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 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

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/cyclonebill

The Blue Mug Cafe is a fast-casual eatery serving breakfast and lunch. You place your order at the counter, and you're given a beeper that will alert you when your food is ready. Regulars note that the owners of The Blue Mug also own the poplar Black Walnut Cafe, so you can expect the same high-quality food and service.

One of the top dishes is the bruleed French toast, and once you taste it, you'll see why. The bread is extra thick sourdough, and it's grilled and then baked until it's golden brown. It's topped with powdered sugar, a medley of nuts, and the cafe's house-made bourbon amber maple syrup. The French dip sandwich also gets rave reviews. Diners note that the portions are generous, so you should expect to have some food to take home to Avana Sterling Ridge.

Blue Mug Cafe
30420 FM 2978
The Woodlands, TX 77382
(281) 292-2583
bluemugcafe.com
Read the reviews on Yelp.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Carlosficto