Ha ha ha! You want me to go where? To do what? At what time of day?
Child, please! Summertime is here, and we're in Texas, after all. I do plan to avoid the outdoors as much as possible during the daytime. You too? If so, you'll enjoy this reminder of some fun activities to do with the family after sunset:
1. Play Glow-in-the-Dark tag. Purchase glow sticks and bracelets from the Dollar Store and head outside after sunset so the kids can run around and chase each other in the dark.
2. Host a flashlight storytime. Invite the neighbor moms and kids over to hear a few stories on the porch. Tell each child to bring their own flashlight, and have cookies and milk on hand to make it extra special. Owl Moon [affiliate link] and Good Night Baby Bear [affiliate link] are two excellent books for this activity.
3. Watch a Shakespeare Play at Miller Outdoor Theater. Later this summer, you can enjoy seeing plays for free during the Shakespeare Festival at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Start time is 8:15pm, so the sun will be setting just as the show opens.
4. See a live music concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. You have a couple dozen chances to take in a show at the Pavilion this year. From rock & roll to The Houston Symphony to Imagine Dragons, there's something for everyone. Most shows start shortly before sunset.
5. Go for a night drive in your PJ’s. Once they’re already ready for bed, surprise them by loading them up in the car and taking a ride around town. If you’re feeling bold enough to give them sweets at night, drive through at Buzzles on FM 2920. They don’t close until 10:00pm most nights, and along with shaved ice, you can get nachos and pickles!
6. Visit the bookstore. – Barnes & Noble is open until 10:00pm most nights. Drop in after sunset and explore books and toys.
7. Swim. The Woodlands Township pools don’t stay open past 8:00pm, but even a 7pm-8pm swim is more relaxing than practicing your backstroke in the heat of the day. Also, Big Rivers Waterpark hosts Waterpark After Dark on select Fridays and Saturdays this summer where the park is open until all the way until 11pm! Nighttime swim in your own pool or a friend's (or the hotel pool when you're vacationing) is another idea!
8. Ride bikes. Wear light-colored clothing and reflectors, ride with caution, and steer clear of traffic! A night bike ride is one of the simple joys of summertime.
9. See a drive-in movie. Showtime at the Showboat Drive-in is at 9:00pm! Stay in or around your vehicle and enjoy a movie after dark. Other outdoor movie options (not drive-in) can be found throughout The Woodlands area. Check the WoodlandsMommy.com events page.
10. Be amused. Main Event, Bowlero, Sk8 Town, Dave & Buster’s, and other amusement places keep their doors open late into the evening so you can wait until sunset before even leaving the house.
