Charlotte's Take: Summer Just Isn’t Long Enough

Admitting a weakness here (oh good, you were sitting down). Sometimes I get a little too focused on Woodforest, especially when it comes to having fun. You can’t really blame me — there IS a lot to do here, especially for the kids. Heck, there’s a lot to do just at the Forest Island family pool — playing “don’t fall of the log,” zooming down the 42-foot water slides, creating a splash with water volleyball. And then there are all the playgrounds, the zip line, Lily Pad Splash Pad, the children’s merit program, the junior golf program…. See, there I go again.

But there’s also a lot to do nearby — especially in the summer when we’re all searching for something to keep the kiddos active and happy. Just a few:

The Woodlands Children’s Museum

Currently open seven days a week, this is where your little ones can pretend, build, explore and learn. And you can play along with them and take photos — all in a comfortably air-conditioned space. Get the details...

Wet n’ Wild Splashtown

No reason to worry about the summer heat when you’re headed to Wet ‘n’ Wild Splashtown, just a few miles down the road in Spring. There you’ll find rides for younger children, thrill rides for the family adrenaline junkies and family rides everyone can enjoy (we love the Runaway Rapids). There are plenty of concerts, dive-in movies and other events, so you might want to consider a season pass.

Big Rivers Water Park

Just UP the road from Woodforest is the Houston area’s newest attraction — Big Rivers Waterpark and Gator Bayou Adventure Park. Gator Bayou is open now, offering a nature center, petting zoo, pony rides, rope courses and a whole lot more guaranteed to bring smiles and a full night’s sleep to your restless warriors. Big Rivers opens June 29 (guess where we will be!) with a wave pool, lazy river, the largest interactive play structure in Texas with 300 water play elements and the Hatchling Hill slides and Polliwog Puddle for children under 6.

But let’s not forget that Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city, and with that comes a lot of opportunities to do your happy dance. Visit world-class attractions such as the Space Center Houston, Moody Gardens and the Kemah Boardwalk. Plus there are zoos, parks, museums, gardens, tours and much, much more. Luckily, our friends at Houston Family Magazine have compiled a list, a really big list. Grab a coffee, your calendar and plan out the summer fun!

Other Awesome Ideas!