Houston Museum-Natural Science

As a kid, I was a really big nerd and I was obsessed with this place. They have a nice IMAX theatre there which plays a bunch of movies (for an IMAX, at least). They also have a planetarium, an observatory, and even a butterfly center. My favorite exhibit was the dinosaur models, I believe they call it the "Hall of Paleontology". Anyhow, kids will definitely have a great time here.

Posted 08/11/06 | Report Abuse

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This museum is a very fun museum especially for kids. The exhibits range from fossils to energy to rocks to science. The best exhibit in my opinion is the wiess energy hall, which contains the various ways we make energy. Kids will seriously love this museum as it combines learning with fun in a way that holds kids attention. Even though the exhibits don't change often, I think they're very fun and educational. The butterfly and observatory are also here and definitely worth checking out.

Posted 08/04/06 | Report Abuse

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Houston has one of the finest yet underrated museum district in the country. The Museum of Natural Science sits in one corner of the museum district right next to the Herman Park. I just love this place, esp the Cockrell Butterfly center. I love taking my camera there for photographing the beautiful butterflies as they sit on my hands. I also enjoy the planetaurium, the IMAX theatre and various exhibits.

Posted 11/29/05 | Report Abuse

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My 4 year old son calls this the "dinosaur museum". He loves it there. They have a nice display of dinosaurs as well as science displays, and an area downstairs where kids can enjoy more interactive displays. The museum also houses the Cockrell Butterfly Center, an IMAX Theater and the Burke Baker Planetarium. Unfortunately, as all acitivities are priced separately, it can get kind of expensive. If it is something you think your family would enjoy, a family membership is well worth it, giving discounted parking, admission to the regular museum halls and discounts on the other activities. This was a great option for indorr (air-conditioned) entertainment for myself and my son during the hot summer months.

Posted 11/07/05 | Report Abuse

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This museum is perfect for any age children. It has Imax movies that change frequently, and exhibits that are hands on for younger kids. The Cockerell Butterfly exhibit is amazing. You are literally walking amid thousands of butterflies that will land on you. There is also an area where you can watch them hatching. It is worth a trip if you are in the area.

Posted 11/04/05 | Report Abuse

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You can do dinosaurs, oil, body, science, butterflies, IMAX, stars, and planets. There is so much to do that you can't do it all in one day.

They focus a lot on the oil and gas part, probably because they are the primary financial supporters of the museum.

The butterfly part was spectacular. My kid loved it.

PROS:
CONS: Too much oil and gas.

Posted 11/02/05 | Report Abuse

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I love this place! To me it's the perfect size museum and there's enough variety to keep you interested all afternoon. The butterfly center is definitely the highlight for me, you can almost always go and see a butterfly emerging from a cocoon - not your standard dry, boring science museum experience!

Posted 07/17/05 | Report Abuse

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This museum is excellent! My husband and I visited during a free museum district day, and we had such a fabulous time! The various displays included: a gem area full of magnificent shining quartzes and many other types of gems; a dinosaur display; a display of shells and sea creatures; and a butterfly exhibit. They bring in various displays and exhibits from time to time, including the Lord of the Rings exhibit which is traveling around. The IMAX theater always features interesting films, as well. Families and people of all ages will enjoy time spent here.

Posted 07/08/05 | Report Abuse

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The museum has a wonderful planetarium which most people love to see. They also have an IMAX Theatre and that's usually very interesting and fun. They have a huge butterfly exhibit, dinosaur skeleton, plus many shops that sell items which are fun for kids and adults. It makes for a fun day for all who visit.

Posted 06/29/05 | Report Abuse

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If you go more than a couple times, I can understand how you'd get bored. They have a few really neat exhibits, but a lot of stuff like gems and stuff. The best part of this museum is the changing exhibits and IMAX. I personally hate the butterfly part, but I can see a lot of people would like it.

Posted 06/22/05 | Report Abuse

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The Museum of Natural Science in Houston texas is a very educational place to go. Its not for the very little ones, but is more geared toward the school age children through adults. There are many different things to learn, so I would recommend this a very nice place to go and spend a few hours.

Posted 06/04/05 | Report Abuse

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My title sums it up. This is not a place for kids because, as a parent, *I* was bored.
It might depend on which exhibit you attend but maybe the whole place is uninteresting.
They will be one of select few in the country to have a Lord of the Rings exhibit. I'm sure that will attract many people and will probably be worth the price.
But otherwise, I don't recommend spending the money to go here unless you're out of options.

Posted 06/03/05 | Report Abuse

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I have loved this museum since I was a child. The exhibits are always so interesting. Everything is well maintained and it is a pleasure to visit here. Their dinosaur exhibits are always my favorite, but the Planetarium runs a close second. Very nice place to spend the day if you are into science at all.

Posted 05/23/05 | Report Abuse

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