Railroad Depot: A Train Haven in the Heart of Tomball

Tomball’s historic Railroad Depot sits where the main road crosses the train tracks in the city’s downtown area. It’s a small, yellow building that proudly displays the Tomball name on the side, commemorating the city’s important railroad background. Today, the railroad depot is a great place to take the kids for an educational weekend activity, and it even makes for an interesting afternoon for adults, too.

The depot is home to a variety of pieces of train memorabilia, antiques and a great model railroad. There’s also train-themed original artwork displayed on the walls, making this tiny museum into a sort of mini art gallery. In 2009, the city added the Railroad Depot Gazebo, a traditional white gazebo that’s ideal for a picnic lunch or even a small event.

There are a few annual events hosted at the Railroad Depot, including a 5K run, a Honky Tonk Festival, and more. For more information, visit the city’s website.

Railroad Depot
201 S. Elm Street
Tomball, TX 77375
(281) 351-5484
www.ci.tomball.tx.us/index.aspx?NID=343

Kleb Woods Nature Preserve: Explore Tomball Outdoors

Combining traditional Texas farm culture with the expansive wonder of a nature preserve, the Kleb Woods Nature Preserve is a truly unique way to experience Tomball and its surrounding areas. Today, the preserve spans over 133 acres full of trees, plants, and wildlife, and it still hosts the buildings and homes used by 20th-century Southeast Texas farmers.

The original farmhouse still stands next to a renovated Nature Center, which features ever-changing exhibits and an auditorium with educational nature programs. The Nature Center frequently offers lectures, history discussions, live bluegrass music, and language lessons. There are also trails spanning much of the grounds of the Kleb Woods Nature Preserve, which attract hikers and birdwatchers alike.

Kleb Woods Nature Preserve’s trails are open from 7 a.m. until dusk every day. The Nature Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and a full list of classes and lectures is available on the preserve’s website.

Kleb Woods Nature Preserve
20303 Draper Road
Tomball, TX 77377
(281) 357-5324
www.ci.tomball.tx.us/index.aspx?NID=343

Collins Park: Enjoy the Outdoors in Spring, Texas

Located just a short trip from Avana Sterling Ridge at Cypresswood Landing, Collins Park has 55 acres available for fun activities.

The park's four baseball and five softball fields mean that there's almost always a game here. And many of them are lighted for night play! For other pursuits, check out the basketball pavilion, soccer field, skateboard park, and volleyball court. Between the two playgrounds, there are plenty of spots to have a picnic, and grills are available, too. Bicyclists can enjoy Cypresswood Trails, while walkers and joggers can take advantage of Gourley Nature Trail.

Collins Park is open Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Collins Park
6727 Cypresswood Drive
Spring, TX 77379
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cypresswood-trails-spring

Dosey Doe: Food, Music, and Fun in a Rustic Spot

An old tobacco barn has been re-purposed to become the Dosey Doe, a great place for food, music, and fun near Avana Sterling Ridge. Frequent patrons of this entertainment venue note that it boasts great acoustics. But first, have a seat and fuel up with a made-from-scratch meal. The chef at the Dosey Doe believes in cooking everything from start to finish, using only the freshest local ingredients. Check out the Blue Plate Specials like grilled rib-eye or bacon wrapped quail. The everyday entrees like the “Ginormous” chicken fried steak with garlic potatoes and gravy will satisfy any appetite.

Great bands are always on tap at Dosey Doe’s Big Barn, including local bands and big acts like the Bellamy Brothers, Crystal Gayle, and Ray Price. Call ahead for advance ticket sales.

Dosey Doe
25911 IH 45
Spring, TX 77380
(281) 367-3774
www.doseydoe.com/bigdoe.php
www.yelp.com/biz/dosey-doe-spring-2

Bear Branch Park: A Day of Play for the Whole Family

When you think of the ideal park for all of the members of your family, you likely envision something that looks a lot like Bear Branch Park. This well-maintained park features more amenities than you can even count, starting with the colorful play area meant for the little ones. Play equipment for children young and old is kept in safe working order, and there are also a number of bucket swings and belt swings for the kids to swing on.

Basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts are ideal for community leagues and pick-up games, and the recreation center offers an indoor space for athletic events. Bear Branch Park also contains a large swimming pool to help beat the Texas heat, plus picnic tables and barbecue pits for afternoon lunches outdoors.

Bear Branch Park
5200 Research Forest Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77381
(281) 210-3800
www.yelp.com/biz/bear-branch-park-the-woodlands
www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/Facilities.aspx?Page=detail&RID=33

George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library: Get Lost in the Stacks of This Community Library

The George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library is housed in a 30,000-square-foot brick building conveniently located in the Woodlands area of Montgomery County.

This community staple contains 102,500 books and other resources, including the latest fiction and nonfiction releases, classic works of literature, educational books, and children’s books. The computer lab offers 30 computers equipped with Internet access, Microsoft Office, and many other resources, and there are also printer stations and photocopiers for public use. A meeting room, conference room, and two study rooms are ideal for study groups or other gatherings, and the library also offers many book clubs for fellow readers in the area. With a valid library card guests also have access to the numerous children, teen, and adult programs hosted at the library.

The George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The library is closed on Sundays.

The George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library
8125 Ashlane Way
The Woodlands, TX 77382
(936) 442-7728
www.countylibrary.org/mitchell.htm
www.yelp.com/biz/george-and-cynthia-woods-mitchell-library-the-woodlands

Let Your Kids Play at the Woodlands Children’s Museum

When you need to occupy young children on a hot or rainy afternoon, head to the Woodlands Children's Museum. Although a bit of a misnomer, this indoor play area is full of fun for youngsters. There are Lego stations, arts and crafts activities, and dress-up and make-believe areas, all with the goal of encouraging children to play, explore, and imagine.

Staff is hand to help direct the kids, allowing parents a bit of a breather. Admission is affordable at $5 for children and adults. If your child enjoys the museum, consider signing up for dance classes and art lessons. Check the online brochure for details.

Woodlands Children’s Museum
4775 Panther Creek Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77381
(281) 465-0955
www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org
www.yelp.com/biz/the-woodlands-childrens-museum-the-woodlands

Public Domain/Freeimagescollection

Forest Cafe and Bakery: Tasty Treats in The Woodlands

Forest Café and Bakery opened eight years ago and the family-run business has steadily built a faithful clientele. In addition to bakery cases layered with delectable pastries, they serve up a flavorful menu of breakfast and lunch items.

Stop by this eatery in The Woodlands, Texas in the a.m. to get your day started with hearty fare like Country Fried Steak & Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes, a Breakfast Quesadilla, or a Breakfast Burrito. Stop in at lunchtime to curb your hunger with a tasty selection of sandwiches, salads and wraps. Options include a Grilled Cheese & Tomato Sandwich, a Garlic Mushroom Burger with Swiss cheese, a Fried Buffalo Chicken Salad, and a Veggie Quesadilla. Save room for a yummy dessert like a Triple Fudge Brownie, or a Vanilla Butter Cream Cupcake.

Forest Cafe and Bakery
3091 College Park Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77384
(936) 271-4518
www.forestcafeandbakery.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/forest-cafe-and-bakery-the-woodlands-2

Strenghten, Lengthen and Rejuvenate at The Woodlands Yoga Studio

The Woodlands Yoga Studio is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate while building flexibility and strength. Classes are offered for all levels, from beginner to advanced, so don’t be shy if you’ve never before delved into the world of yoga; you don’t have to be able to twist yourself into a pretzel to join in on the fun here!

The studio is clean, light-filled, and serene, ideal for easing into the discipline of yoga in a supportive environment. Classes include Gentle Yoga, Yoga Therapeutics, Prenatal Yoga, Yoga for Cancer Survivors, and Core Balance. Trained and certified instructors are there to gently guide you through the movements, and they also offer classes in Tai Chi and Core Balance.

See the The Woodlands Yoga Studio website for class schedules and pricing information. The studio is open daily.

The Woodlands Yoga Studio
25126 Grogans Park Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(936) 271-1485
thewoodlandsyogastudio.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-woodlands-yoga-studio-the-woodlands

Northshore Park: A Beautiful Gathering Spot

Northshore Park is one of the most popular spots in The Woodlands, and it's easy to understand why. This seven-acre park, situated on Lake Woodlands, has served as a central gathering spot for more than 20 years. From late spring until early fall, the park hosts free concerts on Sunday evenings, and the music ranges from jazz to The Beatles to country. The park is also the launching point for the annual Dragon Boat Race.

It has a playground for the kids, barbecue pits, picnic tables, a volleyball court, and soccer fields. You can bring a boat or kayak and sail around the lake, and kids will enjoy feeding the ducks and other birds that flock to the park. Northshore Park is also a popular spot for sport fishing.

Northshore Park
2505 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77382
(281) 210-3900
woodlandsevents.com/parks/panther-creek/northshore-park
Read the reviews on Yelp.

Pin It on Pinterest