Although not in the path of totality, Houston offers a variety of events for you to witness the solar eclipse. From the Houston Zoo to the Space Center, immerse yourself in talks by experts, hands-on activities and even free eclipse glasses.
Solar Eclipse at the Zoo
Recommended Videos
If you have ever been curious about how animals react during the eclipse, stop by the Houston Zoo for this unique opportunity. The zoo is also offering free eclipse glasses for guests. Distribution of glasses begins at 11 a.m. at Lone Star Pavilion near Cypress Circle Cafe. A limited number of eclipse glasses are available and you have to get them on a first-come basis.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston will host an all-day event featuring eclipse and space expert talks with emcee retired NASA astronaut Tony Antonelli, hands-on activities with the Houston Astronomical Society, and eclipse-themed snacks.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
HMNS Hermann Park will hold an eclipse event starting at 12:20 p.m. at the Sun Dial where guests can experience a 94-percent partial eclipse. The event will feature telescopes, free solar activities, live streaming of the total eclipse from Bandera, eclipse glasses, t-shirts for sale and more. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit the HMNS at Sugar Land for a local eclipse experience. The doors open at 10 a.m. This event will give guests time to explore the exhibits and make solar crafts, while waiting for the eclipse to start. The local partial eclipse will begin at 12:10 p.m. and end at 3 p.m. There will be expert staff and amateur astronomers on site. Eclipse glasses, to view the sun safely, are included with ticket purchases. Adults (or anyone 12 and up) tickets are $13 and children pay $10.
Cornelius Nursery Eclipse viewing parties
Cornelius Nursery locations across Houston are hosting viewing parties on April 8 from 1-2 p.m. These events will feature complimentary viewing glasses and goody bags with stargazing treats that are available on a first-come basis. There will also be a station for kids to enjoy with chalk, crayons and coloring pages.
Spring Branch Memorial Branch Library Eclipse Party
The Spring Branch Memorial Branch Library will hold an eclipse party with supplies to make pinhole cameras for safe viewing and treats. This event will be held from 1-2 p.m.
Cosmic Eclipse Encounter
The City of Katy is partnering with the Katy Branch Library to host an eclipse party from 12:30-3 p.m. at the Arboretum Park, 2046 Katy City Park Road, Katy. This once-in-a-generation event includes pre-eclipse story times, activities, and lawn games for entertainment while guests wait for the maximum point. The max will only be visible for about 4 minutes, so attendees are encouraged to be on time. A limited number of eclipse viewing glasses will be available.
Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Event
The Delores Fenwick Nature Center and Pearland Parks & Rec will host a free community viewing event featuring activities, music and food trucks. This free event will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Independence Park, 3449 Pearland Pkwy, Pearland.
Memorial Park Conservancy
The Memorial Park Conservancy’s first-ever eclipse party will be held on the Kinder Land Bridge West Mound from 1-3 p.m. This total solar eclipse will be the last eclipse viewable from the U.S. until 2045. Guests can expect information on how to safely view an eclipse and how to build their own pinhole camera at this viewing party. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and sun protection.