Have you tapped into the magic of The Woodlands Mall with your family? With the right approach, a trip to our nearest mall can be almost as exciting as a day at a theme park! Here’s how to extract the best value out of your next visit with your family.
Indoor playground – If you have toddlers or preschoolers, bringing little ones to run off some energy at the indoor playground (downstairs in front of JC Penney) is one of the more obvious attractions. You can sit and relax (and maybe browse Facebook) as your child uses his imagination while climbing over and under bridges, scooting down slides, following colorful paths, and engaging with other kids. The playground is free, and parental supervision is required at all times.
Pet Fair – Doggy kisses! It’s fun to visit the pet store, even when (especially when) you leave empty-handed. These adorable pets need to be loved on, and sometimes, children benefit from the interactions even more than the pets do. Your family favorites might be the puppies and kittens, but don’t let your kids miss the less-than-popular animals such as the snakes, mice, pot-bellied pigs, bunny rabbits, and baby chicks (some of these are only offered seasonally)!
Starbucks – There are so many “treat” places to enjoy at the mall; we don’t intend to name them all. But Starbucks is a great way to get your caffeine fix while, at the same time, grabbing cake pops for the kiddos. (They DO have the best cake pops, don’t they?). I recommend taking the coffee break halfway through the mall visit as an opportunity to chill out and regroup. Sit at the tables just outside the store (behind Wetzel’s Pretzel’s) and pull out cash for the kids to enjoy the coin-operated rides.
Build-a-Bear – Your child likely has more than her share of stuffed animals at home, but bringing home a new furry friend (that you don’t have to feed) is irresistible! Helping them pick out an animal, stepping on the pedal to help fill the bear with cotton, performing the sweet heart ritual, deciding on a name and typing up a birth certificate, and choosing the animal’s first set of digs is a fun experience that makes any trip to the mall memorable.
Lolli & Pops – Buying bulk candy by weight means you don’t have to choose just one thing. Pick as many different goodies as you’d like (within reason), and everyone leaves happy. Warning – letting your kids munch out on candy while romping through the mall could have some serious consequences because… umm… SUGAR… so we recommend saving this one until it’s almost time to head home.
Carousel – All ages are welcome on the merry-go-round in the food court! Your child can mount an enchanting animal, and although the carousel is relatively show, having a ride during your mall visit is one of those things that just can’t be left undone. Big kids can also enjoy the ride, even if they opt out of sitting on an animal and choose to sit on one of the carousel benches instead.
Barnes & Noble – We know you’re buying most of your books online (or maybe even borrowing from the library), but that doesn’t mean you can’t stop and browse. The children’s department is a fun place to be, with a stage, puppets, stuffed animals, and a treasure trove of all kinds of picture books, activity books, novels, and more. Your family will enjoy exploring one of the few bricks & mortar bookstores in our area.
Food Court – Let’s not forget the real reason you’d visit the mall! For the free samples, of course! (Just kidding, I know that’s just ME.) Walking the food court at lunch time is so rewarding. Most days you’ll be treated with multiple samples such as chicken wraps, orange chicken, bourbon chicken, nuggets, even cookie or brownie samples. Even if you’re not grabbing a full meal at the mall, sauntering through the food court might still be the best part of your visit.
The Lego Store – Get in touch with your creative side and get your LEGO fix! The LEGO store provides cheap thrills for the whole family. The big kids will enjoy scoping some of the pre-assembled sample sets (I’m always amazed), and younger ones can enjoy time at the open build tables creating masterpieces of their own.
The Disney Store – Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo! The Disney Store is full of magic and inspiration, and there is so much to see from toys to kitchenware to pajamas! Be a hero, a princess, a villain! Let the kids try on a costume, squeeze the stuffed animals, or sit and watch the feature on the TV screen. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, and you might even leave with a sticker.
The Apple Store – The store is usually busy, but if you can squeeze onto a couple of iPads, the kids will appreciate playing a game or two or discovering a fun new app.
Microsoft Store – Your gadget-minded crew will take pleasure in exploring tech toys at the Microsoft Store. I always see older kids on the Xbox and gaming consoles, though admittedly, my family has never tried it out for ourselves. Pop in to explore the newest Microsoft programs, apps, and gear.
Bath & Body Works – Is it just my kids, or do your children like to sample lotions and potions also? Exploring the fragrances in Bath & Body Works is an indulgence, to say the least. Most little ones are happy to be right alongside you to sample body sprays and creams. Smelling all the wonderfully scented 3-wick candles can be time-consuming, but totally worth it.
Shop for clothes? All that stuff, and you haven’t even shopped for clothing yet? Some kids love trying on new clothes, and it really is a good way to use up the last of any energy that the kids need to get out. There’s no shortage of clothing options for little ones at The Woodlands Mall – Macy’s Children’s Store, Abercrombie Kids, Gap Kids, Jack & Janie, The Children’s Place, Justice… just to name a few!
