Grab your cape for Superhero Day at The Woodlands Children's Museum

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Superheroes have long captivated the imaginations of children – and tying on a cape to emulate a favorite crusader can actually bring out the best in a child.

That’s why The Woodlands Children's Museum is hosting a celebration for caped crusaders and protectors of justice – Super Hero Day – scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superhero and parents are encouraged to bring their phones and cameras for a special photo opportunity at the museum. Children will have the opportunity of embellishing a cape in our MUSE, so that more caped crusaders can join in the fun.

The event will be sponsored by Texas Children's Urgent Care, superheroes for children’s health and wellness.

Angela Colton, executive director of the museum, explained that imaginative play is essential to a child’s development.

“This is an excellent opportunity to join forces with Texas Children’s Urgent Care, superheroes of children’s health, and welcome them to the neighborhood,” Colton said. “Children thrive when their imaginations are allowed to soar freely,” she said. “It not only fosters creativity – but also helps children learn life skills. While it may look like just a good time, pretend games help children explore emotions and social roles in life.”

She added that when children are performing imaginary feats of heroism, they begin to understand and adopt qualities that can build a noble character later in life, such as being kind-hearted, caring and putting others first.

“Creative and imaginative play, through role playing, can set the stage for a child’s understanding that others have thoughts and feelings like they do and opens their eyes to see their little world as a little bigger,” Colton said. “Imagine playing both the villain and the superhero at one time.”

Here are several ways to bring the themes from Super Hero Day home – and help bring out the superhero in your child.


Start with some background. Ask children who their favorite super heroes are – and why. Discuss the traits that separate a superhero from an average Joe.

Create a costume and a superhero name. Ask your child how a superhero is identified. Then, have them spend some time at the drawing table creating their own insignia or use scrap pieces of paper and glue sticks. Ask which superpowers they would want to have. They can create symbols, using letters from their name and shapes and numbers that have personal meaning for them. Remember, capes can be easily created with an old towel, sheet or piece of fabric. Add some props reimagined from common objects around the house – perhaps flashlights, sunglasses, goggles, magnifying glasses, stickers and binoculars. Let your child create a fun get-up.

Super heroes help enforce the rules. This is a great opportunity for parents to discuss safety both in the house and out in the world. They can use role-play to act out scenarios and then decide what the right thing to do would be. This also builds problem-solving skills. Children can create games that include rescuing kittens, stopping a thief or just flying.

Read and write about the experience. Find a comic book that features a nonviolent superhero and let your children read in their superhero lair. Get them to create their own comic about their adventures.

The Woodlands Children’s Museum offers a full calendar of exciting activities throughout the year for children ages 7 and under. Daily admission is $5 per person 2 years and older, and Museum members are admitted at no charge. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

To learn more about the museum, its hours of operation and ways to support the nonprofit, visit woodlandschildrensmuseum.org or call 281-465-0955.