Free Things To Do

THIS IS A PLACE THAT STAYS WITH YOU

For the same reasons many choose to make their home here, families find charm and appeal in spending time in The Woodlands. Here, you'll find a destination perfectly tailored for making memories with the whole family—and all for little or no cost to you!

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The "Why Sit When You Can Play?" Art Bench is a long, blue, accordion-style bench with a rainbow xylophone across it. A young boy plays the xylophone while a swan boat glides under the Waterway Avenue Bridge.

Public Art

The Woodlands is home to one of the largest collections of public art in the State of Texas. From mosaics and sculptures to a growing collection of art benches, there are...

The splash pad at Timarron Park features large structures shaped like flowers with sprinkler heads raining down on the pad.

Splash Pads

If you’re looking for a place for the kids to run and play while cooling off, check out these areas that are sure to be a splashing good time! Some splash pads are within...

A woman's hand holds a star-shaped leaf over the sun, illuminating it bright green. The sky behind it is bright blue with wispy white clouds.

Parks & Pathways

The Woodlands has more than 220 miles of hike and bike trails and 150 parks for you to enjoy. Pathways are a great way to explore via bike or just take a stroll with...

A bright green trolley bus drives past The Westin in Waterway Square. Behind it is a large mural of yellow and orange flowers.

Town Center Trolley

The Woodlands Town Center Trolley provides free transportation along a 4.1-mile route connecting all the best hotspots in town, giving visitors easy access to retail,...

OUTDOOR RECREATION

If you're looking for fun outdoor activities, The Woodlands has you covered! With more than 220 miles of hiking trails, 150 parks, and 100 public art pieces to explore, you could spend all week here and still not see it all. To make the most of your time, enjoy a scenic stroll along The Waterway and a picnic on the shore at Northshore Park or Rob Fleming Park. You can also hop on a complimentary Town Center Trolley to get around town or simply take in the view!

LIVE MUSIC

As one of the world's top-ranked outdoor amphitheaters, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion hosts an impressive lineup of concerts every April through October—including several children's festivals and performances by the Houston Symphony that are free to attend. Looking for something low-key? Check out one of several free concert series! Local artists play seasonally during Waterway Nights in Waterway Square, Rock The Row at Hughes Landing, and Concerts in The Park at Northshore Park, and plenty of restaurants and bars around town.

A woman holds up a small glass bottle on a rope chain to an older couple deciding whether to buy. Between them is a display of more bottles in various shapes and containing liquids in different colors.

During the grand opening of the library, Kevin Brady reads the children's book, "House Mouse, Senate Mouse." About a dozen children sit on the floor in front of him (their backs to the camera). The camera peeks through the heads of parents sitting behind them.

ARTS & CULTURE

You don't have to look far for activities that are fun and educational in The Woodlands. Indulge your curiosity about the world at The Kevin Brady Library and Community Center, find inspiration for your next crafting project at The Woodlands Farmer’s Market, or check out the local art scene! The Woodlands Arts Council and Ardest Gallery feature rotating exhibits that are free to view, or you could create a scavenger hunt to find all 30+ art benches around town!

Inside TWCM is a stage set up to look like The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, complete with tent awning and a tri-paneled mural with iconic landmarks around The Woodlands. The audience is full of families with young kids, all listening to a woman reading a children's book on the stage.

THE WOODLANDS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

The Woodlands Children's Museum offers a variety of educational, hands-on adventures that the little ones will want to play again and again. For less than $10 per person, families can enjoy shadow puppet theater shows, storybook readings, performances by The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra, holiday events, and more!

Carousel

The Courtyard

THE WOODLANDS MALL

Whether you are searching for budget-friendly fun for the family, a quick bite between conference sessions, or forgot to pack an essential, The Woodlands Mall is your one-stop-shop! The Courtyard (between Barnes & Noble and Anthropologie) is a wide-open green space where families can play, watch Movies on The Lawn, or enjoy other seasonal activities. On the second floor near the food court, you can find an indoor carousel. One ride costs a single $2 token, but the more tokens you purchase, the better the discount!