Rainy day got you stuck inside with your kids? Searching for something to do on the 5 days a year it is too cold to go outside in Houston? We’ve got you. Here are five great options for indoor play in the Spring/Woodlands area.
Located near Oak Ridge tucked back into a warehouse business center, Kangas is a bit hidden, but can be a great option for those of us looking to give our kids a place to burn some energy on a rainy day, or when the heat gets to be unbearable outside. There is a toddler area with a slide, ball pit, soft items to climb and my toddler’s personal favorite, a giant floor piano. Then for bigger kids there is a giant playscape to explore, as well as a bounce house and arcade games. My kids also love the pirate ship, a mini ship ride that they would go on over and over even when I am ready to puke. Plenty of tables make this a great place to get a little work done while your kids play. Or jump into a ball pit to have some fun together. Under 3’s cost $14.99, over threes are $17.99, and each adult is $6.00. Babies under 1 are free. Getting a ten visit pass is an up front investment, but will save you some money in the long run.
If you want the experience of Kangas without the price tag, check out the indoor playground at The Woodlands Church. It’s two stories to explore, with a space for under 4s, and a big kid area to provide fun for a variety of ages. Open 8-4 Mon to Friday, it’s perfect for your early risers who are raring to go at the crack of dawn. Bonus, there’s a full coffee shop as well, so you can get your caffeine fix while your kids play.
A hidden gem at the juxtaposition of 99 and Hardy Toll Road, this nature center is great for outdoor adventures. But even less known is they have indoor attractions too. A recent remodel made this even better. Part aquarium, part science museum, there are animals to observe, like snakes, birds, and alligators, and hands-on activities to explore and learn about the ecosystem right in our backyard. We frequent this place when we don’t want to make the trek to the zoo, or when outside just isn’t a good option that day. And it’s free! Open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9am-4pm.
In the heart of The Woodlands is Play Street, a franchise that creates a montessori style play space geared toward infants to eight year olds. Play Street is a great option for those worried about crowds (they limit the number of children allowed), and for the germaphobe parent, which is all of us after COVID amiright? The staff are constantly cleaning and replacing toys to give kids a safe and fun experience. They have several pretend play areas, including a house, vet clinic, bank, doctor office, and a replica of The Woodlands Trolley. My two year old loves the giant train table, and my 5 year old loves to play “work” in the bank area with the desk, phone, and keyboard. Cost of entry is $13 for kids age 1-8 years old. Children under 1 and 9 plus are free if they come with a paying sibling, and adults are also free. Cost of entry includes a snack, and they also often have a free take home activity to grab on your way out. Open for free play Mon-Friday 9am-5pm.
The Woodlands Children’s Museum
Another option in The Woodlands is the Woodland’s Children’s Museum. They are a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide play spaces to children. If your child is into sensory play, their water table and rice bins will be a big hit. They also have pretend play spaces like a grocery store, fire truck, and house. A stage with dress up clothes will excite those kids who love to perform, and rotating exhibits keep things fresh and new for returning again and again. The museum often has events coordinating with holidays, like their upcoming Lunar New Year celebration on January 14th. Since COVID sessions have been timed so must be scheduled on their website. Cost of entry is $8 for kids over 1 and each adult. If you plan to go often, they have membership options starting at $79 a year for two people. Open Tuesdays-Thursdays 10am-2pm, Fridays 10am-4pm, and Saturdays 10am-5pm.