Join The Woodlands Children's Museum for a wonderful celebration that keeps the fun and leaves out the fright! The Woodlands Children's Museum invites children ages 7 and under to its annual fa-BOO-lous Halloween Spooktacular event on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 9:00am-2:00pm.

For over 15 years, the museum has offered a friendly non-scary environment for little ones and their families to celebrate Halloween. This year’s SpookTacular event invites all guests to dress in costume and join in carnival-style games and special activities where children are awarded non-candy prizes.

If you’re the mom of a child with autism or sensory sensitivities, you know how rare (and special) it is to find an event designed just for them. That’s why I’m so happy to share that the Children’s Museum of Houston is bringing back its Sensory Friendly Days program, starting with a festive Halloween at the BOO-seum event on Monday, October 13!

Just about 25 minutes from The Woodlands, in nearby New Caney, sits Lake Houston Wilderness Park, a heavily forested oasis of greenery and solitude. Now, if you’re like me, you might think, “We already have beautiful scenery and wooded areas right here in The Woodlands. Why would I need an escape?” But trust me. Once you step foot into Lake Houston Wilderness Park, you’ll see the difference. It’s serene, peaceful, and feels like you’ve truly gotten away from it all.

The park is conveniently located near the Highway 99 Grand Parkway and Highway 69 junction, making it an easy, straightforward trip. (From The Woodlands, take I-45 South to Highway 99, and then go East.)

Please note that despite the name, this park is not an access point to Lake Houston itself. Instead, it offers its own peaceful lakes, creek, and forest trails for you to enjoy.

Sounds of the Wild

One of the first things I notice when I step out of my vehicle here are the soothing sounds of nature. From birds calling to the rustling of the trees, you truly feel like you’ve stepped into another world, a wonderful contrast to the hum of daily life.

Activities to do at the Park:

There’s plenty to do here for families with kids of all ages, but it’s also a wonderful spot for a couple’s escape or even a solo retreat. And honestly, despite the list of activities below, don’t feel pressured to “do it all.” Sometimes the best gift of a place like this is giving yourself permission to do absolutely nothing, because that’s exactly what true serenity calls us to do sometimes.

• Hiking & nature walks (over 20 miles of trails)
• Wading in the creek (Water shoes are required)
• Biking (bring your own bicycle)
• Canoeing & fishing (bring your own watercraft and fishing supplies)
• Sand Volleyball (bring your own ball)
• Horseback riding (bring your own horse)
• Wildlife spotting & birdwatching (don’t forget the binoculars!)
• Playground fun for the little ones
• Archery (a big hit for older kids and teens)
• Joe Turner Nature Center with special programs on weekends (The Nature Center is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) 

Affordable Family Fun

General park admission is just $3 for ages 13 and up and free for children, seniors, and military personnel with ID. You can pay with cash or a credit card (except Discover card).

If you’re craving more than a day trip, Lake Houston Wilderness Park is also the only City of Houston park that offers overnight camping, so consider a lengthier stay. Options include primitive tent sites, screened shelters or A-frames, RV sites, cozy cabins, Group Lodging for up to 30 people, and even Pavilions for day use.

Below is a look at the Lakeside Cabins that sleep up to 6 people. At first, I thought they were 2-story cabins, but they're actually single story with high ceilings! These cabins are adjacent to the beautiful Lake Dabney and include 2 queen-size beds and a queen-size sofa/bed, a kitchen with refrigerator, microwave & stove/oven, and a single bathroom with a shower with hot water. They also include air conditioning (yes, please!), heating, and ceiling fans. The outdoor patio has a fire ring with a grill.

Why Woodlands Mommies Will Love The Park

As a mom, I find Lake Houston Wilderness Park to be therapeutic and refreshing. On my first visit, I wandered through the butterfly garden and spotted beautiful, large, colorful butterflies. Then, I took a few minutes on the nearby swingset, and I instantly felt young and free again! Facilities are rustic but well maintained, with clean picnic areas, bathrooms, and showers.

Lake Houston Wilderness Park is an amazing place to:

• Give your kids a “screen-time detox” while they explore, climb, and create.
• Plan a family nature day with a picnic and a trail walk.
• Enjoy a wellness retreat of your own. I’m already thinking of booking a cabin by the lake, packing my meals, and making time for reading, journaling, baking, and maybe even watercolor painting outdoors.

Programs & Extras

The park often offers educational programs on Saturdays and Sundays, covering topics like snakes, aquatic insects, and local wildlife. They also host special weekday sessions for school field trips and homeschool groups.

For families who love hands-on creativity, bring along some “unplugged” activities like:

• Painting or watercolors
• Sketching and journaling
• Crocheting or other handicrafts
• Cooking or baking outdoors
• Classic campfire treats like s’mores!

Lake Houston Wilderness Park is a nearby gem that feels worlds away from the minute you drive into the park. Whether you want to camp overnight, picnic with the kids, or simply take a mindful walk in nature, it’s a spot every Woodlands family should try at least once.

I love shining a spotlight on some of the incredible talent right here in our hometown! This season, I’m especially excited to introduce you to Juan Herrera, a local author who lives in The Woodlands. Juan has written a brand-new middle-grade novel, Pine Oak: The Horse Stable, inspired by his own childhood memories and the magic of Halloween in a community much like ours.

Our favorite season of the year is here, and there's plenty to do in 3 short months! Enjoy WoodlandsMommy.com's "Bucket List" of activities to ensure you have the best fall yet: 

1. Visit a pumpkin patch. Dress the kids in coordinating fall attire, snap adorable photos, and take home your favorite pumpkin finds. Use one or two to decorate your home or front doorstep, and don't forget to carve Jack-o-lanterns for Halloween.

2. Purchase fresh produce from a farmers market. It's harvest season, and you're bound to find fresh fruit & veggie favorites, farm-fresh eggs, and handmade preserves and pickles at one of the many open-air farmers markets in our area.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend a morning outdoors with your little one, the Tyke Hike program at Rob Fleming Recreation Center might be just what you need. Designed especially for children ages 1–6 and their parents, this monthly outing blends play, learning, and nature into a two-hour experience that feels both relaxed and enriching.