Global Soccer-Themed Fun Kicks Off at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center Ahead of 2026 World Cup
As Houston prepares to host some of the world’s most anticipated soccer matches in summer 2026, the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center (FBCDC) is dribbling into the spirit of the game with a high-energy, globally inspired celebration series for local families.
Located in the heart of Sugar Land’s Historic Imperial Market, the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center is known for creating innovative, play-based learning experiences that capture the imaginations of kids and families alike. As a “Playground for Your Mind™,” the museum has long been a community gem, earning accolades like “Best Local Museum” and a consistent ranking among the top things to do in Sugar Land.
Now, FBCDC is gearing up for what might be its most ambitious seasonal programming yet: a five-event series called the Global Soccer Celebration, inspired by the upcoming international soccer championship matches coming to Houston. With help from Visit Sugar Land, the Discovery Center will invite children and their families to explore cultural traditions, hands-on science, fitness, and teamwork—all through the universal language of soccer
A Season of Soccer, Culture, and Creativity
The festivities kick off on Saturday, April 25, 2026 with the “Kickoff Countdown: 50 Days Out,” featuring soccer-themed storytimes, geometric “shape art” with pentagons and hexagons, and jersey-making workshops that let kids design team uniforms worthy of the world stage.
On Saturday, May 9, the celebration continues with “Passport to Play” during National Travel & Tourism Week. Attendees can embark on a passport scavenger hunt, design postcards, and even build cardboard replicas of iconic landmarks. Through fun experiments involving Maglev trains and sail cars, kids will learn about the speed and wonder of global travel—perfectly timed for Houston’s rise as a sports tourism hotspot.
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Then on Saturday, June 13, the Discovery Center turns its focus to physical health with “Let’s Play Party,” encouraging agility, heart health, and sun safety. Kids can run through obstacle courses, measure their pulse with oximeters, and test their reflexes with reaction-time experiments designed to explore how the body performs under play.
Culture takes center stage on Saturday, June 20 during the “Global Goal Party.” This event will feature live dance performances, instrument-making workshops inspired by music around the world, and a “Parade of Nations” activity where children create their own flags and test their international knowledge with trivia.
The grand finale arrives Friday, July 3, just ahead of Houston’s final match weekend. The “Final Kickoff Party” will include DJ-led soccer dance-offs, face painting in team colors, shrinky dink bracelet crafts, and the chance to build your own tabletop foosball game.
Throughout the series, soccer-themed photo stations will offer families fun ways to capture memories—complete with festive props and backdrops that are perfect for Instagram-worthy “goal-getter” selfies.
A Celebration Rooted in Learning
While the Global Soccer Celebration is designed to be playful and engaging, its deeper mission is one of learning and connection. As part of the Children’s Museum Houston network, FBCDC’s programming always emphasizes educational enrichment. This series draws on math, science, art, and geography—all while bringing families together to learn about cultures represented in the international tournament.
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The Discovery Center’s global soccer-themed programming is rooted in its long-standing mission to use the power of play to spark curiosity and foster community. With this new series, the center aims to continue its commitment to offering immersive, engaging experiences that make learning both fun and globally relevant.
All activities are included with general admission. For a full schedule, visit childrensdiscoveryfb.org. The Discovery Center is located at 198 Kempner St, Sugar Land, TX 77498 and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or simply looking for kid-friendly things to do in Sugar Land this summer, the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center is scoring big with its season of international fun.
Just bring your team spirit—no cleats required.
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.
