The Woodlands, Texas is filled with many things to do throughout the year. When the summer hits and the kids are out of school, or even if you have preschoolers, it can be hard to come up with things to occupy them no matter what city you live in. Here is a list of 10 inexpensive things (in no particular order) you can do in The Woodlands to keep the kiddos cool and and happy.
1) Safari Stop - The Woodlands United Methodist Church (2200 Lake Woodlands Drive)
Safari Stop is an indoor playground that caters to kids around the ages of 3-9. This is a great playground to visit during the summer. The kids can run loose and stay nice and cool in the air conditioning. The play area has sections designated for smaller kids and for bigger kids. There is a small rock wall, slides with different speeds, ropes and netting to walk across and more. You can pack your lunch and eat in the cafeteria right outside the playground. The kids will definitely have a blast.
Cost: Free
Hours:
Monday-Friday: Noon-8pm
Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: Noon-6PM
2) The Woodlands Trolley 
Your kids will love a ride on The Woodlands Trolley. Heck, you might even enjoy it more than them. The trolley takes you on about a 25 minute ride around the main attractions in The Woodlands. You will pass by The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, South Regional Library and more. You can get on and off at any of the 13 stops. The kids will love the excitement of being on the trolley and seeing all of the attractions outside. The trolley is also air conditioned so that is a plus, especially during the summer!
Cost: Free
Operating Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm
Sunday: 12-6pm
3) George Mitchell Library (8125 Ashlane Way, 77382) and 
South Regional Library (2101 Lake Woodlands Drive, 77380)
The George Mitchell Library is located towards the back of The Woodlands. It has an awesome section that is designated just for kids. They have computers that offer educational games, puzzles, toys, reading areas and much more. The library also offers story time. Story time is a great way to introduce and encourage your child to reading. They read books, sing and usually offer a craft to do. There is also different activities lined up throughout the week for all different age groups. You can go the library's website to check out their calendar of events. http://www.countylibrary.org/calendar.htm
The South Regional Library is located in the front of The Woodlands. This library also offers story time and activities throughout the week. The Woodlands Trolley also has a stop here. You can go check out some books then take a ride on the trolley for some cool summer fun.
4) 14 Neighborhood Pools
The Woodlands is home to 14 neighborhood pools. So no matter where you live in The Woodlands you are within minutes of a community pool. You can purchase a summer pass at the Woodlands Recreation center for access to each pool. Each pool offers something a little different. They all include a baby pool and a lap pool. Check out http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/index.aspx?NID=322 for more information on each one.
5) 3 Splash Pads
(Sawmill Park, May Valley Park and Timarron)
Besides the neighborhood pools, another wet and fun summer activity is the splash pad. Three of The Woodlands neighborhood parks offer them. Sawmill Park in Grogan's Mill, May Valley Park in Sterling Ridge and Timarron Park in Creekside Park. The splash pads are great because the kids can play at the park then cool off in the water and the parents can sit back, relax and watch their kids play. The water shooting out all around the kids will keep them occupied and happy.
6) The Woodlands Children's Museum
The Woodlands Children's Museum has a lot to offer. Not only can you just go for the day, but they also offer camps and classes for various ages. The actual museum is geared towards age 7 and younger. The museum has different stations from art, Lego's, house play, reading and much more. They also have various activities planned throughout the week. Make sure to check out their website to see what is going on. http://www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org/events.html
7) The Woodlands Mall
The Woodlands Mall is a great place to spend a hot or even rainy summer day. Here you can let the kids play in the mall play area. You can take them for a ride on the carousel then have a bite to eat in the food court. Taking a peek in the pet store is always a favorite.
8) Tinseltown Movie Theater and Cinemark at Market Street 
In the summer both of the movie theaters in The Woodlands offer Summer Movie Clubhouse. This is a 10-week program that offers recently released kids movies for $1 per ticket. The movies are usually the first showing of the day. You cannot beat $1 movie ticket nowadays. The kids will love being able to go see all the movies in the big theater!
http://www.cinemark.com/summer-movie-clubhouse
9) Rob Fleming Aquatic Center
I know I already mentioned the neighborhood pools in The Woodlands, but this neighborhood pool is an adventure all in its self. This is the biggest community pool in The Woodlands. Here you will find a lazy river, a lounge pool, water play structure, lap pool, water slides, a concession stand and much more! This may quickly become one of your favorite spots during the summer.
10) Bowlero Bowling Alley
The Woodlands AMF Bowling Alley was bought by a new owner in 2014 and made into a Bowlero. This bowling alley gives a new take on bowling. Here you will find 40 bowling lanes, full service kitchen, interactive games, adult beverage areas and much more.
I hope that the ideas on this list help you and your children stay nice and cool this summer. Enjoy!
Comments(0)