Preschool & Toddler Activities

Fun Things to do for the Five & Under Set

If you're looking for something to do with the kids, you couldn't ask for a better place to be. The Woodlands and surrounding area is host to a multitude of things to do for the kids and with the kids. In addition to the wealth of public parks and swimming pools, there are childrens play places, kids gyms, party place locations, classes, and hourly daycare centers. Of course there are plenty of free and low-cost community sponsored events and activities to take your children to throughout the year as well. Whether you're looking for something to do with the kids, or just need to get out for the afternoon, The Woodlands Events is the place to find all your kids activities in The Woodlands. We've gathered information on all the places that are kid friendly, and a listing of upcoming programs and activities around town:

7 Acre Wood is located at 4401 North Frazier Street, just north of League Line Road in Conroe. Kids of all ages can play in a 7 1/2 acre old- fashioned family entertainment park and visit the petting zoo, western play town, play fort, huge playground and gigantic sandbox. For the big kids there's a zip line, sand volleyball, horseshoes, mini golf course and much more. Healthy family entertainment that kids love! Call them at 936 890-2326 for more information.

Several times a week, Barnes & Noble, in The Courtyard of The Woodlands Mall, holds story time group readings of age-appropriate books. In conjunction with the story time, there are often activities or other presentations. Additionally, throughout the year during various holidays special story selections and activities are added to the regular schedule. But even if you don't attend any of the story times, joining the Barnes & Noble Kids' Club is a great way to encourage your little one's to read, as well as an easy, FREE way to save money and receive special treats throughout the year. Members of the Barnes & Noble Kids' Club can look forward to all sorts of great things, including loyalty rewards of $5 for every $100 spent on kids' stuff (online and in-store), and kids get a free cupcake from the café on their birthday! For more information, call Barnes & Noble at 281 465-8744, and check out our Event Calendar for Storytimes.

Encouraging development through play and learning, Gymboree has programs designed to support your child's growth at his or her own individual pace. From sensory stimulation to problem-solving games and storytelling, their play-based activities stretch the body and mind. Gymboree, located at 3091 College Park Drive in the College Park Plaza, also specializes in 1st birthday parties through to 5th birthday parties. Contact them at 936 271-2444.

Jumpin' Jak's Play Center

Jumpin' Jak's Play Center is fun for children from one to twelve, where they can enjoy active playing. There's an old west town called Goldrush Pass with play buildings that have ways to go in and out, climb up and slide down, and bridges overhead connecting one building to the next. There's also a jungle safari called the Congo with tree houses in a rain forest, which have passages throughout and levels to climb with twists and turns and slides. Jumpin' Jak's is open all day during the week to allow toddlers and preschoolers to come in the morning, home schoolers all day, after schoolers in the afternoon, and families to enjoy play time together after dark! They also offer complete birthday party packages on the weekends; call 281 537-8833 for more information. Jumpin' Jak's is at 3403 FM 1960, at T.C. Jester, between Kuykendahl & Stuebner-Airline, just a few short miles south of The Woodlands.

Located in Sam Moon Center at 17947 I-45 S. (Northbound), The Little Gym offers a range of classes. Age-appropriate gymnastics are incorporated to increase strength, flexibility and coordination as kids grow. Choose from parent/child classes for children from four months to three years old, preschool/kindergarten gymnastics for three to six year olds, as well as gradeschool gymnastics for kids up to 12. Older children can participate in karate, dance and cheerleading. For something a little less class-structured, The Little Gym offers birthday parties, camps and "Parents' Survival Night." For more information, call 936 321-2828.

At My Gym in the Marcel Crossing Shopping Center, kids can enjoy fantastic birthday parties that incorporate games, songs, activities, puppets and more. Birthday parties can be scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday; the rest of the week there are gym classes for children from five months all the way to 13 years old. Along with gym classes, My Gym offers karate, cheerleading and tumbling. There's something for kids of all ages at My Gym. Located at 8000 McBeth Way (Suite 150), their phone number is 281 298-4141.

PlayTime For Kids

Play Time for Kids offers a basic drop-off child care service as an option for parents that need time to do some shopping or run errands, have lunch or catch a movie. Parents can also use the lounge area with wireless internet access and enjoy a little free time while their children play and learn utilizing PlayTime's open door policy. PlayTime cares for children 12 months to 12 years of age. The hourly facility offers a wide range of fun and exciting areas such as castle mountain, arcades, computers, and party rooms. Birthday parties can be planned around a number of themes from Army to Vintage Tea. PlayTime For Kids is located at 9595 Six Pines Drive in Market Street, just down the way from H-E-B. Contact them at 281 465-8080.

Potteryland

From family time to birthday parties, home schooling art classes or rainy day afternoons, Potteryland is the perfect place to flex kids' creative muscles and have some fun doing it! Potteryland provides the paints, brushes and assistance needed to create beautiful bisque pottery from over 150 different pieces available. Low studio fees cover the studio time, painting and firing; and kid's (and adult!) "pottery passes" are available for additional savings. Potteryland is located at 25166 Grogan's Park Drive, near Grogan's Mill Road and Sawdust. Contact them at 281 419-7965 or paint@potteryland-studio for more information.

The Inflatable Party Zone at Pump It Up, just beyond Grogan's Mill at 536 Sawdust Road is great fun for kids of all ages. Pump It Up is more than just a place for parties - they offer pop-in play time for kids aged two to five weekday mornings and PumpStart, a structured weekly program that promotes motor skills, balance and agility as well as social interaction. If your kids love the "bouncy castles" at community events and birthday parties, they'll love Pump It Up. For more information, call 281 465-4747.

Looking for a unique way to celebrate your child's next birthday? How about at The Woodlands Township Recreation Center! The Rec Center, located at Bear Branch Park, is a prime location with lots of possibilities. When you book the Rec Center for a birthday party, you'll have access to the multipurpose court, skate park, tennis courts, playground and pool. There are two great rooms that can be reserved for two hours for less than $100!

Want entertainment to go along with the location? Why not book a Lego birthday party and let Building Brains entertain the kiddos for one hour building levers, pulleys and more! A Lego birthday rental includes a room, tables and chairs on a Saturday of your choosing (subject to availability) from 2:00 - 5:00 PM and Building Brains entertainment for one hour, all for $250. To find out more about Building Brains, visit BuildingBrains.biz. Call the Rec Center at 281 210-3950 to reserve your next birthday party, and ask for Pamela Woods if you'd like to add the Lego party.

If you've been looking for someplace indoors to take your children for a few hours' playtime, stop monkeying around and bring them to Safari Stop at The Woodlands United Methodist Church! Safari Stop is an amazing indoor playground that is sure to excite your little ones (ages 3-9); the perfect escape when they're stir-crazy from the rain, or the humidity and heat! So awesome it makes any fast food restaurant's playspace pale in comparison - with slides and tubes and rope walls and more! There's little risk of falling from the high-up play set as it is enclosed and there's plenty of climbing, crawling and jumping areas to get your child's exercise and sensory needs met for the day. The room is completely enclosed in similar fashion to restaurants, allowing parents to more easily keep an eye on younger kids. Best of all, it's FREE! Safari Stop is open seven days a week; Monday - Friday, Noon - 8:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM and Sunday from Noon - 6:00 PM. And Safari Stop is available for kids birthday party bookings, too! Fees for birthday parties vary depending on affiliation with TWUMC and are available on a first come, first serve basis for reservations. More information, including waiver forms, is available online, or call TWUMC, Family Life Ministries Department at 281 297-5917. TWUMC is located at 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, in the heart of Town Center.

Wonderwild is the brainchild of local Houston moms who wanted a safe and clean environment for children to party and play in. A birthday party venue, educational center, and indoor playground, Wonderwild has a huge play area with equipment that encourages infants up to children 8 years old to physically and mentally challenge themselves in order to build strong muscles, creativity, and confidence. Anyone can book a kid's birthday party or drop in and play! Open Play is available from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM to the general public. Costs are $10 for walkers, $8 for pre-walkers. Weekends are reserved for birthday parties - make sure to reserve yours early! Socks are required for all children playing at Wonderwild at all times. Wonderwild is located in the Grogan's Mill Village Center, at Grogan's Mill Road and Buckthorne Place. You can reach them at 713 344-5218, or via email: wonderwhy@gowonderwild.com.