Rated ‘ the best place to live in America’ by the online company, Niche, The Woodlands is known for its esteemed public schools, parks, and prosperous job opportunities.
Additionally, the heavily forested affluent district features a variety of wonderful experiences, ranging from highly-awarded concert venues, immersive activities, outdoor fun, and more. Take a gander at our list of the best things to do in The Woodlands, Houston.
What to do
1. Catch a Concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is not only of the most popular music venues in Houston, but in the entire world. Among its many accolades, the venue was named by Concert industry magazine, Pollstar, as the most popular music venue in the world.
The sprawling Houston-area performing arts amphitheater seats up to 16,500 people. In addition to regularly hosting the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, and Houston Ballet, CWMP consistently features a line-up of A-list artists.
Upcoming concerts at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion include Cage The Elephant (July 12), New Kids on the Block (July 13), Earth, Wind, and Fire (August 24), and Rob Zombie with Alice Cooper (September 15).
Ticket prices vary on the event, but its ample lawn seating is very affordable.
2005 Lake Robbins Drive
2. Watch a Movie at the Ultra Lux Reel Luxury Cinema
Decked out with five state-of-the-art screens, Dolby sound systems, and high-tech laser-projection, Reel Luxury Cinema is one of the most lavish cinema-going experiences in Houston.
Opened last July, the movie theater features a curated gourmet food and beverage service if you’re looking for a step up from popcorn and ICEE.
The boutique venue also features love seat-style chaise lounges, privacy pods, heated seats, and blankets for ultimate comfort. The Woodlands theater screens the latest in blockbusters, popcorn flicks, and animated movies.
9595 Six Pines Drive Suite 8200
3. Swing From The Trees at Treeventures
Situated at the Rob Fleming Park Recreation Center across from the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, Texas Treeventures offers a thrilling “challenge-by-choice” experience. This three-level adventure park is designed for adults and children alike.
Seamlessly integrated into a vast network of trails, Treeventures provides an exciting and immersive outdoor activity. With nearly 100 elements and obstacles spread across three aerial levels, visitors can elevate their fun to new heights.
Admission prices depend on time, age group, and group size. Two-hour admission is priced at $30 for adults (18+) and teens (13-17), and $25 for children (6-12).
6464 Creekside Forest Drive
4. Go for a Walk at the George Mitchell Nature Preserve
The George Mitchell Nature Preserve is an 1,800-acre natural oasis in The Woodlands part woven into the Montgomery County Spring Creek Greenway.
Accessed via the Flintridge Drive trailhead – north of the creek – the preserve features miles of hiking and biking trails immersed in rich flora.
2801 Technology Forest Blvd.
5. Get some Goodies at The Woodlands Farmers Market
On Saturday mornings Grogan’s Mill off of Mill Bend Trail in The Woodlands comes alive with over 60 vendors, farmers, and local artisans.
At The Woodlands Farmers Market, visitors can get the loot of fresh produce, prepared food, handmade art, and other unique wares. Ample parking is available at the village center. The weekly farmers market takes place from 9 am to noon during the summer (from July through September).
7 Switchbud, Pl
6. Escape The Room at Escape The Room
We all need an escape every now and then. Find yours at Escape The Room. The original escape room in Houston has two locations in the Houston area, with one located inside The Woodlands Mall.
Their Woodlands venue features four unique immersive experiences where players can test their puzzle, detective, and problem-solving skills under pressure.
Current themed experiences at Escape The Room in The Woodlands include: The Theater, The Submarine, The Clock Tower, and Western Bank Heist. Ticket prices average at $42 per person. The escape room experience lasts an hour.
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr #4006
7. Go Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Swan Boating
Hit the water this season in The Woodlands. The area offers a number of different aquatic experiences on Lake Woodlands, The Woodlands Waterway, and Lake Paloma.
The Riva Boat House (The Woodlands Waterway) and Lakes Edge Boat House (Lake Woodlands) both offers a number of different water-cruising rentals, including kayaks, paddleboards, and water bikes.
Love birds can also enjoy a trip on swan boats along The Waterway at The Woodlands Mall. The rental area is located downstairs between North Italia, P.F. Chang’s, and the Cheesecake Factory.
For a self service option, ShareKayake App users can rent single or tandem kayaks at Lake Paloma without hassle.
8. Bounce around The Woodlands Mall
Currently undergoing a massive expansion, The Woodlands Mall is growing beyond its already impressive 1.3 million square feet of retail space. Home to 200 stores, one of the Houston area’s best malls offers a diverse mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Shoppers can explore a range of popular retailers, including Tyler’s, Urban Outfitters, Dr. Martens, Earthbound Trading Company, TravisMathew, and Anthropologie.
The food court caters to all tastes, featuring snack and drink kiosks, fast-casual options like Panera Bread and Chick-Fil-A, as well as sit-down restaurants such as Urban Bricks Pizza Co and Bazille.
For entertainment, the mall boasts several gaming attractions. Visitors can challenge themselves at the aforementioned Escape The Room or experience cutting-edge fun at Immersive Gamebox (seen below), where motion tracking, projection mapping, and VR create fully immersive gaming experiences.
Furthermore, The Woodlands Mall features a number of events throughout the year, including al fresco screenings of family-friendly flicks on Thursdays.
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr #700
9. Load up on K-Pop Swag at Violet
Violet is a Houston-area K-Pop outlet with four locations in the city. Aesthetically speaking, their outpost in The Woodlands might be the cutest.
Here, fans can load up on all the merch, plushies, anime, and other cultural miscellany to their heart’s content. Violet also features a wide inventory of trinkets, lanyards, Pokemon, comics, and stationary.
Furthermore, the outlet offers gastronomical goods on hand. Options include snacks, soda, candy, ramen, and more.
17947 I-45 Unit 224
10. Get in the Game at Immersive Gamebox
Electric Gamebox in The Woodlands mall revolutionizes social gaming by offering an immersive experience that takes video gaming to new heights.
In this innovative venue, guests step into interactive digital rooms equipped with projection mapping, motion tracking, touch screens, and surround sound. These high-tech environments fully immerse players in the gaming world, creating a captivating and engaging experience.
Pricing varies based on the duration and whether the booking falls during peak or off-peak hours. Rates start at $5 for 15-minute sessions for children, and go up to $35 for an hour of adult play during peak times. Visitors can schedule their sessions in advance.
1201 Lake Woodlands Dr #700
Where to Eat/Drink
11. Kirby Ice House
In 2022 local franchise favorite, Kirby Ice House opened a sprawling location in The Woodlands. Located just a hop away from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Market Street, and The Woodlands Mall, the indoor/outdoor facility features a wooded, 10,000-square-foot interior, endless, dog-friendly patio, and a 141-foot bar.
The venue rotates a selection of 51 beers on tap and offers a curated cocktail list with options ranging from Coconut Lime Mojitos, Lemonade Old Fashioneds, and Blood Orange Palomas, among others.
The venue also has food trucks on the grounds for a bite, with options that include Lupe Tortilla, Boot Shooters BBQ, and Satellite Pizza.
1700 Lake Robbins Drive
12. State Fare
Enjoy a lively atmosphere and picturesque waterfront views at State Fare in The Woodlands.
Situated on the shores of Lake Woodlands, this restaurant presents an extensive drink menu and a diverse selection of over 70 dishes. Guests can enjoy a variety of options including seafood, steaks, American classics, soups, salads, and lighter fare.
1900 Hughes Landing
13. Amrina
Amrina is a luxury, princess-themed Indian restaurant that opened in 2022 in The Woodlands. Spanning an opulent 10,000 square feet, Amrina offers a menu inspired by exotic travel and infused with an “Indian soul.”
Guests can savor a variety of dishes for dinner, tapas, and dessert. Highlights include the flavorful Hakkaido Scallops, Rara Lamb Chops, and the unique Ostrich Seekh Kebab.
Amrina also features a robust beverage menu, including signature cocktails like the Clouds of Alya, seasonal cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine.
3 Waterway Square Place, Suite 100
14. Killen’s Barbecue
Founded by the Le Cordon Bleu-trained Ronnie Killen, Killen’s Barbecue is one of the best barbecue restaurants in Houston. Here, patrons can get their fingers dirty on ribs, brisket, and pork with meat plates, by the pound, as well as mouth-watering sandwiches, sides, potato plates, and other featured dishes.
8800 Six Pines Dr.
15. Bosscat Kitchen & Libations
Enjoy lunch, brunch, and more at Bosscat Kitchen & Libations. The menu is segmented into starters, salads and soups, sandwiches, main courses, sides, and desserts. Noteworthy dishes include the Pulled Pork Hush Puppies the Sugar Barrel Steak, and the Red Velvet Churros, a delightful treat as enticing as its name suggests.
Be sure to explore their impressive drink offerings as well. Bosscat features an extensive collection of premium whiskeys, showcasing a wide range of flavors to satisfy any palate. Additionally, their menu includes a variety of expertly crafted cocktails, a curated selection of wines, and a diverse array of beers.
9595 Six Pines Dr Unit 250
See also: 20 Fantastic Things To Do In The Heights