Spring Break looks a little different once your kids hit the tween and teen years. They’re too old for crafts and storytime… but not quite ready to plan an entire week on their own. The good news? There are plenty of Spring Break activities in and around The Woodlands that older kids genuinely enjoy—whether they’re hanging out with family, meeting up with friends, or earning a few volunteer hours along the way.
Below are some tried-and-true ideas to keep tweens and teens engaged, entertained, and mostly off their screens (well… some of the time ).
*Spring Break is also a great week for your teen to practice small, low-risk independence: managing money, navigating meetups, ordering Door Dash, planning outings, and learning how to use their time well. Don't miss my "Mom Tips" througout this article.
With Family
Places your tween or teen will actually enjoy going WITH YOU
1. Barnes & Noble at The Woodlands Mall
This is such an underrated Spring Break outing for older kids. Grab a coffee (or a treat from the café), wander the shelves, flip through magazines, and let your tween or teen pick out a new book, manga, journal, or game. It’s low-pressure, cozy, and surprisingly fun, especially when followed by a mall stroll.
2. The Woodlands Mall
Even though the bookstore deserves its own shoutout, a full mall crawl is still a hit with teens. Walking, window shopping, trying samples, and grabbing food court snacks feels like a mini adventure.
3. Go Out to Eat (Make It a Cultural Experience)
Spring Break is a great time to introduce your tween or teen to new flavors and dining experiences, especially ones that feel a little more adventurous than the usual go-to spots. Consider choosing a restaurant that offers something interactive or culturally different:
- KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot for a hands-on, cook-it-yourself experience
- A sushi bar like Bloofin, where teens can try rolls they’ve never had before
- A buffet experience such as Fogo de Chão, which feels special and celebratory
- A restaurant that serves Peking duck for a true “special occasion” meal (if you know of a good place, send me a message and let me know!)
If you’re up for a short drive into Houston, things can get even more exciting with highly rated spots like Traveler’s Table or ChòpnBlọk, both of which turn dinner into a full cultural experience.
Mom Tip: Let your tween help choose the restaurant, read the menu ahead of time, and order on their own. It’s a fun way to build confidence and curiosity at the same time.
3. Thrifting for Spring Break Style
Spring Break is the perfect excuse to freshen up wardrobes without breaking the bank, and thrifting is surprisingly fun with tweens and teens.
- Uptown Cheapskate is a great stop for older tweens and teens looking for denim shorts, tops, and on-trend pieces.
- Goodwill is a fun stop for both tweens and teens (and you too, mom), especially if they enjoy the thrill of the hunt. You never know what you’ll find—graphic tees, denim, hoodies, or even something totally unexpected.
- For younger kids and preteens, Once Upon a Child and Kid to Kid have some of the larger sizes and are fun places to hunt for spring outfits at a fraction of the cost.
*MOM TIP: Give your tween or teen a small budget and let them manage it on their own, deciding what to buy, what to skip, and how to stay within limits.
4. A Day Trip to Old Town Spring
If your tween or teen is looking for a slower-paced outing that still feels special, Old Town Spring is a lovely Spring Break destination.
- Pop into the toy shop for nostalgic fun
- Grab popcorn and milkshakes at Popp's
- Enjoy lunch at Lynn’s Table
- Wander through the shops for cute, quirky, and one-of-a-kind finds
- Book an adventure at Armadillo Escape Room
It’s walkable, charming, and a nice change of scenery without feeling like a big trip.
5. Volunteering Together
Spring Break is a wonderful time for teens to earn volunteer hours while doing something meaningful. Consider:
- Montgomery County Food Bank
- Houston Food Bank
- Mercy House Global
- Church or community service events
Volunteering helps teens build empathy, responsibility, and perspective—and it’s a great way to balance out all the “fun stuff.”
Hangouts With Friends
Because everything is more fun without mom and dad nearby
*Mom Tip: Encourage your teen to plan the outing start to finish—who’s going, how they’re getting there, and when they’ll be home.
1. Coffee Shop Meetups
Coffee shops are practically a rite of passage for teens.
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Summer Moon Coffee (Spring & Conroe locations) – cozy vibes and unique moon milk flavors
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PJ’s Coffee (Spring) – bonus points for beignets, which teens love
These spots are perfect for chatting, studying, journaling, or just feeling very grown up.
2. Skating Rink
Teens may not be thrilled about skating with parents, but put them on the rink with friends, and suddenly it’s a blast. Skate Champions is a longtime favorite and a great Spring Break meetup spot.
Trampoline Parks
3. If your tween or teen still has endless energy, trampoline parks are a win. Big Air Trampoline Park is a WoodlandsMommy.com Editor's Pick, and it stood out to me as more “big kid friendly” than some other places—perfect for older kids who still want active fun.
4. Lucky Strike
Bowling, arcades, and a lively atmosphere make Lucky Strike a solid choice for tweens and teens. It feels fun and grown-up without being overwhelming.
5. Dave & Buster’s
Another classic for arcade lovers—great games, casual food, and plenty of chances to hang out and compete with friends.
6. Main Event (Tomball)
This one’s a favorite. The Tomball location is still fairly new, and it's bright, colorful, and energetic. Your tweens/teens might enjoy bowling, laser tag, arcade cames, and fun food and drinks. It’s an easy yes for Spring Break hangouts.
7. Gaming Nights at Home
Not every Spring Break plan has to leave the house. Invite friends over for:
- Minecraft sessions
- Console gaming
- Board games or card games
- Snack spreads and late-night laughs
Sometimes the most memorable Spring Break moments happen right in your living room.
Creative & Side-Hustle Time
Not every Spring Break moment needs to be spent out and about. For tweens and teens who enjoy creating—or who need something productive between hangouts—this is a great time to explore new interests. One of my teens is currently knee-deep in writing a full-length novel, and I have a feeling Spring Break will include plenty of writing time.
- Start a photo challenge or mini photo journal
- Learn basic video editing or Canva design
- Create a playlist, zine, or short story
- Babysit, pet sit, or helping a neighbor
These activities build confidence, creativity, and responsibility, while still leaving plenty of room for fun.
Spring Break with tweens and teens doesn’t need to be over-planned. A loose structure, a few planned outings, and plenty of room for independence goes a long way. Whether they’re giving back through volunteering, hanging out with friends, or tagging along on a family outing, these years are about connection, confidence, and letting them grow.
