It's raining, or maybe it's just too doggone hot to be outdoors. Or maybe it's too cold (who knows – it IS Texas, after all). Or - the air quality (pollen) is just too outrageous.

Either way, the Woodlands Mall can be a great alternative to your usual kid-friendly spots around town. After you find a parking space and unload the kids, the rest is golden.

There is plenty for a child ages 2 to 12 years old to explore and enjoy at our mall! And for you, mom, there are nursing lounges, family bathrooms, stroller rentals, and an abundance of stores and goodies to make the visit with kids pleasant for everyone.

The 2023 Fidelity Investments The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will soon come to life along the banks of The Woodlands Waterway and Town Green Park on the weekend of Friday, April 14 through Sunday, April 15. As a long-standing springtime tradition for families and local residents for 18 years, the festival is a jewel of the Texas fine arts tour and is ranked among the top arts festivals in the country, and has been voted as the Best Event in The Woodlands.

Here’s a rundown of the top ten things to enjoy and appreciate this year at Fidelity Investments The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival: 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common disabilities to date, impacting around 1% of the entire population, including many of our WoodlandsMommy.com families.

For many, ASD can create difficulties with communication, learning, and social interactions. With autism being a common diagnosis, it is likely you or someone you know may be impacted. April is Autism Acceptance and Awareness month, a great opportunity to get involved in the community and learn more about autism. Below are some interesting facts you may not know about ASD, presented by BlueSprig Pediatrics: 

Jerry Matheson Park - the fabulous "tire park' located at 1240 Ulrich Rd. in Tomball, is getting a facelift. Wait a minute. Facelift is the wrong word. The park is getting a COMPLETE overhaul! Last year, when I heard that they were re-doing this charming playground, I was disheartened. "What could be better than an awesome park with TIRES GALORE?" I wondered. But then, I stopped at the park this week to check it out, and I was AMAZED! The playground is completely new and it's spectacular! 

I won't spend much time writing out some commentary. I know YOU want to see photos, so here they are:

Here is a look at the many play structures. As you can see, the second one is perfectly sized for younger kids:

A climber's paradise! Jerry Matheson Park has so many structures on which to climb, including these three beauties. We love the monkey bars:

I can't get over the beautiful rope swing that's large enough for several riders. The motion is side-to-side. The park has about 4 regular swings, some baby/tot swings, and several specialty swings They are NOT all picture.

 Imaginative play at its finest! Toddlers and preschoolers can sit and enjoy this little red train for hours! 

Here are a few other favorites! A zip line, teeter totter, and more!

In case you're interested, here's the master plan of how Jerry Matheson Park when the $2.3 million update is complete. There will be a splashpad, pickleball courts, and other new amenities, coming soon.

Hop on over! Market Street is making sure that Easter weekend will be egg-cellent for guests of all ages with springtime fun April 7 – 9 in Central Park. From Noon – 2 pm on Saturday, April 8 in Central Park young guests may enjoy face painting, a special visit from a balloon artist, cotton candy and giveaways.

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