Editor's Picks: Best Websites for Online Games & Fun for Kids

Too exhausted for high-energy activities? We get it! Sometimes you just need to put "momming" on autopilot and let the kids do something fun on the computer. See below for our favorite free interactive websites for hours of teaching and entertaining your little ones.

Your child will LOVE our 2024 Thanksgiving book picks!

One of the joys of the Thanksgiving season is sitting down to a beautifully illustrated picture book! The best Thanksgiving books are colorful, heart-warming, and evoke the sights and sounds of the season. Here are some favorites we think your little one will love. For ease in ordering, affiliate links are included for each recommendation.

Reclaim a slower-paced, enriching, happy home with these Simple Playthings

Listen, I know it's the year 2024, but I can't help thinking that our lives will be happier and less on-edge if our kids spent more time playing with old-fashioned toys. These days, everything lights up and makes noise, instant gratification is at its peak, and what’s “in-season” seems to go out the door quicker than a candle flame.

Free Visits to the Houston Zoo this fall!

You and your family can visit the Houston Zoo for FREE on the first Tuesday of every month, , from open to close. Please note that this offer does not include Zoo Lights, the carousel, giraffe feeding, or other events/attractions. Free daytime admission to the Houston Zoo is provided once a month from open until closing. Online reservations are required for all guests and members during this time. Tickets will not...

Interactive stunner art exhibit - "As Water Falls" - unveiled in City Place

North Houston’s dynamic lifestyle hub City Place is continuing its robust public art program with the official unveiling of its newest installation, As Water Falls. Designed by Montreal-based digital art studio Iregular, As Water Falls is a dazzling, multi-faceted piece that functions at the intersection of art and technology as an interactive, digital waterfall and accompanied soundscape.

An Entire Holiday in One Park at Lone Star Lights - Plus SAVE $$ with our code!

One of my favorite Christmas experiences is back for its third year. Get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season like never before! Lone Star Lights, brought to you by Carolina Creek, is more than just a dazzling display of Christmas lights—it’s an immersive holiday adventure the whole family will love.

From November 22 to December 22, Lone Star Lights transforms 17 acres into a breathtaking spectacle of 1.2 million twinkling lights across six enchanting, themed...

What's a "Boo" basket and How do you make one?

Halloween Boo Baskets (or boo buckets or boo bags) are all the rage in the month of October! Have you heard of them? They’re a fun custom of sharing Halloween goodies with friends and neighbors by secretly leaving a basket of treats on their front porch. Once the giftee has been “Boo’d”, they pass on the fun by creating another Halloween Boo Basket and gifting it to another neighbor. It’s kind of like a...

The Woodlands has a new Mural!

A new mural, "The Beauty of Nature in The Woodlands," was unveiled on Thursday, October 17, as part of the celebration honoring The Woodlands 50th Anniversary. Located on the base of The Millennium sculpture adjacent to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion along The Woodlands Waterway, the artwork is a collaboration between local artist Amy Malkan and Marlo Saucedo, a resident of The Woodlands, who were selected through an open call from The Woodlands Arts...

The Woodlands 50th Anniversary Tree Dedication

The Woodlands is celebrating five decades of vision, innovation, and excellence. To commemorate this significant event, The Woodlands is hosting a weeklong celebration from Monday, October 14, to Saturday, October 19, the actual date of the anniversary.

On October 16, a Tree Dedication Ceremony highlighted the planting of a significant hardwood oak tree, representing the community’s commitment to sustainability. This symbolic event at Northshore Park brought together community leaders, public officials, and representatives from Howard Hughes and The Woodlands Township.

The Pavilion to Host The US Army Field Band at Woodlands Church, Oct. 22

The internationally acclaimed United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus of Washington, DC will continue its long tradition of presenting free public performances when it appears at Woodlands Church located at 1 Fellowship Dr on Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6 p.m. This is a free event and tickets are not required.

Spooky fun awaits at Children's Museum Houston for Halloween

Calling all boos, ghouls, and little monsters! Children’s Museum Houston stirs up a cauldron-full of frightfully fun activities as it transforms into the BOOseum just in time for Halloween, Oct. 12 to 31, 2024!   Whether you love creepy crawlers or ghostly games, the museum has conjured up a spook-tacular mash-up of events that will make your spine tingle and your heart race with excitement!  Make no bones about it!

20++ Halloween movies to watch at home this month

Ready to get into the Halloween spirit with some scary movies (and some not-so-scary ones)? Here's a short list of animated favorites for little kids and another list of live-action movies that might be best suited for the older crowd. Either way, you're in for a spooky good time! Note, there are no horror / thriller movies on this list, because it's not that type of party :-)

Halloween at The Y Trunk ‘n’ Treat and Glow Party - October 25, 2024

Put your costumes on, gather your friends and family, and join The Woodlands Family YMCA for the annual Halloween at the Y Trunk ‘n’ Treat event. YMCAs across the city are planning community events where families can bring their children to enjoy the fall season in a fun and safe environment.

Market Street donates $10K to Walk to End Alzheimer's in The Woodlands

As part of its Change for Charity initiative, Market Street and The Woodlands Car Club recently donated $10,000 to Walk to End Alzheimer’s in The Woodlands. The funds were raised by Market Street patrons and The Woodlands Car Club event attendees during the third quarter of 2024 and will assist the organization, which has a mission to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support and advance research toward methods of prevention, treatment and, ultimately, a...

It's time to Celebrate The Woodlands' 50th Anniversary, Oct. 14-19

Hey Woodlands mommies... It's time to GET EXCITED! The Woodlands is 50 years old this year, and the countdown to the festivities has begun! Below is a look at everything that's happening this week. Please note, some events are private / for media only, but you'll definitely want to mark your calendars for The Day of Giving, the 50th Concert Celebration, The Grand Public Celebration, and the Wildflower Festival. All details are listed below. Be sure to watch Read more

Kick Off Spooky Season at The Pavilion's Hocus Pocus Pops, October 17, 2024

Get ready for tricks, treats and symphonic suites at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s Hocus Pocus Pops Thursday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Woodforest National Bank, the night will feature the Houston Symphony in a mesmerizing performance of horrifying horns, bewitching bassoons and chilling cellos. Tickets are not required for this completely free event and gates open at 6 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show.

On Your Mark. Get Set. Corgi Racing returns to Kirby Ice House, November 2, 2024

Houston’s favorite 20-yard dog race is back at Kirby Ice House next month with a fun-filled afternoon of food trucks, crawfish, backyard games, and most importantly, Corgi Racing with the top four pups taking home prizes. 

Incorporate these cute ideas into your Family's Fall Photo Shoot

Say cheese! Fall season is here, and mother nature has given us beautiful hues to serve as the perfect backdrop for fall family pictures!  Let's take some photos, shall we? But first... do you want the kids to look straight at the camera and fake a smile, or do you want a natural, fun, "autumn rocks" type of vibe?

I knew you'd choose the latter! Whether you're doing the shoot yourself or hiring a professional photographer, here are some fall family...

Editor's Pick: Best-Selling Fall Story for Kids - The Leaf Thief

OMGoodness, you guys! I've already written an ENTIRE other article with fall picture book picks for your kiddos, but I just read a new one and it's so cute and comical that I needed to tell you about it! The Leaf Thief is an adorable book about a squirrel who loves counting the leaves on his tree. But then, one day, he finds that one of his leaves is missing.

MCMLS Central Library in Conroe announces new public hours

The Montgomery County Memorial System Central Library in Conroe will have new public hours beginning October 21, 2024. The hours affect closing times Monday through Thursday and Saturday hours.

The Pavilion Donates 102 Arts Books to Celebrate Namesake's Birthday

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is excited to announce the purchase and donation of one hundred and two arts-related books in celebration of its namesake’s birthday. Cynthia Woods Mitchell would have celebrated her 102nd birthday on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Dress to impress this fall! Here are 11 trendy picks from our Editors!

Fall is here, and you need a new wardrobe! When you step out this season, you’ll want to be dressed to impressed, because life is TOO SHORT to be mediocre. Jazz up the wardrobe with these fabulous finds that are hand-picked for our readers (affiliate links below!):

Classic Christmas coming to Houston's Memorial City Mall

Step into a world of Real Holiday Magic at Coca-Cola's Classic Christmas, coming to Houston's Memorial City Mall November 16-December 29, 2024. Tickets are now on sale. Crafted by the creators of the renowned World's Largest Christmas Light Maze, Enchant Christmas, this immersive holiday celebration promises to create unforgettable moments of togetherness and joy at this beloved time of year.

Hey Homeschoolers - Check out these upcoming "Homeschool Days"

Homeschool Day is coming up at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier, Houston’s Downtown Aquarium, George Ranch Historical Park, Moody Gardens, and Space Center Houston!

It’s a blessing to be able to leave the house and have fun with other local homeschoolers. And you don’t have to be part of an organized homeschool group or co-op to take advantage of many of the opportunities available throughout the Greater Houston area. Take these upcoming Homeschool Days, for example. All you do is register and show...

Get these 10 Delightful Picture Books that Celebrate Fall

One of the thrills of the autumn season is cozing up to enjoy fun books. Here are our Editor's Picks of 10 great reads for your child this season! (Affiliate links below for ease in shopping.) 

Do these things to kickstart the fall season

You've waited all this time for the official season that promises cooler weather, fun activities, and cozy mornings. Now that it's here (Sunday, Sept. 22), how are you planning to make a ruckus about it? The change in season is always worthy of celebration, especially when you have an eager child at home who loves soaking up new ideas and traditions.

Below are a handful of activities you can do the first week of fall to kicktart this beautiful, carefree time...

Exclusive! Your 2024 Guide to Fall in The Woodlands

Fall festivals, trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches, and more! Here's your guide to the best that The Woodlands has to offer during the fall! Check often, as more listings are added weekly. Have a fun autumn season with your family!

City Place October programming highlights: Water Lantern Festival, new art installation, more

Fall fun arrives at north Houston’s City Place in October, where an exciting lineup of family-friendly activities will take place on and around the community’s central Plaza at 1250 Lake Plaza Drive – Spring, TX 77389.

Water Lantern Festival makes its sparkling seasonal return to City Place on October 5 from 4:30-8:30 pm. A community favorite, the event showcases food trucks, live music and the opportunity for attendees to design and send off their own LED candle-lit lanterns...

Pirate 'n Mermaid Day at The Woodlands Children’s Museum, Sept. 21, 2024

Ahoy Mateys! Set sail for an adventure on Pirate 'n Mermaid Day, Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 10:00am until 2:00pm. During this event that celebrates the magical world of pirates and mermaids, The Woodlands Children's Museum exhibits will be open for play, including The Muse art bar where children can create a unique pirate hat or mermaid mask. In the Light Lab, children can engage in hands-on opportunities that explore color and shape recognition through sorting and matching of nautical...

The Woodlands 2024 Fall Action Guide

The Woodlands Fall 2024 Action Guide is now live! If you're looking for extracurricular activities for you or your child this season, the fall guide is one of the places you should definitely check first. Along with special Halloween/ autumn / race events & news, there are classes, swim programs, adult athletics, campouts, and SO MUCH MORE featured in this 36-page resource!

Your Teens & Tweens will love these cute and effective pimple patches

Woweee! Where were these cute pimple patches when I was an adolescent? As a youngster, when I needed a quick zit removal, I used a big glob of toothpaste, which also meant I wasn't going anywhere in public for the next 12 hours.  

Well, times have surely changed, and turns out there's a smarter way to gain clearer-looking skin! These grace & stella Pimple Patches are almost too cute to be true, and I dare say they...

Dragon Boat Races return to The Woodlands, September 26-28

For the 25th year, Dragon Boat races return to The Woodlands! The YMCA is proud to announce that Repsol is returning as the presenting sponsor, a partnership that began in 2015. 

"As a multi-energy company committed to empowering our communities, we are proud to sponsor the 2024 Dragon Boat event in partnership with the YMCA. This initiative not only strengthens community bonds but also aligns with our values of supporting wellness, teamwork, and social responsibility. Together, we're rowing towards a brighter...

My EXQUISITE trip to Latin America... right here in The Woodlands!

I'm still sooo amazingly full and satisfied from the dinner + retreat I had three days ago!

I say "retreat," because that's what the eclectic dining experience at Costa Fina Latin Coastal Kitchen feels like. Frankly, it’s what it looks like, too. Get a taste of this:

SCENE FIT FOR A QUEEN

The evening began with a gorgeous, flawlessly designed setting, an exotic, well-thought-out menu of delicious scratch-made food (flavors inspired by Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and other Latin American...

The Pavilion and Woodlands Symphony Once Upon a Symphony, September 18, 2024

Guests are invited to join in for an enchanting adventure with The Cynthia Woodlands Pavilion and Woodlands Symphony Orchestra at Once Upon a Symphony Wednesday, September 18, 2024. This family-friendly concert will be packed with stories that have inspired generations, including classical and popular music selections from Sleeping Beauty, The Chronicles of Narnia, Disney’s Tangled, Lord of the Rings, The Wizard of Oz and more. Tickets are not required for this completely free event and gates open at 6:30 p.m...

Game Show Battle Rooms Brings the Ultimate Game Show Experience to Shenandoah

Game Show Battle Rooms, the innovative entertainment destination that combines the thrill of live game shows with interactive fun, is excited to announce its official opening in Shenandoah’s Metropark Square. This exciting venue promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. Located at 8980 Metropark Drive, Game Show Battle Rooms offers a unique entertainment experience where participants can step into the spotlight and compete in their favorite game show formats. From classic survey challenges to high-energy physical...

From The Woodlands to Austin, TX - Family-Friendly road trip for September

The hot, sunny days are drawing to a close, making way for a cool and fresh autumn, the perfect recipe for an exciting road trip to Austin, the Capitol of Texas. But wait.. “What's in Austin?” you might be asking. In 3 words, ALL THE THINGS. From performing arts to museums and more, it's easy to keep yourself and your family occupied in this beautiful city that prides itself at being kinda quirky and "weird".

MCMLS Gets New Truck for Improved Services

The Montgomery County Memorial Library has a new truck to help them deliver items from branch to branch. The 2024 Chevrolet box truck is a much needed replacement vehicle purchased with this year’s County budget funds.

Calling all Fathers and Sons!

The grind only stops if you do! In today’s world, you have to be exceptionally intentional to carve out time for the people you love most, and in the chaos of everyday life, it’s easy to let those meaningful moments slip away. That’s why Camp Cho-yeh is thrilled to invite you to join in for their 2024 Father Son Weekend! This isn’t just another event—it’s a crucial opportunity to step away, focus on what truly matters, and invest in the relationship...

Get Ready for a “Barnyard Bash” at Children’s Festival, November 9-10, 2024

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is transforming into a giant playground for the annual Children’s Festival presented by Texas Children’s Hospital—The Woodlands and the whole family is invited to come have some fun down on the farm! Tickets are now on sale for this year’s “Barnyard Bash” festival which will take place on Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 10 from Noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and includes all performances...

20 Ways to Practice Wellness in The Woodlands

It’s that time again! (“Umm, what time again?” you’re probably wondering.) Well, aside from being the first week of September, it’s that time when most of our lovely green trees start pretending to turn red and orange, when the weather is no longer threatening to hit triple digits (knock on wood), and when you’re finally starting to regret not sticking through with your healthful eating plan that you made at the beginning of the year (or...

Our Editors found these Labor Day Deals for new mommies

Woodlands mommies love a good shopping weekend, and Labor Day is no exception. But be careful! Everything that LOOKS like a great deal isn't. Rather than try to post all the might-be-a-good-deal-but-probably-not-deals, we focused on a few Amazon favorites that are well-priced for new moms and moms-to-be. Happy Shopping!

Sign Up for Camp Cho-Yeh’s Mother Daughter Weekend!

Hey, Woodlands moms! I’m so excited to share that my daughter and I will be heading to Camp Cho-Yeh this fall for their Mother Daughter Weekend—and I’d love for you and your daughters to come too! This weekend is all about creating special memories, enjoying the beautiful outdoors, and spending some quality time together. I can’t wait to experience all the fun and connection that Camp Cho-Yeh has to offer, and I know it’s going to be a blast.

Bricks & Minifigs - Now serving The Woodlands, plus there's a party room!

Did you know there are over 400 billion LEGO bricks in the world? And every day another 125 million bricks are made! What do we do when our kids outgrow them, lose interest, or perhaps simply want to add to their collection?

I found the answer, and it’s right here in The Woodlands. Bricks & Minifigs, BAM for short - is now open serving communities in North Houston. (Although, at the Grand Opening there was at least one...

Dress your child to Impress with these 4 local spots for the cutest kids clothes!

They’re kids only once, and pretty soon they might be rejecting all your fashion choices, I’m sorry to tell you. For now, though, you have your own ideas about how they should dress, and "cutie patootie" is the name of the game!

Lucky you! The Woodlands area has several options for cute, fashionable, and high-quality kids clothing, shoes, and other boutique items. Here are 3 of our favorites:

Market Street Announces Fall 2024 Concert Series

Live music at Market Street is back as the Fall Concert Series lineup features artists performing Top 40, jazz, Latin, cover favorites and more, every Thursday, September 19 through October 24 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Market Street’s 2024 Fall Concert Series is always free and open to the public. Guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs and sit back, relax, and enjoy the performances.

Fall 2024 Concert in the Park series at Northshore Park

The Woodlands Township proudly presents the Fall 2024 Concert In The Park series this fall, brought to you by The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation. Concerts are free and held at beautiful Northshore Park (2505 Lake Woodlands Drive).

Bring your family and friends on Sundays from 5:30pm - 7:30pm for a popular tradition of music and fun! This concert series includes five artists covering various genres:

15 Books to Read for Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is Sepember 15 - October 15 each year, and what better way to celebrate Hispanic culture and the contributions of Hispanics to our country by soaking up literature? The beautiful picture books suggested here are bursting with colors and are fun picks for reading aloud to your kids. The Latino community has been on the rise in The Woodlands for many years, and knowledge about their cultures - as well as all cultures -...

Here's how we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period of time from September 15 to October 15 for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements in the United States. I love celebrating this month with my family, because when I was growing up, I thought "Hispanic" meant "you’re from Mexico." I knew very little about Puerto Rico, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Colombia. Argentina, and a lot of the other modern Hispanic counties and cultures. So the kids and I...

WoodlandsMommy Editor's Tips for fixing your child's sleep environment

Well okay, you've read the bedtime stories and have dressed your child in his most comfortable PJ's. (You might have even slipped him a melatonin gummy after his bath, and rubbed his temples with lavender essential oils.) But what about optimizing his sleep environment?

All The MANY ways to save at the 2024 State Fair of Texas

You don’t want to drive all the way from The Woodlands to Dallas and then pay FULL PRICE to experience the State Fair of Texas. That’s why we’ve rounded up all the ways you can save during your visit to the Most Texan Place On Earth this fall!

The Texas State Fair runs September 27, 2024 – October 20, 2024 and takes place in Fair Park in Dallas, TX, a mere 2 hours and 51 minutes from The Woodlands Mall. More...

Young Makers prepare to sell their artwork at Market Street, September 7, 2024

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, fifty young artists from The Woodlands and greater Montgomery County gathered at The Jett Center to prepare for the first-ever Young Makers Market produced by The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) and planned for September 7, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Market Street The Woodlands (please note rain date: September 14, 2024).

The Pavilion and Woodlands Symphony Once Upon a Symphony September 18

Guests are invited to join in for an enchanting adventure with The Cynthia Woodlands Pavilion and Woodlands Symphony Orchestra at Once Upon a Symphony Wednesday, September 18, 2024. This family-friendly concert will be packed with stories that have inspired generations, including classical and popular music selections from Sleeping Beauty, The Chronicles of Narnia, Disney’s Tangled, Lord of the Rings, The Wizard of Oz and more. Tickets are not required for this completely free event and gates open at 6:30 p.m...

The Newly-Imagined National Tour of Peter Pan, October 1-6 in Houston

Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center is proud to present the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN. The Houston premiere will play a limited one-week engagement from October 1-6, 2024. Tickets start at $40. Available online at www.TheHobbyCenter.org or www.BroadwayAtTheHobbyCenter.com, and in person at the Hobby Center Box Office (800 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002).

The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra returns to The Pavilion, September 18

The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra (WSO) will open its eleventh season on the main stage of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion with a performance of “Once Upon a Symphony.” Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for this free concert (no tickets required), and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.

“We are honored to return to The Woodlands Pavilion Main Stage to open our ‘Storybook Season,’” said WSO Artistic Director Darryl Bayer. “Fairy tales are not just stories for children; they are an inspiration...

Easy ways to celebrate Labor Day with your family - 2024

Hurray for the three-day weekend! Labor Day is coming up on Monday, September 2, and we can't wait! In case you usually forget about this national holiday, it's always the first Monday of September, and in many ways it signifies the end of summer break (though summer won't officially be over until September 22.

You're invited to Labor Day in The Woodlands

The Woodlands Township invites residents to celebrate Labor Day weekend on Sunday, September 1, 2024, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Waterway Square, 31 Waterway Square Place. This free event offers live music, children’s activities, strolling entertainment, pie eating contests, and fireworks.