prehistoric safari” that spans from our tree-climbing ancestors to mammoth-hunting humans.

While you’re there, say hi to our three T. rexes: “Wyrex”, our hometown hero, famous for its missing tail and extraordinarily well preserved hands and feet; “Stan”, who has the best-preserved T. rex skull ever discovered; and “Bucky”, the only subadult displayed at HMNS and our favorite teenage resident!

For over a hundred years dinosaurs have inspired and thrilled audiences, commanding blockbuster status in museums and at the box office. But among them towers a king—a tyrant lizard king. With leaps in CGI wizardry and revelations in tyrannosaur paleontology over the past twenty-five years, the time has come to revisit rex in the world’s prestigious museum cinemas, from rexling to teen to fightin’ prime. 

Chronicling a remarkable discovery in the badlands of Hell Creek in the summer of 2023, this immersive giant screen film explores the life and times of the Greatest Of All Tyrants – the GOAT.

For over a hundred years, dinosaurs have inspired and thrilled audiences, commanding blockbuster status in museums and at the box office. But among them towers a king – a tyrant king.  

Hit-maker. Headliner. Apex attraction… 

T. REX.

Created by award-winning graphic novelist Ted Rechlin in conjunction with the film of the same name – opening June 21 in the Wortham Giant Screen Theater, T. REX includes all of the blockbuster scenes from the movie, and expands on the story, bringing the G.O.A.T – the Greatest Of All Tyrants – back to life like never before. 

Lectures

Members $2 | Public $2 

Learn why Wyrex stands out in the world of dinosaurs and what happened to his tail.

This lecture takes place during the museum’s weekly Free Tuesday hours — see the museum’s permanent exhibit halls, including the T. REXcellent Wyrex, for free from 5 – 8 pm on Tuesdays. While you’re here, stop by for this 30 minute tidbit of science for just $2!

Distinguished Lectures are supported by Apache Corporation.

Members $12 | Public $18 

Join us for an immersive lecture delving into the captivating tale of the Tyrannosaurus rex affectionately known as Wyrex. Discover the unique adaptations of T. rex and learn why Wyrex stands out as an extraordinary specimen. Whether you’re an experienced enthusiast or new to the subject, this lecture guarantees to captivate and inspire, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Houston’s mighty T. rex, Wyrex. 

Eligible for CPE credit. 

Distinguished Lectures are supported by Apache Corporation. 

Members $12 | Public $18

Explore the consequences of different size impact events and identify those that have local, regional, and global consequences. Joined by Dr. David Kring, Principal Scientist at USRA Lunar and Planetary Institute, we will delve into the concept of an impact kill curve and the thresholds needed to cause extinction level events. 

Eligible for CPE credit. 

Distinguished Lectures are supported by Apache Corporation. 

Hands-on Classes

Members $50 | Public $70 

Get ready to dive into the captivating world of paleontology as you discover the meticulous process of fossil preparation. In this immersive class, you’ll explore the HMNS Fossil Prep Lab and gain firsthand experience with the techniques employed by paleontologists. Then try your hand at various techniques paleontologists use to take fossils from excavation to exhibition. 

All supplies provided. 

Eligible for CPE credit. 

Embark on an entertaining journey inside the Burke Baker Planetarium as the one and only Paleontologist James Edward Washington III provides his unique commentary on clips featuring dinosaurs from popular movies and shows. Will he agree with the accuracy of these cinematic favorites? But wait, there’s more! Afterward, venture into the Morian Hall of Paleontology, where you can sit among dinosaurs to create your own paper-chomping T. rex or explore the wonders of prehistoric beasts. Have any pending paleontology queries? Come prepared, as James just might be persuaded to answer them all. It’s an evening filled with entertainment and discovery!

*Only Burke Baker Planetarium and Morian Hall of Paleontology will be available at this event, all other exhibits will be closed to the public.

Escape the heat and venture into the world of prehistoric beasts this Second Saturday! Enjoy the museum early just for members and create a handprint dinosaur card in the Grand Hall. Afterwards, explore the Morian Hall of Paleontology, where our knowledgeable docents await to answer all your dinosaur-related questions. Join us for a day filled with ancient wonders and curiosity!

*Event is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances

Dinosaurs of Antarctica tells the story of a changing environment at the bottom of the world where dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures once roamed freely in a lush landscape. As the climate changes again today, melting Antarctic ice is allowing discovery of the continent’s history-including the fossils of new dinosaurs.

Before Dinosaur Discoveries gets released to the world, see it today at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in its World Premiere Special Preview! Dinosaur Discoveries brings life-size dinosaurs up close and personal to audiences inside the historic Wortham Theatre’s new HoloTheater. This dynamic and immersive storytelling attraction uses 3D holographic technology and video mapping to take audiences through more than 140 years of scientific discovery and disputes on the journey to understanding the truth about dinosaurs.

Delve into the ancient mysteries of the dinosaurs and uncover the truth behind their demise in the captivating exhibition, “Dinosaur Extinction: Unraveling the Enigma.” Embark on a mesmerizing journey through time as you witness the incredible lives and survival strategies of these colossal creatures that once roamed the Earth millions of years ago. Immerse yourself in the world of the dinosaurs, guided by stunning animations that bring their stories to life, and explore the very sites where their fossil remains were discovered.

You’re busy. We’ve got birthdays & parties down to a science, so leave the planning to us. Party with the dinosaurs in your own party room, learn through a special dino-themed birthday activity, then explore the museum with your guests! 

From selecting a theme and deciding on décor, to securing activities and entertainment—we’ve got you covered. Our parties are intended to match your budding paleontologist’s interests with age-appropriate activities. We know that science and fun are for everyone, so we want to make sure you get to spend your special day in our favorite place: HMNS! 

Birthday Party Packages:

• Party Packages for Ages 1-3
• Party Packages for Ages 4-6
• Party Packages for Ages 7-9
• Party Packages for Ages 10-12

For more information, click below!

Junior Paleontologist (Ages 6-7)

• Investigate how our resident dinosaurs lived, died, and were discovered by paleontologists. Get up close and personal with our specimens, go on a mock dig, and touch a real dinosaur bone! Available at our Hermann Park and Sugar Land locations.
  

Dino Claws & Shark Jaws (Ages 8-9)

• From sauropods to sabretooths, dig into the past to see what it takes to be a paleontologist. You’ll curate a fossil collection of your own, meet the “residents” of the Morain Paleontology Hall, and much more! Available at our Hermann Park location.

Paleontology 101 (Ages 10-12)

• Discover what happened to the woolly mammoths and find out which ancient creatures once roamed your backyard! Excavate your own fossil fish from stone to take home. Available at our Hermann Park location.

Scout BSA Geology

• Examine fossils, explore the history of the Earth and the processes that have shaped it over time. Visit the Hall of Paleontology to see how HMNS preserves and displays fossils. Available at our Hermann Park and Sugar Land locations. 

Girl Scouts Brownies and Daisies Sugar Land Trails

• HMNS at Sugar Land exclusive! Explore insects, dinosaurs, and the depths of the Earth. Conduct science experiments and discover our Texas wildlife! Girls will receive HMNS Dinosaur Patch and strip patch for each of the five trails. Sign up here.

Girl Scouts Brownies and Daisies Trails Talk

• HMNS at Hermann Park exclusive! Discover the cultures and customs of ancient Egyptians and the indigenous peoples of North America. Uncover unique adaptations of African wildlife and insects as well as exploring the wonders of space. Girls will receive HMNS Dinosaur Patch and strip patch for each of the five trails. Sign up here.

Girl Scouts Brownie and Daisies Tiny Trails

• HMNS at Hermann Park exclusive! Explore the history of Earth from dinosaurs to gems. Discover the diversity of our Texas wildlife! Girls will receive HMNS Dinosaur Patch and strip patch for each of the three trails. Sign up here.

Join HMNS at Sugar Land SciTeens for crafts and activities to learn all about T. rex and other prehistoric animals. 

Week One: Step into HMNS Sugar Land and measure your footprint against the mighty T. rex and discover how they roamed and ruled.  
Week Two: Create Cretaceous crafts! Learn about the dinosaurs that lived alongside T. rex, while creating your own chomping clothespin dinosaur.  
Week Three: Make your own dinosaur headband to rock through the hall of paleontology.  
Week Four: Craft your own T. rex puppet to take a piece of the Cretaceous home with you.  

Included with General Admission.

Survivor: Ultimate Edition 

Dinosaurs, including T. rex, weren’t the only ones to go extinct.  Or were they?  Play the Survivor game and discover who is the ultimate survivor.   

Featuring fossil contestants from our Paleontology Hall. 

Create roaring fun by crafting a paper plate dinosaur during your visit. It’s the last chance to celebrate T. rex Month.   

Included with General Admission.

Travel back in time to the Age of Dinosaurs on our Augmented Reality screen. Soar with a pterosaur, hunt with T. rex and run with the raptors! 

Included with General Admission.