12 Fun Things to Do in The Woodlands Area - Outside Edition

We live in what is simply the most beautiful environment within 100 miles of Houston. While the beaches of Galveston and Rockport make for a nice day trip, we go outside every day and are greeted by a pine forest that beckons us to breathe in that fresh forest air (as well as, you know, pollen). And though we often have to contend with oppressive heat, there are way too many things to do in The Woodlands area to worry about a little sweat. Here are some of our favorite things to experience outdoors in our area:

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380 Facebook

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is likely the crown jewel of attractions in The Woodlands area. The Pavilion annually ranks in the top three amphitheaters in the world in annual attendance, ahead of such stalwarts as Red Rocks Amphitheater outside of Denver and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. It is simply a wonderful place to see a concert.

We highly recommend passing over the overpriced covered seating and opting for lawn tickets on the hill. You can spread out on a blanket under the stars, and never have to stand up for anyone going in or out of your row of seats. People on the hill are dancing and visiting with friends in a relaxed atmosphere. You cannot beat it.

Disc Golf at Bear Branch Sports Park

5205 Research Forest Drive Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381 Facebook

We've devoted a whole page to traditional golf courses in and around The Woodlands area. But if you are a fan of disc golf, you also have an increasing number of options across our community. Bear Branch Sports Park was the first disc golf track in the area (est. 1994), and it's 18 holes is still the most popular.

Most folks would agree that the 28 holes of disc golf are more heavily traversed than the nine holes of traditional golf at Spring Valley Golf and Disc Golf. Their disc golf pro shop also has the largest selection of disc golf equipment and accessories in our area.

You can also enjoy disc golf at a number of other venues in our community. There are nine holes at Terramont Park, nine holes at Liberty Lake Park, and 18 holes at Stonebridge Church (really).

Hike and Bike Trails in The Woodlands

There are more than 160 miles of pathways and trails throughout The Woodlands. These important connect The Woodlands villages, schools, parks and shopping centers, and serve as a safe venue to exercise, walk, run, bicycle, roller blade and enjoy the outdoors.

In addition to those trails in The Woodlands, there are similar pathways and trails through Woodlandsia, in neighborhoods like Bender's Landing, Imperial Oaks, Legends, Woodson's Reserve, Woodforest, Grand Central Park, Spring Trails, Harmony, Harpers Preserve, and Artavia.

The Woodlands Farmers Market

7 Switchbud Place, The Woodlands, TX 77380 Facebook

The Woodlands Farmer's Market at Grogan's Mill was established in 2008 as “The Grogan’s Mill Farmer’s Market,” a weekly community event sponsored by the Grogan's Mill Village Association.

Their vendors offer locally grown produce, grass fed beef, Texas handmade artisan cheeses, goat cheese, sustainably cultivated coffee, local honey, breads & pastries, no sugar added baked goods, prepared tamales, Indian cuisine & Mediterranean food, gluten-free options. There is something for everyone. The Market is open Saturdays at the Grogan's Mill Center.

Other area farmers markets include Theiss Farms Market, open seven days a week from March to mid-December, Farmers Market on Tamina, open every Saturday, and the Sterling Ridge Artisans and Farmers Market, which is open the second and fourth Sundays of every month.

W. Goodrich Jones State Forest

1328 FM 1488, Conroe, TX 77384 Facebook

W.G. Jones State Forest is one of the nation's largest managed urban forests providing environmental education and demonstration. Sound scientific forest management that protects and perpetuates native flora and fauna is practiced. Demonstration and research areas have been installed to test various forest management techniques, forest genetics, and forest product utilization studies.

Jones State Forest is surrounded by Conroe, The Woodlands and unincorporated Montgomery county on all sides. Each year, approximately 80,000 people visit the forest. Users include schools, youth organizations, higher education institutions, landowners, community members and groups, science researchers, and various professional groups.

Cattail Park (Dog Park)

9323 Cochran's Crossing Drive, The Woodlands,TX 77381 Facebook

There are a number of dog parks throughout The Woodlands area, but Cattail Park is pretty much the consensus Big Dog of dog parks in the area. Cattail and other dog parks not only provide you an opportunity to enjoy the sunshine, but also allow your best friend to do the same, without being tethered to that pesky leash.

Other local dog parks include Tamarac Park, Rob Fleming Dog Park, Harper's Landing Dog Park, Woodson's Reserve Dog Park, and Admiral Bark Park.

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row, The Woodlands,TX 77380 Facebook

Riva Row Boat House opened as the first public boat rental location in The Woodlands in 2009 as part of the rapidly-developing Woodlands Waterway in The Woodlands Town Center. This boat house sits on the lower waterway, and it takes about 20-25 leisurely minutes to reach Lake Woodlands by watercraft. Family-friendly rental options include single and tandem kayaks, single and tandem pedal kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, elliptical stand-up paddle boards, water bikes, and swan boats.

A second boat house, Lakes Edge Boat House, opened in 2016 in the Hughes Landing development. This compact, kiosk-style boat house is located just south of Restaurant Row between One Lakes Edge and Two Lakes Edge apartment buildings and docks directly on Lake Woodlands for easy access to Northshore Park and the rest that the beautiful lake has to offer. Rental options currently include single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.

Rob Fleming Aquatic Center

6535 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands,TX 77389 (281) 516-7348 Facebook

The Rob Fleming Aquatic Center is simply the most spectacular local waterpark in The Woodlands area. Features of the Aquatic Center include a meandering 500-foot lazy river and a two-story flume slide for tubing. An interactive play structure with sprays, nozzles, knobs, ropes, staircases, a slide, and a 150-gallon dump bucket. Visitors must purchase a season pass or day pass to use the facility.

Public pools at parks throughout The Woodlands and surrounding neighborhoods also offer places for swimming and having fun in the water. There are way too many to detail here. Suffice to say a great deal has been invested in public pools in our community.

Spring Creek Nature Trail

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The Spring Creek Nature Trail is a 14-mile, natural-surface path that follows Spring Creek and was built largely by volunteers. It is open to hikers, bikers, birders, and other nature lovers, but motor vehicles are prohibited. Experience the gentle meanders, wetland ponds, and abundant wildlife along Spring Creek - you'll be amazed at what you might see along the trail.

Adjacent to the Spring Creek Nature Trail is the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, Creekside Park, and Rob Fleming Park. On the other side of I-45 is the three mile Spring Creek Greenway bike trail that ends up at Dennis Johnston Park. A little further down the creek is the Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center and adjacent trails and preserves.

Texas TreeVentures

6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands,TX 77389 (281) 210-2048 Facebook

Texas TreeVentures is a challenge by choice aerial adventure course located in The Woodlands on the campus of the Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park. The course is directly adjacent to the expansive 1,800 acres of the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, which is home to abundant wildlife, several miles of wooded trails, and Spring Creek.

The Texas TreeVentures course is a series of physical challenges and adventure-based elements designed for youth and adults . The three-level aerial adventure course tests you in a fun environment with 72 challenging elements and is the perfect place to take your family and friends as well as push yourself to new heights.

Town Green Park

2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands,TX 77380 (281) 210-3900 Facebook

Town Green Park is a four-acre green space that features a large emerald green lawn the length of two football fields that plays host to some of the largest events in The Woodlands like The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival and the Red, Hot & Blue Festival & Fireworks Extravaganza. Within Town Green Park, you’ll find the Veterans’ Memorial Monument, sculptures, a children’s literary labyrinth with life-sized Aesop’s Fables characters, and several of The Woodlands’ art benches.

Also, pro tip - you can have a picnic in Town Green Park while there is a concert going on at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion right next door. You cannot see anything, but the sound clarity is terrific, especially given that it's free.

The Woodlands Waterway

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The most spectacular and most photographed attraction in The Woodlands area is The Woodlands Waterway. It winds through The Township’s center, spilling into Lake Woodlands and connecting all the attractions along its path. We kayak its waters, dine before its edge, and watch the sun set from its banks. This district offers vibrant nightlife, performing arts, dining, hotels, and outdoor green space.

The Fountains at Waterway Square offer synchronized water movement alongside a rotating song playlist. A family-friendly musical selection adds to the already beautiful environment of The Waterway.

Don't miss the Woodlands Koi Garden at Millennium Mew Park. This garden area, totaling approximately ½ acre in size features a 60,000 gallon koi pond as well as a unique wall and screen design that leads through tropical gardens built on two “tear-drop” shaped islands.