When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, there may be no better way to spend the day than by enjoying fun outdoor activities with your kids. And one of our favorite away-from-home excursions is a picnic. Having a picnic can be a unique way to connect as a family, and eating out in the open air makes a meal feel exciting and different to a child. So pack up your picnic blanket and fill your basket with all your family’s favorites while we explore these seven places in The Woodlands, Texas, area to enjoy dining al fresco.

Northshore Park

Northshore Park is a great spot to have a picnic lunch. There are picnic tables and pavilions, or you and your family can sit on a blanket on the grass. With a volleyball court, barbecue pits, and playgrounds for both older and younger children, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

 Northshore Park is also next to Lake Woodlands, so you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and stunning waterside views. You’ll surely have a good time no matter what you choose to do before or after your picnic at this beautiful park.

Location: 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands.

The Village Green

If you’re looking for a place for you and the kids to cool off when the temperatures start to climb, taking a picnic to The Village Green in Creekside Park might be just what you need. This unique location offers picnic tables and shade structures so you can eat your lunch in comfort.

 When everyone has eaten their fill, the kids will have fun splashing in the Sprayground, an exciting splash pad area where kids can play even when it’s too hot for traditional playgrounds. The Sprayground is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from March 1 to Oct. 31, excluding scheduled maintenance times.

Location: 26400 Kuykendahl Drive, The Woodlands.

W. Goodrich Jones State Forest

In nearby Conroe, the W. Goodrich State Forest  has much to offer if you’re looking for a picnic spot surrounded by nature. Almost 15 miles of trails for walking, hiking, or horseback riding await you in this forest. There are also opportunities for geocaching and fishing, with picnic tables near each of the forest’s two lakes.

 Don’t miss the Wildscape and Pollinator demonstration gardens while you’re here; they’re sure to interest your kids before or after your picnic. Also, make sure to bring your own trash bags, as the forest has a “pack it in, pack it out” policy. 

Location: 1328 Farm to Market Road 1488, Conroe.

Waterway Square

Enjoy the green spaces and fountains as you picnic at Waterway Square. This 1-acre plaza has various sculptures and art to enjoy, but the real star here is the water show. The park puts on a dazzling music- and light-synchronized fountain show, which begins every 15 minutes, so your children won’t have to wait long to enjoy this magical experience. The music selections are appropriate for all members of the family to enjoy.

There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around, but please note that the park doesn’t permit swimming in the fountains. Waterway Square is open from 6 a.m. to midnight daily.

Location: 31 Waterway Square Place, The Woodlands.

Town Green Park

Come and spread your picnic blanket out on the lawn at Town Green Park. You’ll have plenty of space, as the grassy area here is nearly two football fields long. This park features the Veterans’ Memorial Monument, sculptures and art, a children’s amphitheater, a perennial garden, and a children’s literary labyrinth with giant storybooks and characters.

Children can navigate through the maze of hedges to find each storybook. The books feature five of Aesop’s fables for you and your children to delight in as you work your way through the maze. Picnicking in this park would be a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with your little bibliophile.

Location: 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands.

John Pundt Park

Located in nearby Spring, Texas, John Pundt Park is a 380-acre green space, perfect for a picnic. When you’re ready to eat, the park offers a loop of 10 picnic tables where you can lay out your meal. If you have a furry friend you’d like to take along, there’s also a dog park here. Other amenities include pavilions, bicycle racks, and playgrounds. There are also two lakes and some ponds you can fish in if you like.

One of the great things about this park is its access to Spring Creek Greenway Trail, a paved, 16-mile walking and biking trail that connects several parks in the area. If you and the kids are in the mood for a hike after your picnic, this is the place to be.

Location: 4129 Spring Creek Drive, Spring.

Burroughs Park

At 320 acres, Burroughs Park has more than enough space to find adventure. At this multi-use park, you’ll discover ball fields, a barbecue pavilion, 8 miles of trails, and a 7-acre lake stocked with fish for those who wish to cast a line. This park also boasts wheelchair-accessible play equipment for the enjoyment of all children.

Burroughs Park has areas designated for picnics, making finding your spot easy. After lunch, you’ll enjoy strolling in the peaceful woods along the trail system. The paths are a comfortable distance away from areas in the park that tend to get crowded, so you’ll find it easy to connect with your loved ones.

Location: 9738 Hufsmith Road, Tomball.

Which Spot Will You Try First?

Who doesn’t love a good picnic? Having one with your family can be a great way to relax, have fun, and create lasting memories together. Our friendly team at Crème de la Crème of The Woodlands, Texas, loves helping families in our area find fun things to do. We hope you have found a great spot to picnic on our list and that you and your family get out and enjoy this beautiful area we call home.

Storytime with Mama by Liana Mikah is licensed with Unsplash License