28 things to do with the kiddos before school starts back up

THE WOODLANDS, TX – We’re exactly four weeks – 28 days – from the new school year for Conroe Independent School District, and other districts and private schools are opening in the same ball park. The Woodlands Christian Academy starts up this same date of August 13; both Montgomery ISD and The John Cooper School get an extra day by starting on August 14, and it’s bad news for Magnolia ISD and Tomball ISD, who are already less than four weeks from starting the new year by opening on August 11 and 12, respectively.

Before the rush to buy supplies and clothes that fit after the summer growth spurts, before the heavy sighs of student and parent alike, and before the total onslaught on the average commuter’s calendar and drive time, we at Woodlands Online thought this would be the perfect opportunity to count down these remaining four short weeks with 28 things the entire family – or kiddos by themselves – can enjoy before the start of the 2025 - 2026 school year.

1. Squeeze in a couple more summer camps – The Woodlands and surrounding areas have a plethora of summer camp sessions left, and they pretty much cover every conceivable topic. From robotics to soccer, from pickleball to cooking, from filmmaking to fingerpainting, there is an outlet for your kiddo. While there are too many individual camps to mention, fortunately Woodlands Online has a comprehensive Summer Camp Guide that has a complete list of where, when, and how much.
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

2. Enjoy an old style British high tea – Join The Tea Kettle Cafe for a traditional Afternoon Tea with a modern twist. If you have never experienced this special treat before, it is an absolute must. This is a perfect opportunity to get away from the madness for a little while in a serene environment with delicious tea and crumpets. Reservations are required for this service so go online to book, with party packages available for parties over 10. These teas are available Wednesdays through Sundays,
HIGH TEA AT THE TEA KETTLE CAFE

3. Register for soccer – Challenger Soccer Club is hosting registration for its fall REC program for U5 - U10 boys and girls. REC is all about having fun while playing soccer with your friends. Kids ages 4 - 10 of all abilities are welcome. Multiple locations to choose from. Practice starts late August, and games kick off in September.
CHALLENGE SOCCER CLUB REGISTRATION

4. Cow Bingo Night – Join Chick-fil-A Magnolia for a fun-filled Family Bingo Night on July 16, perfect for all ages! Enjoy an exciting evening of bingo, prizes, and your favorite Chick-fil-A meals. Whether you’re new to the game or a bingo pro, it’s a great way to share laughs, make memories, and connect with the community. Don’t miss out on the chance to win great prizes and enjoy a night of family-friendly fun.
COW BINGO NIGHT AT CHICK-FIL-A

5. Monday Night Hobbying – Suffering from artists’ block? Does your pile of unbuilt and unpainted minis keep growing bigger? Bring what supplies you have for an afternoon of fun at The Adventure Begins. They also provide paints, paper, water cups, brushes, mechanical pencils, and paper plates to serve as palettes to all participants. This hobby night offers a space away from home to work on any and all projects alongside fellow hobbyists and artists in your friendly local game store. The first Monday of every month is also Gunpla Night – come and build some cool robots!
MONDAY HOBBYING AT THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

6. Mosey down to a Sunday brunch buffet at Dosey Doe – Sunday Brunch is back at Dosey Doe Breakfast, BBQ, & Whiskey Bar. Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., they have an amazing menu ready and prepared by their Executive Chef, Daniel Davidson. Adults are $29.99 and kids 12 and under only $18.99.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT DOSEY DOE BREAKFAST, BBQ, & WHISKEY BAR

7. Summer Sillies Circus – Get ready to laugh and giggle with Makin’ Magic with Maggie the Clown at The Woodlands Children’s Museum, with shows on August 9 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. Sometimes the magic backfires on Maggie or does not turn out quite the way she expected, but with the help of the children and a few “magic” words things always seem to turn out fine in the end. Included in the price of admission, which is $9 for adults and children 1 year and older.
SUMMER SILLIES CIRCUS AT THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

8. Recycle those wheels – Have an old bike collecting dust? Bring bicycles of any condition to The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Office on Saturday, August 9, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Township staff will be on hand to assist with unloading. Usable bikes will be refurbished and donated to those in need, while bikes beyond repair will be responsibly recycled. This special bike takeback event is hosted in partnership with Bike The Woodlands Coalition, Recycled Cycles of Texas, and The Woodlands Township. Let your old wheels make a new difference!
BIKE RECYCLING AT THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP

9. Check out The Woodlands Farmers Market – The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill Village Center is open Saturdays, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for its summer hours. Vendors offer local produce, meat, eggs, honey, coffee, bread, meals. There are also local artisans and food trucks. You can also check out the newly renovated and rebuilt village center!
THE WOODLANDS FARMERS MARKET

10. Take a break and be an adult – Leave the kids with the staff at The Woodlands SportsPlex for a fun-filled evening while you enjoy a well-deserved break. Their Parents Night Out on Friday, August 8 runs 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Only $25 per child aged 5 - 12. Pizza and water served! (Just be sure your kiddo has their own personal water bottle.)
PARENTS NIGHT OUT AT WOODLANDS SPORTSPLEX

11. BYOG (Bring Your Own Game) – Have a board game you just can't find the group for? Need to find a new board game for your collection? Come on out to Bring Your Own Board Game Night and find a new playgroup every Friday!
BRING YOUR OWN BOARDGAME NIGHT AT THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

12. Dinner and a show – Enjoy live music on Thursday nights this summer on scenic Lake Woodlands, in the heart of Restaurant Row at Hughes Landing. Rock the Row features local and regional bands playing a variety of favorites from pop and rock to country. Coolers, picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs are permitted. Glass is prohibited. All entertainment is weather-dependent and subject to change. Line lineups feature Brenda Guy The One Woman Show on July 17, The Harris County Band on July 24, Level One Band on July 31, and Flashpoint on August 7.
ROCK THE ROW AT HUGHES LANDING

13. Appreciate art – Now through August 7, The Woodlands Arts Council welcomes its summer exhibition, “Essence: People & Places,” featuring the vibrant work of visionary artist Jim N. Hill. This colorful and expressive collection invites viewers into a world of serene landscapes, cheerful moments, and reflections on the joy of everyday life. Hill’s work has been exhibited in banks, universities, hotels, and private collections worldwide. The exhibition supports TWAC’s commitment to showcasing artists who inspire, invite to reflection, and connect with our community in meaningful ways.
ESSENCE ART EXHIBIT AT THE WOODLANDS ARTS COUNCIL

14. Shadow Puppet Theatre – The Woodlands Children’s Museum presents “Amelia Bedelia’s First Day of School” by Herman Parish as part of its Shadow Puppet Theatre program on Thursday, August 7 at 11 a.m. Amelia’s excited to start school but takes all the instructions she receives quite literally, such as “gluing” herself to her seat by using actual glue, causing some confusion! Through it all, she makes friends, learns things, and creates projects with the patient, gentle guidance of her teacher. Included in the price of admission, which is $9 for adults and children 1 year and older. Shadow Puppet Theatre is an introduction to storytelling elements that allow readers and audience to interact directly with each other.
AMELIA BEDELIA’S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AT THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

15. Movies on the Lawn – Come to The Woodlands Mall every Thursday at 7 p.m. for free, family-friendly outdoor movies under the stars. Bring a blanket and relax on The Lawn, or enjoy the show while dining on one of the outdoor restaurant patios. Plus, you never know when surprise giveaways or samples might pop up. The movie lineup includes ‘Mufasa’ on July 17, ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ on July 24, ‘Pitch Perfect’ on July 31, and ‘Zootopia’ on August 7.
MOVIES ON THE LAWN AT THE WOODLANDS MALL

16. Splash, Sirens, & Snow Cones – Splish splash, join The Woodlands Township for a blast! Come beat the heat with free snow cones, enjoy the splash pad, and meet local first responders from The Woodlands Fire Department and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The fun happens Wednesday, August 6, from 9:30 a.m. until supplies run out at Bear Branch Splash Pad. It’s the perfect way to connect with neighbors, chat with local first responders, and discover how we all help keep our community safe. Bring the family and come say hello!
SPLASH, SIRENS, & SNOW CONES AT BEAR BRANCH

17. Feed the tribe with a Tomahawk steak – Every Tuesday night at Ale & Ivy is Tomahawk Tuesday. Get your choice of a 40-oz Tomahawk for $55 or a 16-oz ribeye with mashed potatoes and a side salad for only $18.99. If you’ve never seen a tomahawk steak, trust us when we say just one can feed most families of four.
TOMAHAWK TUESDAYS AT ALE & IVY

18. Paint a present for your teacher – Painting With a Twist has tons of specialized classes every day, but one in particular stands out for our special family-themed list. On August 5 starting at 4 p.m. is their ‘Teacher Workshop: Read & Learn Teacher’ class for adults and kids aged 10 and up, only $35 a person. Upon arrival, you’ll receive step-by-step written instructions for the painting you selected. Two friendly artists will be on hand throughout the event to assist with paint refills, fresh napkins, and occasional guidance as needed. This isn’t a fully guided class, but rather a creative space for those who enjoy working independently with light support. If you're looking for a fully instructed class with step-by-step guidance from the stage, be sure to check out our other events on our events calendar.
READ & LEARN TEACHER CLASS AT PAINTING WITH A TWIST

19. Dance dance revolution – Join the Texas Academy for Dance Arts (TADA) for their Relevé Summer Dance Intensive, a four-day event featuring some of the top master teachers in the industry, film project by audition, and faculty-voted convention scholarship awards. Classes include contemporary, jazz, hip hop, partnering, musical theater, ballroom, tap, and more. The event will occur Thursday - Sunday, July 31 - Aug 4,and is open to experienced dancers ages 7 and up. Auditions will be held on the first day for the pre-professional dance video project. Select intermediate and advanced dancers will be invited to participate in a collaborative workshop happening during the intensive to produce and publish a filmed piece, created and choreographed by Relevé faculty. Dancers attending all four days will be voted on by faculty to receive scholarships to several well-known dance conventions, as well as a scholarship to next year's Relevé Intensive! Winners from each level will be recognized and awarded on the last day. Guests are welcome to attend the in-house performances that will be designated throughout the intensive at the end of select classes.
RELEVÉ SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE AT TADA

20. S’mores Under the Stars – Join the Houston Astronomy Club at The Woodlands Resort for an evening of sweet treats, starry skies, and unforgettable family memories. As the gibbous moon rises over the water, enjoy gooey, fire-roasted s’mores and share stories around the warmth of the fire. Expert astronomers from the Houston Astronomy Club will be on hand to guide your stargazing, offering fascinating insights into the moon, constellations, and deep-sky objects. Whether you're an experienced stargazer or just beginning your journey through the cosmos, this event is perfect for all ages. Event highlights include a lakeside firepit experience, complimentary s’mores kits, telescopes and astronomy experts on site, and a relaxing lakeside atmosphere. Create lasting memories with your family, connect with fellow space enthusiasts, and enjoy the beauty of the night sky like never before.
S’MORES UNDER THE STARS AT THE WOODLANDS RESORT

21. Hot Nights, Cool Grooves – Hot Nights, Cool Grooves returns to City Place. The complimentary summer concert series is back and better than ever. Hot Nights, Cool Grooves will light up City Place Plaza on August 2 with live music, food, and fun along their stunning waterfront.This event runs from 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Expect live performances from incredible local and regional acts, food trucks serving up delicious eats, beer giveaways from Saint Arnold Brewing Company, free swag (while supplies last), and exciting surprise activations. Free entry and open seating. Bring a blanket or low-profile lawn chair and relax on the lawn. The musical lineup will include DJ Jaime Martinez, electric Latina trio The Tiarras, and fan-favorite Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda.
HOT NIGHTS, COOL GROOVES AT CITY PLACE

22. Meet a children’s author – Author Amelia J. Taylor will be the special guest at The Woodlands Children’s Museum Storybook Theatre on Friday, August 1. She will be reading Don’t Look in the Closet! on stage at 11:00 a.m., and that will be immediately followed by a meet-and-greet, where she will sell and sign her books until 12:15 p.m. This sweet story, the second book in a series, continues to follow a young boy who encounters frequent misadventures throughout his day. Included in the price of admission, which is $9 for adults and children 1 year and older. Cultivate a lifelong appreciation for literature by introducing your child to the enchantment of reading at a young age. Storybook Theatre seamlessly integrates beloved childhood stories with engaging elements such as songs, rhymes, and fingerplays, fostering early literacy skills and enhancing language development in a dynamic and entertaining manner.
MEET AMELIA J. TAYLOR AT THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

23. Family Bingo Night – Experience the thrill of winning together at The Woodlands Township’s monthly Family Bingo Night on August 1 at The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park. Join other families for an evening of fun, laughter, and fantastic prizes suitable for all ages. The fee per person is only $5.
FAMILY BINGO NIGHT AT ROB FLEMING REC CENTER

24. Get weird with Weird Al – Legendary parody artist ‘Weird’ Al Yankovic is set to bring his latest spectacle, the Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour, to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Friday, August 1. Known for his clever and hilarious musical spoofs of popular songs, hehas carved out an iconic place in the world of music and comedy. This tour promises to be a larger-than-life experience for fans, combining side-splitting humor with virtuoso musicianship. Expect elaborate costumes, over-the-top visual effects, and plenty of accordion. Adding to the excitement, Puddles Pity Party, the enigmatic ‘Sad Clown with the Golden Voice,’ will join the show as a special guest. Puddles is known for his mesmerizing baritone renditions of songs by artists ranging from Lorde to David Bowie, all delivered with a uniquely theatrical twist. His presence will provide a wonderfully odd pairing with Yankovic’s brand of humor, making this a night of unexpected delights.
‘WEIRD’ AL YANKOVIC AT THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION

25. Animate your anime – Are you a teen who dreams of someday becoming a professional manga creator or anime artist? Cordovan Art School is here to help you gain confidence as you take your creative skills to the next level. This class is designed for artists of all abilities who want to learn the fundamentals of creating artwork in the style of anime. No prior drawing skill is required. Enrollment is always open; jump in at any time!
ANIME AND FANTASY ART FOR TEENS AT CORDOVAN ART SCHOOL

26. Celebrate Mitchell Library’s birthday – Mitchell Library is turning 20 on July 30, and the entire community is invited to join the celebration. This special milestone will be marked with a day full of fun, learning, and community spirit. The event will take place at the library and promises activities for all ages, including a community fair, engaging storytime sessions, crafts, and, of course, cake. Events will include a community fair, opening day slideshow and historical items, birthday card-making, storytime with Commissioner Ritch Wheeler, storytime craft, and cake-cutting. This celebration is an opportunity to honor two decades of service, learning, and connection at Mitchell Library. Bring your family and friends and join us for a memorable morning.
MITCHELL LIBRARY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

27. College Application Boot Camp – The Woodlands Behavioral Health & Wellness Center is hosting its College Application Bootcamps with Dr. Jeanie McCusker on July 28, 30 and August 4, 6. Take the stress out of the college application process with expert guidance and hands-on support. At the Essay Bootcamp, your kiddo will learn what makes a great essay, draft responses, and receive personalized feedback and the Application Bootcamp will give you a full overview of the application process, letters of recommendation, and submission preparation.
COLLEGE APPLICATION BOOT CAMP AT THE WOODLANDS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & WELLNESS CLINIC

28. Hit the forest with Smokey Bear – Kick off the morning of July 28 with fun nature-themed crafts, then gather around to meet Smokey Bear and hear his story during an engaging read-aloud with local foresters at W.G. Jones State Forest. Perfect for young explorers and their families! Texas A&M Forest Service Staff will have water, bug spray, sun screen, and a first aid kit on hand if needed. Note that the forest programs may be canceled due to significant weather events, or if Texas A&M Forest Service staff has been called to respond to a natural disaster event.
SMOKEY BEAR STORY TIME & KIDS CRAFTS AT W.G. JONES STATE FOREST