One of the best values for kids in The Woodlands is the indoor playground Safari Stop, located at The Woodlands United Methodist Church on Lake Woodlands Dr. When the weather is too hot, too cold, too rainy, or too mosquito-y, Safari Stop is a perfect alternative for keeping little ones in your life active, smiling, and having a grand time.
Admission is FREE, and Safari Stop is open Monday through Friday from 12pm - 8pm, Saturday 10am - 6pm and Sunday 12pm - 6pm.
No food or drinks are allowed (and the place is kept quite clean as a result!). Kids are expected to take off their shoes to play, and there are shoe bins to accommodate 40 pairs of shoes.
The sign on the door says "Designed for Children Ages 5-9," but we've been enjoying the playground since my oldest was 2 years old. If you child likes to creep, climb, slide, hide, or imagine, this place easily fits the bill. The playground is unmanned and open to the public, is located in a glassed-in room with heavy-enough doors, and all children must be supervised by their caregiver at all times. (No sneaking off to the café next door).
Tot Spot
Off to the side is a smaller area for the littlest ones, including crawlers. To climb on, there's a colorful plastic hippo and a crocodile. Additionally, there's open space for toddlers to toddle (or for babies to crawl). In the past, we've even laid out a small blanket and pulled out our own baby toys to enjoy while there.
"Big" Kids Area
My one-year-old goes back-and-forth from the "tot" area to the "big kids" area. The bigger kids area is a grand jungle gym - with a rock wall, 2 curvy adventure slides, and plenty of ropes, high tunnel spaces, and look-outs. Safari Stop isn't huge, but it really is a good 2 hours of fun!
Sitting Area
We know our readers LOVE to interact with their kids at playgrounds, but should you ever feel like sitting on the sidelines, the playground features ample seating for adults.
Unique Features
Perhaps the most astounding feature about Safari Stop is its colorful wall murals - beautiful elephants, giraffes, zebras, gorillas, butterflies - it's a true safari, and the youngest ones take great pleasure in looking at and identifying the different animals.
How to Find Safari StopThe Woodlands United Methodist Church is a huge complex and we want to make it easy for first-time visitors to find Safari Stop. The best entrance is on Lake Front Circle. Park at the north end of the building at the entrance to the preschool, across from separate The Woodlands Methodist School. Look for the playgrounds to your left of the entrance doors and crape myrtles at the porte-cochère. Enter the building and Safari Stop is on your left. Restrooms are further down the hall to your right and a great fish tank is at the preschool lobby a little further to your left.
2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, 77380
281.297.5900
