Vacationing in Florida this season? If you're looking for a colorful, kid-friendly adventure, consider leaving room in the suitcase for some muddy puddle rainboots at a theme park ideal for little ones of all abilities.

Featuring six rides, six themed playscapes, a colorful splash pad, and plenty of interactive experiences, the Peppa Pig Theme Park in Winter Haven, Florida, offers exciting adventures for guests. The park is a Certified Autism Center, and a comprehensive sensory guide is available to help make families aware of the services and accessibility options available.

The park’s marquee water play attraction, Muddy Puddles Splash Pad, allows little ones to splish-splash around spouting fountains, slides and other watery surprises, including special water play elements guests of all abilities can enjoy.

Designed for families to ride together, six unique rides offer plenty of options for fun, including:

• Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster: Take a ride with Daddy Pig on an unforgettable adventure in his famous red car. It’s the perfect first roller coaster for brave “little piggies.”

• Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure: Discover prehistoric surprises aboard a friendly dinosaur that takes you whizzing past smoking volcanoes and through prehistoric mountains.

• Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride: Soar in a hot air balloon while you enjoy views of the theme park from above on this family-friendly aerial carousel.

The fun keeps coming with other attractions and playscapes including multiple playgrounds, play structures and adventures such as:

• George’s Fort: Explore the maze in Granny Pig’s Garden while trying to discover what is making that unusual noise.

• Grandpa Pig’s Greenhouse: Climb, crawl and slide through this interactive outdoor playground.

• Madame Gazelle’s Nature Trail: Work as a family to find clues and try to discover who left the tiny footprints.

Families can play free games at Fun Fair and even join Peppa and her family at Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena for live entertainment. Take a break from the outdoor fun at the cinema and enjoy some favorite episodes featuring kids’ favorite characters.

Peppa Pig Theme Park is just 45 minutes from the Orlando theme parks or downtown Tampa.

Plan your visit at peppapigthemepark.com/florida.

Lunch in a treehouse? Sign me up!

Actually, when I first noticed Treehouse Café on FM 1488 in Magnolia, I was passing by quickly and saw the treehouse and the sign, and I assumed that the treehouse I was seeing from the road was the very one people were eating lunch in. I couldn’t wait for a chance to give it a try. Months later, when I finally stopped to eat at the restaurant, I learned that the treehouse visible from the road is an old, small-scale treehouse, virtually impossible of housing an entire restaurant, even if someone WAS brave enough to climb up into it! (I wouldn't be!) LOL, it was a laugh that my husband and I shared as we walked pass the small treehouse and down the forested path to the true restaurant.

Make plans to enjoy an evening of food, spirits, entertainment, and networking all for a great cause at “Shelter for Shelter” on Thursday, May 5, 2022.

Benefiting YES to YOUTH - Montgomery County Youth Services, this year’s event returns to Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands with a festive Cinco de Mayo theme from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 16917 I-45, just north of Hwy. 242.

The dealership’s spacious showroom will be transformed into an elegant party venue for guests to enjoy fun entertainment, delicious fine food by local restaurants, and refreshing spirits, along with an opportunity to mingle with community and local business leaders.

In its sixth year, the popular “Shelter for Shelter” fundraising event is presented by Zach Richmond and his team at Richmond Realty Group RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring.

YES to YOUTH - Montgomery County Youth Services is a non-profit organization that strengthens the emotional and mental health development of youth and families by providing crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention services. It provides a safe and nurturing home where abused, battered, sex-trafficked, homeless, and at-risk youth begin healing from the past and begin healing for the future.

This year’s goal is to raise $75,000. Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships will help fund YES to YOUTH’s mental health and homeless services, which are the top, urgent priority in need of support.

“The services we provide to youth in our community who are in need are critical at this time,” said Dannette Suding, CEO of YES to YOUTH - Montgomery County Youth Services. “Right now, there is an unprecedented surge of teens with attempted suicide, and we are trying to get the message out there that we are here for them. In addition, we currently have an astonishing 160 qualified families on the waiting list in need of our services, which are offered at no cost to youth and their families.

“The funds raised at Shelter for Shelter will help us meet the demand for our services by hiring more licensed counselors to serve the families of Montgomery County and to support the Bridgeway shelter. Many children arrive at the shelter with just the clothes they are wearing. We provide them with five sets of clothing, pajamas, undergarments, shoes, personal hygiene products, pillows, and sheets. We desperately need ongoing support from the community and we are grateful for the generosity of the local businesses, organizations, and individuals that participate in this important fundraising event.”

This year’s sponsors (to date) include Baidy Racine, Black Walnut, Blanton Advisors, LLC, Budget Blinds, City Place Relocation, The Madalyn Cooke Foundation, Constable Ryan Gable, Derrick Bryant Photography, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Fred Greene & Rudy Wentzler, Kean Miller LLP, Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse, Dr. Guy Facial Plastic Surgery, Haynie & Company, I Promote You, Liz Grimm Public Relations, MamaLycha Foods, Mercedes-Benz of The Woodlands, Michael & Vicki Richmond, Moore of Everything, St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital, Starfox Financial Services, Stull Inspections, SVN | J. Beard Real Estate - Greater Houston, PrimeLending - The Sanderson/Olson Team, Texas Center for Cosmetic Dentistry – Dr. Lewis, Texas Engineered Roofing, Tommy Bahama,  Truluck’s, Waste Connections, In Loving Memory of Scott Wolford, Wolford Group and WorkLodge. For the most up-to-date list of sponsors, visit https://youthmc.ejoinme.org/shelterforshelter22.

According to The Wolford Group, which has provided event management since the inception of Shelter for Shelter, sponsorships are available for $1,250 and include two tickets. Individual tickets are $125 per person. Sponsorships and tickets, as well as donations, are available at https://youthmc.ejoinme.org/shelterforshelter22.  Valet parking is complimentary for the event.

For more information, please contact Brooke Baugh of The Wolford Group at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (713) 397-3093. To learn more about YES to YOUTH - Montgomery County Youth Services visit www.sayyestoyouth.org and visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sayyestoyouth/ or call 281.292.6471 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. YES to YOUTH also offers a 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 1.888.756.8682.

It’s less than a month away – the best event in The Woodlands and the jewel of the Texas arts scene is coming to The Woodlands Waterway and Town Green Park April 9 and 10 from 10 am to 6 pm!  Buy your tickets now and start planning to enjoy the TOP 10 FUN THINGS TO DO at Fidelity Investments The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival.

Take your body, mind, and spirit on a journey of self-care and wellness at Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Houston’s “Discover Your Inner Chill” weekend retreats, taking place April 8-10 and April 29 through May 1. 

“Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake Conroe | Houston looks forward to offering these unique weekend retreats. Attendees will experience self-care through many forms, including movement, meditation, nature, food, and a variety of wellness activities,” said Carrie Harmon, Director of Spa Services at the resort. “Our goal is for participants to learn healthy, practical habits during our retreats and then integrate them into their own busy lifestyles back home.” 

Guests participating in the wellness weekend will hear from several subject matter experts throughout the retreat, including Dr. Deb Kern, author of Everyday Wellness for Women and Create the Body Your Soul Desires. Kern will lead a class entitled, “Relax to Heal: Gentle Stretching, Breath, and Sound Meditation.” A Black Belt Nia teacher, she is a certified Integral Hatha Yoga teacher, a Phoenix Rising yoga therapist, and a mindful change coach.

Brenda Thompson, who serves as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer at the resort will lead a restorative yoga session as part of the activities. There also will be a digestive health class facilitated by health and wellness expert Paula Hoffart. Participants will take a tour of the proper functions of the digestive system and discuss how “gut health” plays a major role in your overall well-being.  Finally, Jennifer Burton, owner and founder of a local juice company, Raw Creations, will teach a juicing class to round out the weekend of wellness activities. 

“Each day of these retreats is designed to nourish you, restore your mind, and provide practical guidance for bringing greater self-care and vitality to your current routine,” said Harmon. 

Attendees will meditate, play, create, and enjoy deeply meaningful connections while living in resort luxury and experiencing the relaxing environment of a lakeside retreat.  

The weekend packages include:

• Accommodations for two nights in a luxurious suite with a private furnished balcony and beautiful views of Lake Conroe.
• Freshly prepared meals using local and organic ingredients.
• Integrated wellness activities, including yoga, meditation, and a guided walk to help you decompress.
• Access to various wellness workshops designed to educate and empower attendees on the importance of health and well-being. 
• A Margaritaville-inspired health and wellness welcome amenity.

To learn more about the “Discover Your Inner Chill” weekend retreats and book your reservation, CLICK HERE.