Next week is the last total solar eclipse that can be seen in the United States until 2044! The solar eclipse on April 8 will be visible from Houston; however, our city is not in the path of totality (where the moon completely covers the sun). If you and your family are not able to travel to a location in the path of totality, you can still make this phenomenal natural event fun and exciting for your kids. Here are the best ways to experience the solar eclipse in Houston.
Solar Eclipse Events in Houston
In Houston, the Solar Eclipse will begin on April 8 at 12:20 pm. It will reach maximum coverage at 1:40 pm., and end at 3:01 pm. Most kids will be in school for most if not all of the eclipse- consider asking your child’s school if they have plans for kids to view it. If not, you may want to take kids out of school for this nearly once-in-a-lifetime event.
Children’s Museum Houston Solar Eclipse Extravaganza (Virtual Event)
April 8 | 12:00 pm- 3:00 pm | Free
Brace yourself for a day packed with excitement, adventure, and unforgettable moments. Engage in captivating activities, witness mesmerizing demonstrations, and immerse yourself in the live broadcast of this historic celestial event. Get ready to be swept away by the magic of the cosmos as we come together for an epic celebration unlike any other!
Space Center Houston Total Solar Eclipse Celebration
April 6-8 | Various Times | Tickets start at $24.95
Space Center Houston |1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77058
Make Space Center Houston your eclipse viewing destination! Learn about the science of solar eclipses with three days of interactive programming—all included in general admission. On April 8, all guests will receive a complimentary pair of eclipse glasses!
Houston Museum of Natural Science Hermann Park
April 8 | 10:30 am-3:00 pm | General Admission +$6 discounted Planetarium tickets
Houston Museum of Natural Science | 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, TX 77030
At the Sun Dial, you will experience a 94% partial eclipse starting at 12:20 p.m. We will have telescopes, free solar activities, live streaming from Bandera of the total eclipse, eclipse glasses and t-shirts for sale and much much more. You don’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime event. Get discounted $6 admission to Totality over Texas in the Burke Baker Planetarium at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30 leading up to the big event and free eclipse briefings in the Planetarium from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land
April 8 | 10:00 am- 3:00 pm | General Admission
HMNS Sugar Land |13016 University Blvd., Sugar Land, 77479
We will be hosting a “local eclipse experience” from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Doors open at 10:00 a.m., with time to explore the exhibits and make solar crafts, while awaiting the celestial spectacle.
The local partial eclipse will begin at 12:10 p.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. Duration will be 2 hours, 41 minutes, with 94% coverage at 1:30 p.m.
Expert staff and amateur astronomers will be on hand, and eclipse glasses – to view the sun safely – are included with ticket purchase.
Safety First
Since we are not in the path of totality in Houston, it is not safe to look at the eclipse at ANY time without protective eyewear. Looking directly at the sun, even through a telescope or camera, can cause severe damage to the eyes. Thankfully eclipse glasses approved by the American Astronomical Society are inexpensive and readily available.
Solar Eclipse Resources for Kids
While seeing the solar eclipse in Houston (through approved glasses) will be exciting on its own, kids will get SO MUCH more out of the experience if they truly understand what is happening and why.
NASA is the go-to resource for adults and kids, and their SpacePlace is an excellent way for kids to learn about science in age-appropriate ways.
- Scholastic offers kids 7 Activities to Get Kids Excited for the Solar Eclipse.
- Solar Eclipse Guide and Activity Book for Kids by Rita Ortega
- Solar Eclipse 2024 Science Guide by Kathleen J. Honda
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