This summer, the world is not only coming to our city, it’s also coming to play at the Children’s Museum Houston. So this fun space invites families to lace up their shoes, bring their team spirit, and get ready to score a big goal during “Kick It Off, Houston!”, a month-long celebration dedicated to world soccer, filled with action-packed activities, cultural experiences, creative challenges, and big-time fun, from June 9 to July 6, 2026.
From engineering challenges and creativity workshops to global celebrations and scientific discoveries, this summer at the Children’s Museum Houston shows that play is, truly, the universal language of the world.
From robotic soccer matches and reaction-time challenges to global music, storytelling, engineering activities, and dance-worthy celebrations, the museum is ready to help families leave boredom off the field.
To make this celebration even more fun, from June 13 to July 5, 2026, wear a soccer jersey or present a ticket, printed or digital on your mobile, from a soccer match and you will receive a $2 discount on general admission. More information at www.cmhousotn.org.
“Let’s Play” Festival
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
The summer celebration kicks off with a vibrant opening event, where families can dive into the action from the first whistle.
- Young athletes will get to showcase their skills during the “Kick Into Action Fitness Challenge,” in which they will run, move, and monitor their heart rate using real pulse oximeters to discover how exercise affects the body.
- Future MVPs will test their aim in “Soccer Darts,” a soccer-darts challenge featuring a giant inflatable goal designed to keep the fun at a maximum.
- Robot-powered soccer matches in the “Invention Convention,” within the “Robot Arena – Soccer Challenge.”
- A collaborative cardboard stadium-building challenge: “Stadium Builders: Cardboard Challenge,” in “Prototopia.”
Global Goal Festival
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
- Houston’s international spirit takes center stage during a colorful cultural celebration inspired by countries from around the world. Families can enjoy spontaneous live performances showcasing musical and dance traditions tied to the countries that will be playing in Houston, including Germany, Curaçao, Portugal, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Netherlands, Sweden, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia.
- Listen to international storytellers narrated in multiple languages in the “Parent Resource Library.”
- Practice dribbling, passing, and shooting at the soccer skill stations located in the “Playscape.”
- Test your soccer knowledge at the “Team Trivia Challenge” hosted by DJ Tyler, in the Brown Auditorium.
Closing Party
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Before the summer celebration closes its final curtain, families can enjoy one last victory lap, as the Museum will remain open until 8:00 p.m. to offer an extended evening of fun.
- Get ready for action with face painting inspired by teams and flags from around the world at Tree Top.
- Keep the party going with DJ Tyler, who will spin upbeat music and lead soccer-inspired games, dance breaks, and interactive activities full of fun all afternoon in the Kids’ Hall.
- Design, test, and perfect your own foosball players, exploring how engineering and creative problem-solving can influence performance on game day, in Prototopia.
- Create teddy bear-sized team jerseys at One World.
