Texas Blue Star Museums 2026
By: The Kid’s Directory Family Resource Guide – Houston
June 2026 on kids-houston.com
Free Texas Blue Star Museums 2026
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America, offering FREE ADMISSION to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.
The 2026 participating Blue Star Museums across the United States program begins on May 16, 2026 and runs through Labor Day, September 7, 2026.
Austin
Bullock Museum
1800 Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701
Explore the Bullock Texas State History Museum to see what makes Texas—Texas. Hundreds of artifacts, its culture, and groundbreaking innovations are revealed for all ages in exhibitions, films, symposiums, community events, field trips, and fun, family-centered programs.
We steward the display of Texas artifacts from around the world, building relationships with museums, archives, and private lenders to help us explore our dynamic stories; something new is always on view. We also collect and archive first-person stories about Texas through the Texas Story Project, because the memories and experiences of Texas people, places, and objects contribute to a better understanding of the generations that came before us.
Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Located on The University of Texas at Austin campus at 2400 Trinity Street, Austin, Texas 78712
Texas Science & Natural History Museum tells the story of the unique and irreplaceable natural history of Texas, from the formation of our planet, through the age of dinosaurs and into our current time.
Explore a diverse range of exhibits that bring Texas’ natural history to life, from ancient fossils and native wildlife to cutting-edge scientific discoveries. Engage with interactive, hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and inspire visitors of all ages.
Beaumont
Texas Energy Museum
600 Main St, Beaumont, Texas
The Texas Energy Museum is a dynamic showcase of the oil industry’s history and innovation. Centered around the iconic Spindletop oil gusher of 1901, the museum transports visitors back to the era that ignited Southeast Texas’ transformation into an energy epicenter.
Through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and engaging storytelling, visitors gain a deep appreciation for the industry’s pioneers and their groundbreaking achievements.
Beyond its historical focus, state-of-the-art exhibits explore the complex process of refining crude oil into everyday products, showcasing the cutting-edge technology that drives today’s industry. The Texas Energy Museum is the place where history meets science, making it an educational and fascinating experience for all ages.
College Station
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
1000 George Bush Drive West, College Station, Texas 77845
As one of the top attractions in the State of Texas, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum creates a museum experience that is both educational and entertaining for the whole family.
The museum’s core exhibits reveal the unique influences and challenges that shaped George Bush’s life and presidency, and frequently changing temporary exhibits present visitors new and interesting perspectives on President Bush, his life and work. Through artifacts, film, photographs, documents, music, sound effects and interactive videos, this special museum experience encompasses much of U.S. history since 1941. See a World War II Avenger Torpedo Bomber, a 1947 Studebaker, a slab of the Berlin Wall, and replicas of President Bush’s Camp David, Situation Room, and the Oval Office.
Museum of the American G.I.
19124 Hwy 6, College Station, TX 77845
The Museum of the American G.I is a living history museum dedicated to preserving the equipment, uniforms and memories of the American Serviceman and Servicewoman.
Our aim is to promote the knowledge and appreciation of the US Military and the men and women who served our country.
We restore and maintain to the original operating conditions the equipment that was used so the public can hear and see the equipment move under its own power. We record and display the memories and uniforms of the servicemen and women as a testament and memorial to the sacrifice of these brave individuals.
Fort Worth
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
3200 Darnell Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76107
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is a leader in collecting, showing, and interpreting art from the 1940s to the present.In addition to 53,000 square feet of soaring, light-filled gallery space and landscaped grounds with outdoor sculptures, the museum features a reflecting pond, theater, education center, gift shop, and café, creating a thriving hub for our community and beyond.
The Modern is a center of lifelong learning and exchange. Our programs include tours, lectures by leading figures in the art world, youth and adult classes, art camps, workshops, and a range of small-group studio and gallery programs led by the Museum’s educators, docents, and community artists.
We also present critically acclaimed first-run films and partner with other local arts organizations to offer music, dance, and theater.
Stockyards Museum
131 E. Exchange #113, Fort Worth, TX 76164
The Museum features artifacts from the Stockyards and the Swift and Armour Packing Plants.
The Stockyards Museum showcases the rich history of the Fort Worth Stockyards and the north side of Fort Worth.
There is a growing collection of artifacts, photos and exhibits that document everything from our Native American connections, the Chisholm Trail, saddles and other cowboy collectibles from the cattle drive era to contemporary times,
the livestock market/stockyards to the Swift and Armour Packing plants.
Learn more about the Fort Worth Stockshow, American Indians of the area and Camp Bowie. Be sure you see the 114 year old light bulb which is still burning and the Bad Luck Wedding Dress.
There is something that will interest almost everyone at the Stockyards Museum!
The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame
1720 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76107
The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame is where history meets horsepower and fearless women take center stage. Located in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District, it’s the only museum in the world that celebrates the grit, grace, and guts of the women who shaped the American West — and those breaking boundaries today. Through immersive exhibits, interactive galleries, and powerful storytelling, the Museum highlights artists, ranchers, rodeo champions, activists, and trailblazers from all walks of life. It’s not just about looking back — it’s about inspiring the next generation of unstoppable women.
Currently, the museum’s archives house more than 4000 artifacts and information about more than 750 remarkable women.
Vintage Flying Museum
505 NW 38th Street Hangar 33 South, Fort Worth, Texas 76106
The Vintage Flying Museum is a unique “working” museum where visitors are able to see what it takes to “Keep ‘em Flying”.
Most of the aircraft are airworthy and fly on a regular basis for air shows and demonstrations throughout the year. We are completely staffed by volunteers who share our love for aviation history and enjoy sharing it with people of every age from all over the world.
Houston
Houston Fire Museum
2403 Milam Street, Houston, TX 77006
The Houston Fire Museum is housed in Historic Fire Station No. 7, the first fire station built after the Houston Fire Department became a fully paid department in 1895.
The Houston Fire Museum features a variety of exhibits which include antique apparatus and firefighting equipment.
We also offer guided tours, field trips, firefighter birthday parties, and a gift shop where you can purchase unique gift items and souvenirs.
The Health Museum
1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004
In the heart of Houston, The Health Museum inspires passion and curiosity in health, the medical sciences, and the human body
Our exhibits and programs are designed to engage visitors of all ages, making learning about health and science a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s what you can expect to find:
Interactive Exhibits
Our exhibits are designed to be hands-on and immersive, allowing visitors to engage with health and science in a new way.
Educational Programs
We offer a variety of programs, from dissection to hands-on experiments to creative workshops, aimed at deepening understanding of health and medical science.
Special Events
Check out these unique opportunities to engage with our community and gain insights into health and medical science.
La Porte
San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield
One Monument Circle, La Porte, Texas 77571
San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield where you can visit the battlefield for independence, a museum and the world’s tallest war memorial all in one visit.
The Battlefield
Origins of the Lone Star State at the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield. Discover how a decisive 18-minute battle for independence changed the fate of a young nation and forever altered the course of world history.
The Museum
From rich displays of armaments and uniforms to an exciting retelling of the road to Texas freedom — and beyond, the San Jacinto Museum brings history to life in a way your whole family can enjoy.
The Monument
The world’s tallest war memorial stands at San Jacinto, honoring all those who fought for Texas’s independence.
San Antonio
Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio features diverse art that captures the American West.
Its extensive collection Rotating Exhibits & Permanent Exhibits that include traditional and contemporary paintings, sculptures, Southwest and Native American art, Spanish and Mexican colonial-era pieces, Western dance, photography, and Western folk art depicting cowboys, vaqueros, local wildlife, the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, and the frontier landscape.
*Check Back Often For Free Blue Star Museums 2026 To Be Added!*
Note: Some of the participating Blue Star Museums may have limited free access, specific free admission days/hours, ID and/or registration required so it’s always a good idea to check their websites or contact them beforehand for the most up-to-date information.
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