Family Summer Day: Spirit of Service

FREE TO THE PUBLIC | Saturday, July 25, 2026

Family Summer Day

Beat the heat at the National Medal of Honor Museum for a day of hands-on activities, a scavenger hunt, and an inspiring film screening all presented by the Texas Lottery®. Start the scavenger hunt for free on the Museum's first floor. Museum admission includes access to the remaining challenges on the immersive exhibit deck.

PRESENTED BY THE TEXAS LOTTERY®

Fun for the Whole Family

Join us on Saturday, July 25th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Family Summer Day at the National Medal of Honor Museum!

Discover the stories of Medal of Honor Recipients through a Museum-wide Scavenger Hunt, a special screening of Grandpa and Shorty, and hands-on indoor and outdoor activities inspired by the Medal of Honor values of courage, integrity, and commitment.

Cool off with a visit from Blue Bell’s Lone Star Scoop Tour, featuring delicious dipped ice cream, prepackaged treats, and fun giveaway goodies while supplies last.

Whether you’re solving clues, playing games, or watching a heartwarming film in an air-conditioned theater, there’s something for every generation to enjoy.

Note that you may start the scavenger hunt for free on the Museum's first floor. Museum admission includes access to the remaining challenges on the immersive exhibit deck.

Plan Your Day

10:00 a.m. — Museum opens and family activities begin
11:00 a.m. — Grandpa and Shorty screening
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — Blue Bell Lone Star Scoop Tour (while supplies last!)
1:00 p.m. — Grandpa and Shorty screening
3:00 p.m. — Family activities conclude
5:00 p.m. — Museum closes

Presented by the Texas Lottery®

FEATURED FILM | NEEL KEARBY THEATER

Grandpa and Shorty

Some of the best memories happen when generations spend time together.

Grandpa and Shorty tells the story of a battle-tested Army veteran struggling to reconnect with both his soldier son and civilian life after unexpectedly spending the day caring for his seven-year-old granddaughter. What begins as babysitting becomes an opportunity for healing, understanding, and rediscovering the importance of family. The film explores the sacrifices military families make while reminding us that some of life’s biggest conversations happen in the smallest moments.

FAMILY SUMMER DAY BONUS

Members of the production team will be at the Museum and available for a meet-and-greet before and after each screening.

Runtime
Approximately 51 minutes

Thank you to our partner!

Family Summer Day is presented by the Texas Lottery®.

SEE THE BEST NEW MUSEUM IN AMERICA

Make a Day of It

Family Summer Day is free to enjoy on the Museum’s first floor. While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Museum’s immersive exhibit deck with the purchase of Museum admission.

Fly a Vietnam rescue mission in immersive virtual reality.
Hear Medal of Honor Recipients answer your questions in the Conversations experience.
Discover powerful stories behind artifacts that changed history.
Explore exhibits designed to inspire visitors of every generation.

Plan your visit and purchase tickets

Know Before You Go

No. Family Summer Day activities on the Museum's first floor are free and open to the public. We do recommend registering in advance so we know you’re coming and can keep you updated with any event information. REGISTER NOW FOR FREE

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If you’d like to extend your visit by exploring the National Medal of Honor Museum’s immersive Exhibit Deck, Museum admission is required. It’s the perfect way to turn Family Summer Day into a full day of inspiring stories, interactive experiences, and family fun.

Family Summer Day is a free event that takes place on the first floor of the National Medal of Honor Museum and throughout the Museum grounds, with activities clearly marked along the way. Families can enjoy a Museum-wide Scavenger Hunt, screenings of Grandpa and Shorty, hands-on activities, lawn games, and a visit from Blue Bell’s Lone Star Scoop Tour—all designed to be enjoyed at your own pace throughout the day.

We hope you do! Family Summer Day is designed so you can experience it at your own pace. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and you’re welcome to arrive whenever it works best for your family.

NOTE:

If you’d like to catch a screening of Grandpa and Shorty, be sure to arrive before the 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. showtimes. Blue Bell’s Lone Star Scoop Tour will be serving treats from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., while supplies last. The Museum will remain open until 5 p.m. for admission to the Exhibit Deck.

With plenty to see and do both inside and out, it’s easy to spend the day making memories together.