Posts in Outdoors

Category: Outdoors

A woman in athletic clothes poses as if she's running inside a public art piece. The sculpture is of a large yellow square, like a window without the glass, overlooking Lake Woodlands at Hughes Landing.

Best Runs with a View in The Woodlands

By Visit The Woodlands on Apr. 02, 2026

As spring stretches into summer, it's time to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and maybe get a little exercise! The Woodlands is home to more than 150 parks and 220 miles of pathways for walking, running, and hiking—including routes for a number of marathons and triathlons! To help you narrow down…

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival at Town Green Park features winding rows of white tents sheltering colorful paintings, photos, jewelry, and other fine art pieces. Visitors admire the displays. In the background are bright green trees and a bright blue sky.

On The Horizon: Springtime Surprises

By Rachael Varner on Feb. 05, 2026

Spring events are in full bloom in The Woodlands! This season's calendar includes nationally acclaimed arts festivals, international sporting events, live music extravaganzas, and plenty of local events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Spring Highlights MEMORIAL HERMANN IRONMAN TEXAS…

Reflections to Mist Mosaic in Stairwell at Sam Houston State University - The Woodlands. The full art piece is 4 stories tall, wrapping around the interior and exterior of the building. This segment (ground floor) is a close-up of bright blue water, bright green lily pads, bright yellow flowers, and 3D coral- or fossil-like accents.

Mosaic Art by Dixie Friend Gay

By Rachael Varner on Dec. 11, 2025

You may have noticed that The Woodlands is home to an impressive number of public art displays, but some of the most recognizable pieces were created by a Houston artist of national acclaim. Dixie Friend Gay is best known for her large-scale mosaics, often depicting natural landscapes and wildlife…

The viewer stands to the left of Santa, who waves jingle bells to a crowd from the roof of a building at Market Street, which is lit up with Christmas lights and holiday activities.

On The Horizon: Winter Events in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Oct. 06, 2025

Winter is right around the corner, and The Woodlands is celebrating with a variety of seasonal events. From dazzling light displays to festive live music performances to family-friendly boat rides down The Waterway, surround yourself with holiday cheer this year in The Woodlands. Insider Tips 1 |…

Kids, teens, couples, and families skate around The Woodlands Ice Rink.

How It Began: Holiday on The Waterway

By Rachael Varner on Oct. 02, 2025

The holidays are coming to The Woodlands, so as the sun sets behind the treetops, watch as sparkling snowflakes and twinkling light tunnels flicker to life, blinking over The Woodlands Waterway like thousands of pinpoint stars. This November, celebrate a new annual tradition in The Woodlands at…

A young chef with curly brown hair, round glasses, and a black denim apron instructs a cooking class (at least 10 men and women of various ages and backgrounds are visible). Various pots, pans, hot plates, and other cooking utensils are spread out on the counter before them. On the wall in the back is "Sur la table" written in large, black, cursive.

Opening Doors on World Tourism Day

By Rachael Varner on Sep. 18, 2025

World Tourism Day is September 27! Established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, this holiday highlights the cultural and economic impact of tourism on a global scale. The theme for 2025 is Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, where participants strive to understand diverse…

A photo overlooking a pond at Rob Fleming Park. Behind a wood fence with brick pillars on the left, there is a skinny, white-barked tree with star-shaped leaves in colors of green, yellow, and light orange.

A Quick Guide to Trees in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Aug. 28, 2025

It's no wonder how The Woodlands earned its namesake. In addition to blending modern business centers and residential communities, this town is dedicated to maintaining and expanding on the area's natural beauty. Whether you're trying to identify a specific tree or just want to learn more about your…

Four young adults (two with their backs to the camera) sit at a patio table with red metal chairs and a large red square umbrella hanging overhead. The table is on an elevated patio overlooking The Waterway. In the background is the Waterway Avenue bridge.

Waterfront Dining in The Woodlands

By Visit The Woodlands on Jul. 31, 2025

The Woodlands' waterfront dining options are as numerous as they are remarkable. With Lake Woodlands set at the heart of the community and The Waterway weaving through it, there is no shortage of restaurants with patio seating and a gorgeous view of the shoreline. Along The Waterway…

A young man (on the left of the frame) stands on the grassy shore of a fishing pond at Bear Branch Sports Fields. He is wearing a red t-shirt, black shorts, a black and tan ballcap, and he's holding a black and teal fishing pole. The water is dark and smooth. The trees on the far shore are various shades of bright green. The sky is cloudy but bright.

Fantastic Spots for Fishing in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Jul. 24, 2025

Featuring 40+ bodies of water stocked with everything from catfish to carp, The Woodlands offers a variety of fantastic fishing spots. Most ponds are "catch and release" only, but there are locations where you can claim your prize. Whichever you prefer, here are a few top-tier highlights to start…

Fireworks over The Fountains at Waterway Square

How It Began: Red, Hot & Blue Festival

By Rachael Varner on Jun. 19, 2025

Today the Red, Hot & Blue Festival is known for its five activation sites around The Woodlands—complete with live music, concessions, children’s activities, and an 18-minute firework extravaganza—but it comes from surprisingly humble beginnings. In 1997, The Woodlands’ Town Center was a well of…