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Editor’s Recap: Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO Premiere Night

 

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It was Premiere Night for Cirque du Soleil’s ECHO at Sam Houston Racetrack which is scheduled to run through March 23, 2025. And to borrow a phrase from the younger generation.. The show ate (and left no crumbs)!

First things first: I absolutely love attending top-tier events without having to drive all the way into downtown Houston. From The Woodlands, it's just a 23-minute drive to the big top, located at Sam Houston Racetrack.

Cirque du Soleil always brings a whole vibe! From the moment we arrived, we felt like we were walking into a party. With a red carpet rolled out, strolling characters, and an energy that buzzed with excitement, there was no shortage of interesting sights. From merchandise to tantalizing treats and fun photo ops, the atmosphere was electric. For the Premiere Night, guests were treated to complimentary warm cookies courtesy of Tiff’s Treats and espresso martinis—definitely a nice touch!

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If you’ve ever experienced a Cirque du Soleil show, you know it’s some of the most breathtaking and daring performance art out there, and ECHO absolutely lives up to the reputation! Having seen at least four Cirque du Soleil shows, I can confidently say this one is the BEST yet. Fun, colorful, and playful, it transported me back to my imaginative childhood. Not only was it visually stunning, but there were quite a few funny moments that had us all laughing out loud plus audience participation that made me feel welcome and valued.

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As described on Cirque du Soleil’s website, ECHO is inspired by youth’s optimism, the power of invention, and the value of empathy. The show captivated us with its joyful characters, inspiring music, breathtaking lighting and projections, and jaw-dropping acrobatic feats. CLICK HERE to see a 30-minute reel I posted on Instagram.

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I highly encourage you to grab tickets for this incredible experience. It’s a family-friendly show that everyone will enjoy, (or you can make it a memorable date night with that special someone)!

Cirque du Soleil is located at Sam Houston Racetrack, 7575 North Sam Houston Pkwy W in Houston.

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The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival returns in April

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A beloved springtime event is set to return to Town Green Park and along The Woodlands Waterway® to commemorate its 20-year journey on April 11, 12, and 13, 2025. Organized by the local arts non-profit, The Woodlands Arts Council, the festival's proceeds will directly support local microgrant initiatives and student art scholarship programs.

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New Pedestrian Bridge Enhances Connectivity in The Woodlands Town Center

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The Woodlands® Town Center Owners Association (TCOA), in partnership with The Woodlands Township, is unveiling a new 250-foot pedestrian bridge over The Woodlands Waterway®, near The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Planned in 2003, this bridge marks the fifth pedestrian crossing along the Waterway, further enhancing the walkability and accessibility of The Woodlands Town Center. Weighing 150,000 pounds, the bridge is fully funded by TCOA, reflecting the commitment of the business community to improving connectivity and the overall visitor experience in the area.

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The bridge currently under construction will shorten the route to select event parking lots by 1,200 feet, significantly enhancing the experience for those attending concerts, parades, and festivals near the Waterway. By providing direct access to key parking areas, such as the Blue and Green lots, the bridge will help alleviate post-event pedestrian congestion. The bridge will also benefit daily visitors, offering improved access to scenic paths, shops, restaurants, and other amenities.

“This bridge isn’t just a connection – it’s an investment in the quality of life for our residents and visitors,” said Kelly Dietrich, President of the TCOA. “By creating seamless pathways between world-class amenities, entertainment venues and parking, we're making The Woodlands more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether attending a concert at the Pavilion or taking a leisurely stroll along the Waterway, this bridge ensures a more convenient and memorable experience for all.”

The bridge's design complements the existing architectural elements along the Waterway while providing numerous practical benefits, including enhanced safety by separating pedestrian and vehicular traffic; improved accessibility for visitors with varying mobility needs; additional vantage points to enjoy The Woodlands' scenic views; and reduced congestion at ground-level crossings.

The project is expected to be complete by late March. This installation is part of the ongoing community efforts to maintain the 1.8-mile The Woodlands Waterway as the crown jewel of the Town Center, offering walkable access to shopping, dining, entertainment, residential areas, hotels, and outdoor art.

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Homeschool Hops, Junior Jumps, and more at Altitude Trampoline Park

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If you're ever looking for a fun, affordable way to spend a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday afternoon, you should head over to Altitude Trampoline Park in Spring for their Homeschool Hops! From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm during the school year (when Klein ISD is in session), students can enjoy 2 hours of open jump time for just $10.99.

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We had an awesome time there, and it was super chill. There were no more than10 kids total at any given time (including my little one) during our visit, so the place felt like our own personal playground.

Have you been yet? If not, here's why it's awesome:

The park is clean, spacious, and open, which is perfect if you have younger kids or multiple kiddos to keep an eye on. Unlike more compartmentalized venues, you can actually relax knowing your kids are in a big, wide space that you can easily monitor.

The park features trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball courts, battle beams, and more! Plus, there's a small game room for extra fun.

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Here’s a quick rundown of the 13 zones you’ll find:

  • Extreme Dodgeball
  • Basketball Slam Dunk
  • Battle Beam
  • Log Roll
  • Performance Trampolines
  • Wipe Out
  • Toddler Court
  • Foam Pit
  • High Jump
  • Trapeze Bar
  • Rock Wall
  • Tumble Trampolines
  • Main Court

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I was so impressed with Altitude Trampoline Park, and at just $11 for 2 full hours of playtime, it was a total win for my budget. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to jump alongside your kids (I wasn't on this day, but NEXT time!), it's only $4.99 per adult to join in the fun. Need a pair of Altitude Trampoline socks? They’re $3—but you own them and can bring them back for future visits.

Our top pick of the day? The Wipe Out! It’s an epic electronic spinning arm that circles around, and when it comes your way, you’ve got to jump over it. Up to 10 kids can join in at a time, and my daughter and her friend had a blast competing to see who could last the longest. I also loved that there was always an attendant on hand to keep things safe while everyone played.

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Just like any great trampoline park, Altitude has plenty of seating to keep you comfy. There are relaxing benches scattered throughout, and if you need a little extra pampering, there are even pay-per-use massage chairs to unwind in. If you’re planning to snack, rest, or throw a mini party, there are also long picnic tables perfect for hanging out. Plus, if you're looking to celebrate in style, this venue has private party rooms for a more exclusive experience.

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As with most indoor amusement places, outside food isn't allowed for open jump, but Altitude Trampoline Park has a snack bar with goodies like nachos and cheese, popcorn, chips, ice cream, candy, soft drinks, and Icees.

I mentioned we went for Homeschool Jump, but Altitude has other special jump times and events throughout the year too, like Teen Night and Friday Night Frenzy. For parents of younger kids, the Junior Jumper program might be of interest. This special time for kids ages 6 and under runs Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (when Klein ISD is in session) from 10 am - 1 pm and costs just $10.99. That breaks down to only 3.66 per hour! Just a heads up, the park is still open to all ages during Junior Jumper sessions.

Altitude Trampoline Park is located at 4740 Spring Cypress Road in Spring. And keep an eye out —according to the Altitude website, there's a new location opening in Conroe soon!

All in all, we had a blast! This spot is affordable, fun, and WoodlandsMommy.com-recommended. We'll definitely be visiting again!

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Market Street Valentine's Day Concert and Photo Opp

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Couples looking for a LOVE-ly way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their sweetheart may enjoy an evening concert in Market Street’s Central Park on Friday, February 14 from Sarah Kelly Music School. Additionally, a swoon-worthy photo opp. will be available for guests February 13 – 16.

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Mean Girls Hits the stage at TUTS starting January 28, 2025

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Theatre Under The Stars launches the second half of its 2024-25 Season with North American Tour of Mean Girls—the record-breaking new musical comedy adapted from the hit Paramount Pictures film—will run January 28 through February 9.  Tickets are at the Theatre Under The Stars box office (800 Bagby St.), by visiting TUTS.com or by calling 713-558-8887. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by emailing Christina Benavides at christina@texasgrouptickets.com