wmlogo022021

News & Stories

Market Street requests Lighting Luminary nominations for Market Street in Lights Nov. 18

treelighting
Market Street – The Woodlands is looking for a special child or deserving family to flip the switch that will light the shopping, dining and entertainment destination’s 70-foot Christmas tree as part of its Market Street in Lights on Thursday, November 18.

Nominations currently are being accepted for this year’s Market Street “Lighting Luminary,” a child or family who has overcome incredible odds, made a significant contribution to the community, or perhaps helped someone in need.  The selected “Lighting Luminary” will be on stage to illuminate Market’s Street’s giant Christmas tree and launch its amazing, three-minute light show synchronized to signature holiday songs.

Sponsored Texas Children’s Hospital – The Woodlands, “Market Street in Lights” will attract hundreds to witness the first “performance” of Market Street’s Christmas tree and the more than 25,000 multi-colored lights adorning the destination’s Central Park.  “Market Street in Lights” presentation will continue nightly throughout the holiday season.

To nominate a deserving child or family, visit the Market Street website at https://shopatmarketstreet.com, download the Luminary Nomination Form and describe why a child/family should serve as the Official Lighting Luminary for Market Street in Lights.

All submissions must arrive at the Market Street management office no later than October 22.  Instructions for submission can be found on the nomination form.

Explore Abilities Day - Children's Museum of Houston, Oct. 11, 2021

explore abilities
Children’s Museum Houston
invites you to Explore Abilities Day – an exclusive event for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and special learning needs to explore the Museum.  From 10am - 3pm on Monday, October 11, 2021, doors will be closed to the public.  There will be no music and sound-reducing headphones will be available.  Outside food and drinks will be allowed (Fresh Café will be closed).  Registration is required. 

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Smiles and Fur Friends: Come interact with wonderfully calming therapy dogs.
Event Time: From 10 a.m. to noon in Kids’ Hall. 

Houston Ballet:  Get your body creatively moving with the Ballet’s “Adapted Dance.”
Event Time:  From 10 a.m. to noon in PowerPlay Alcove.

Sensory Resources:  Visit with BlueSprig Pediatrics about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Event Time:  From 10 a.m. to noon in Kids’ Hall.

H-E-Buddy:  Participate in a sensory activity with H-E-B’s lovable mascot.
Event Time:  From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Kidtropolis, USA.

Halloween Story Time: Join for an imaginative, spinetingling Halloween adventure.
Event Time: At 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon in Brown Auditorium

Faithful Paws:  Fuzzy, friendly and fluffy all over!  These therapy pets are sure to bring a smile!
Event Time:  From 1 to 3 p.m. in Kids’ Hall.

WHERE:

Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004

HOURS/COST:

  • EXPLORE ABILITIES DAY SPECIAL HOURS:  10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Special Sensory Friendly Day Admission:  $5 per person.  Children under one and Museum Members receive free admission.
  • Pre-registration required.  Please contact Lydia Dungus at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (713) 535-7238 to make a reservation.
  • For more information and Play Safe guidelines, visit www.cmhouston.org or call (713) 522-1138.

 

SPOTLIGHT - Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens (It’s FREE!)

mercer

The Woodlands is downright gorgeous and bursting with nature, so residents here might not be too gung ho about making the drive down to the FM 1960 area just to check out more plant life. Allow me to shake that thought! If you’ve never visited Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, you should put it on your to-do list for the fall season. This serene, 300+-acre, free-to-the-public attraction is nationally recognized and boasts the largest collection of native and cultivated plants in the region. The grounds are pretty, smell lovely, and water features and wooden benches scattered throughout the botanical gardens make it great place to go just to gain some peace of mind.

Calling all junior runners! The Woodlands Running Club Juniors kicks off Sept. 25!

twenty20 abc59cb7 73bc 4298 b929 075ffbf0c741
Do you have a child from 2-16 years old who likes to run or would like to start running? Consider joining The Woodlands Running Club Juniors, a non-competitive youth running program. Runners are required to log 25 throughout the season during scheduled Club runs. The final race of the season is the Woodlands Marathon 2K, whereupon successful completion of 25+ miles during the season AND completion of the race, Junior runners will be awarded a marathon medal in addition to their race medal.
 
altThe season kicks off Saturday, September 25th at 8 a.m. at The Woodlands High School 9th grade campus. Please meet in the bleachers next to the track which is located to the rear of the campus. There is ample parking adjacent to the track.

alt

This season will have a focus on personal goals, encouraging the kids to think about how many miles they want to achieve by the end of the season. Many runners pass the 25 mile goal early in the season and they are encouraged to set up a new personal goal to keep working on. In previous years, several runners passed 100 miles and many runners logged more than 50 miles.

Runners from all different levels, abilities and levels of interest are welcomed and celebrated. At the end of the season there are age group awards for runners with the most miles in order to encourage them to keep running even after achieving the 25 miles goal. Parents are also invited to join the kids during organized runs. The Club is seeing an increase in families running together... a win-win for everyone!

Be sure to register your family for the Juniors program at: Register at www.thewoodlandsrunningclub.org

YMCA Forever Young Senior Open House and Vendor Fair September 28

YMCA Seniors
The Woodlands Family YMCA invites senior adults to stop by and experience the YMCA on Tuesday, September 28th. The Open House and Vendor Fair, presented by Friendly Faces Senior Care, will give Forever Young seniors a chance to see what the YMCA has to offer, such as wellness classes, social gatherings, volunteering and learning opportunities.

The Woodlands Family YMCA Open House for Seniors’ and their guests, will be held from 11:00 am–12:30 pm, outside under the trees, at the Shadowbend YMCA location. Free t-shirts will be given to the first 200 guests. Planned activities include a vendor fair, games, refreshments, information on Y senior programs, senior services, tours, door prizes, give-aways, a light lunch and much more. In addition, there will be a bingo social from 1:00–3:00 pm.

“The National Institute on Aging finds that staying physically active and exercising regularly can help prevent or delay some diseases and disabilities as people grow older,” said Roxanne Davis, YMCA Community Liaison. “We encourage everyone to stay active, no matter their age. Physical activity improves strength, energy and flexibility. Growing older shouldn’t have to mean losing strength or the ability to perform everyday tasks and the other enjoyable activities. The Fun Never Retires at the YMCA!”

The YMCA helps older adults remain active and vital contributors to our communities. The Y has fitness classes specifically designed for older adults. They give participants an opportunity to stay physically active, or in some cases, to overcome their fear of exercise and begin being physically active. Y ForeverWell programming accommodates a wide variety of interests and functional abilities of older adults as well as social opportunities, including:

 Water Exercise, ForeverWell Group Exercise Classes. ForeverWell Strength and Conditioning

 Balance and Fall Prevention, Seniors/Beginning Yoga, Line Dancing and Zumba

 Social gatherings including Lunch and Learns, lunch and dinner outings, field trips, concerts, plays and much more.

Bring friends and join the YMCA at the  Senior Open House. Admission is FREE and YMCA membership is not required. Wear your sneakers and come dressed to play! The Woodlands Family YMCA at Shadowbend is located at 6145 Shadowbend Place in The Woodlands. For more information call 281-367-9622.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!, Sept 26 - Oct 23 @ Main Street Theater

pigeon
Main Street Theater (MST) is back! The Theater for Youth will open its new season with Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!, based on the much-loved modern classic by Mo Willems. “We are so excited to be starting the new season together, in-person.” shared Vivienne M. St. John, MST Theater for Youth Artistic Director. “I think we are all ready for some toe-tapping, silly fun!” Performances will be held at MST’s MATCH location, 3400 Main St., Houston, TX  77002:

Sundays, September 26 & October 3, 2021 at 12:30pm and 3:30pm

Saturdays, October 9, 16 & 23, 2021 at 10:30am and 1:30pm.

Recommended for Pre-Kindergarten and older. All tickets are on sale via phone at 713.524.6706 or online at MainStreetTheater.com. Tickets are $18 - $28. Group rates are available. No children under 3 are admitted in the theater (including sleeping babies). Please visit www.MainStreetTheater.com for Main Street’s COVID-19 safety protocols.  (Performances are also available for school groups and homeschools. Call 713.524.9196 ext 1 or visit the website.)

Main Street Theater also offers Accommodations Performances:

Sensory-Friendly / Relaxed Performance: Oct. 3, 2021 at 12:30pm

Audio Described Performance: Oct. 3, 2021 at 3:30pm

ASL Performance: Oct. 23, 2021 at 1:30pm


About Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!

When a bus driver takes a break from the route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place – a pigeon! And you’ve never met one like this before! From the Caldecott Honor award-winning book, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping with its innovative mix of songs, silliness, and feathers. Recommended for Pre-Kindergarten and up. 

About the Production

Robin Robinson directs Pigeon. Eduardo Guzman is the music director. The cast includes Diana Alcaraz, Algy Alfred, Chad Rodenberger, Sloane Teagle, Jordi Viscarri, and Whitney Zangarine.  The design team is Afsaneh Aayani (set and puppet design), Jason Cochran (lighting design), Amber Stepanik (costume design), Shawn W. St. John (sound design), and Corey Nance (properties design).  Kaylee Sarton is the stage manager.