Beat the Heat in Fort Bend County: Families Invited to Experience a Taste of Italy at HMNS Sugar Land’s 'Ciao Bambini!' Exhibit
Families in Fort Bend County looking for a cool and educational way to beat the summer heat can now escape to the heart of Italy—without ever leaving Sugar Land. Ciao Bambini!, the newest exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) at Sugar Land, is officially open and enchanting visitors with its vibrant, hands-on journey through Italian culture.
Originally opened on May 23, this colorful, interactive exhibition has become a must-see destination for summer break. Designed especially with children in mind, Ciao Bambini! transforms learning into a playful exploration, inviting young visitors to immerse themselves in the food, art, language, and daily life of Italy.
From the moment families step into the exhibit, they’re greeted with sun-drenched Italian charm and a sense of discovery. The museum’s Executive Director, Kavita Self, said the experience brings their mission to life: “The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land is committed to bringing engaging and educational experiences to the community, and Ciao Bambini! perfectly embodies this mission. We invite everyone to come and experience the magic of Italy right here in Sugar Land!”
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A Family-Friendly Italian Adventure
Ciao Bambini! was developed by The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, and is structured around several themed areas, each offering children a different cultural activity and learning experience:
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Ristorante: Kids can become little chefs, learning about Italian cooking as they prepare imaginative dishes and learn culinary vocabulary.
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Gelateria & Bar Pasticceria: Children can serve up sweet treats at the gelato and pastry shops, soaking up the sweeter side of Italian life.
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Traditional Italian Home: Visitors step inside a cozy Italian home to try their hand at pasta-making and contribute to a group mosaic, exploring the nation’s rich artistic legacy.
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Scuola Elementare: In this playful classroom setting, children make their own Italian flags, try basic Italian phrases, and learn why the city of Rome is often compared to a lasagna.
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Piazza: Families can toss coins into a wishing fountain, piece together ancient columns, and even hop aboard a bright red Vespa to get a feel for authentic Italian transportation.
This indoor exhibit is more than a fun diversion—it’s a thoughtfully designed cultural experience. Children are encouraged to connect the dots between their own everyday lives and the traditions of Italian children, fostering curiosity, empathy, and a global perspective.
Best of all, admission to Ciao Bambini! includes access to all of HMNS Sugar Land’s permanent exhibit halls, making it an all-in-one destination for educational summer outings.
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A Hidden Gem in Fort Bend County
Located at 13019 University Blvd., at the intersection of University and New Territory Boulevards, HMNS at Sugar Land has been a hub for discovery since its transformation from a historic prison building into a dynamic museum in 2009. This satellite of the downtown Houston museum boasts five permanent galleries and frequently hosts acclaimed traveling exhibitions like Ciao Bambini!.
The 43,000-square-foot building is nestled within 5.5 acres in the Telfair community, making it both accessible and inviting for residents of Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, Katy, and the broader Fort Bend area.
With its engaging activities and air-conditioned environment, Ciao Bambini! is the perfect cultural escape for families seeking enrichment and entertainment this summer.
Plan Your Visit
Visitors can purchase tickets and learn more about the exhibit by visiting sugarland.hmns.org. The exhibit is open through summer, and families are encouraged to visit soon to make the most of this limited-time cultural experience.
For more updates on summer activities and family-friendly events around Fort Bend County, stay tuned with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
