Things to do with kids in The Woodlands, TX
Checked · All times are local Central Time (The Woodlands time)
Coming up in The Woodlands: YMCA Run Thru the Woods (Nov 26), Lighting of the Doves (Nov 21) and Preschool Storytime at Mitchell Library (from Nov 3). 8 always-open places, led by The Woodlands Children's Museum and Riva Row Boat House. Prices and hours come from each official site.
Thanksgiving events in The Woodlands
YMCA Run Thru the Woods
- When
- Thu, Nov 26 · 7–10am; 1-mile kids race plus 5-mile, 3-mile and 3-mile walk
- Cost
- Pre-registration required
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The 37th annual Thanksgiving charity run starts and finishes on Lake Robbins Dr in front of the Pavilion, with a 1-mile kids race plus 5-mile, 3-mile and walk options. It supports South Montgomery County youth programs.
✓ Checked Oct 25, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Christmas & holiday events: Santa and lights
Lighting of the Doves
- When
- Sat, Nov 21 · 3–8pm
- Cost
- See site
- Ages
- All ages · Outdoor
The Woodlands' holiday lighting festival. Santa's arrival, the dove lighting and fireworks at 7pm.
✓ Checked Oct 25, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Storytimes
Preschool Storytime at Mitchell Library
- When
- Tue, Nov 3 – Tue, Dec 29 (Tuesdays (two sessions)) · 9:30–10am & 10:30–11am
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- Ages Ages 3–5 · Indoor
Stories, songs and movement for preschoolers and a caregiver, with an emphasis on early literacy. First come, first served until the room is full. All MCMLS programs are free and open to the public.
✓ Checked Oct 25, 2026 on the organizer's official page
Always-open family places
Most popular first: zoos, aquariums and museums, then nature spots, parks and libraries. Prices come from each official site; "Not stated" means the site doesn't list one.
The Woodlands Children's Museum
- Price
- $10 ages 1 and up
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Hands-on play museum for young kids; Tue–Fri 9:30am–4pm, Sat 10am–5pm
✓ Price verified Oct 25, 2026 · source
Riva Row Boat House
- Price
- Hourly swan boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Swan pedal boats (up to 4 people) and kayaks on The Woodlands Waterway; hours follow the season and sunset; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day; under 10 must ride with someone 16+
✓ Price verified Oct 25, 2026 · source
Fountains at Waterway Square
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Signature water feature on The Woodlands Waterway with waterfalls and family-friendly musical fountain shows at scheduled showtimes; walk the Waterway to Town Green Park
Town Green Park
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Lawn and event park near The Woodlands Waterway; open dawn to dusk
✓ Price verified Oct 25, 2026 · source
George Mitchell Nature Preserve
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Nature trails along Spring Creek (Flintridge trailhead)
✓ Details checked Oct 25, 2026 on the official website
Northshore Park
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Lakeside park with a playground and pier
✓ Details checked Oct 25, 2026 on the official website
Rob Fleming Park
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Playgrounds and trails in Creekside Park
✓ Details checked Oct 25, 2026 on the official website
George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library
- Price
- Not stated. See the official site.
- Best for
- Ages 0–17+ (our guidance)
Montgomery County library branch with children's storytimes
✓ Details checked Oct 25, 2026 on the official website
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do with kids in The Woodlands this weekend?
The Woodlands Children's Museum, Riva Row Boat House and Fountains at Waterway Square are open most days, but we don't have a The Woodlands event listed for this weekend (Oct 30–Nov 1). Next up: YMCA Run Thru the Woods (Nov 26) and Lighting of the Doves (Nov 21).
What time is trick-or-treating in The Woodlands?
Sunset on Halloween in The Woodlands is at 6:35 p.m. The Woodlands doesn't list official trick-or-treat hours, so plan around dusk.
What are free things to do with kids in The Woodlands?
These are free according to their official sites: 1 place and 1 upcoming event in The Woodlands, including Town Green Park and Preschool Storytime at Mitchell Library (Nov 3 – Dec 29).
Where can kids play indoors in The Woodlands when it's too hot or rainy?
We list 2 indoor places in The Woodlands: The Woodlands Children's Museum ($10 ages 1 and up) and George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library.
What Thanksgiving events can I take my kids to in The Woodlands?
We list 1 Thanksgiving event in The Woodlands: YMCA Run Thru the Woods (Thu, Nov 26). Our Thanksgiving weekend guide for the Houston area has more nearby.
When and where can kids see Santa in The Woodlands?
We list 1 event with Santa in The Woodlands: Lighting of the Doves (Nov 21). Our Santa guide for the Houston area has more nearby.
Where can I take my kids to see Christmas lights in The Woodlands?
We list 1 holiday light event in The Woodlands: Lighting of the Doves (Nov 21). Our holiday lights guide for the Houston area has more nearby.
Are there storytimes or regular kids' programs in The Woodlands?
We list 1 everyday program in The Woodlands: Preschool Storytime at Mitchell Library (Tuesdays, two sessions).
What is there to do with toddlers in The Woodlands?
We list 5 places in The Woodlands that welcome kids under 2, including Town Green Park, George Mitchell Nature Preserve and Northshore Park. See all 5 above. Age ranges for places are our own guidance.
What are the big family attractions in The Woodlands?
The best-known family attractions we list in The Woodlands are The Woodlands Children's Museum ($10 ages 1 and up) and Riva Row Boat House (Hourly swan boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals). They're listed first under always-open places.
How much do The Woodlands family attractions cost?
Prices from the official sites for 1 place in The Woodlands: The Woodlands Children's Museum ($10 ages 1 and up). Confirm before you go; prices change.
Our weekend search covers Phoenix Metro & Arizona for now, and more areas are coming soon. This guide is hand-checked the same way.
How we build this page: each event comes from the organizer's official website and shows the date we checked it. Prices marked verified were copied from the venue's official site; others show an estimated price level or "Not stated". A place is called free only when its official site says so. Read how we verify listings · Arizona weekend search.
See something that's off? Send us a correction.
Know a family event we're missing? Tell us about it.