The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded The Woodlands Children’s Museum a grant of $10,000 through the Arts Engagement in American Communities program.  Funding will be used to support artist fees and young children’s engagement with the performing arts.  A variety of regional and statewide performing artists, with exceptional skill and experience in interacting with young children, will visit the museum throughout the year, allowing families to enjoy enriching, high-quality live entertainment.

“The arts make communities more vibrant and fulfilling places, help us to heal, and strengthen our nation’s economy,” said Ann Eilers, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to supporting organizations nationwide, such as The Woodlands Children’s Museum, helping to make it possible for our arts and culture sector to grow and for more Americans to have access to the arts.”

The Woodlands Children’s Museum features an event stage with up-close seating that allows children to experience the arts and engage with performers in a unique way not found at larger venues.  Multiple performance times are also offered to ensure performances are accessible for families.  Typically, 15-20 special events are offered each year highlighting holidays and cultural traditions such as Lunar New Year, Tanabata, Native American Heritage Month, Mardi Gras, Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Patrick’s Day, Kwanzaa and many more.  A wide variety of children’s musicians, singer/songwriters, puppeteers, storytellers, dancers and other artists share their talents during the events.

“Early arts education is important to help develop skills such as empathy, confidence, creativity, and social and emotional development,” stated Angela Colton, the museum’s Executive Director.  “Seeing a performer at the museum may be a child’s first time engaging with the arts.  There are so many talented artists in our region and we are honored that this grant will help us bring them to our community.”

The museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2001, with a mission to create opportunities that educate, empower, and excite children and families through play while inspiring a lifelong sense of wonder and discovery.  Additional information and event details are available online at www.woodlandschildrensmuseum.org.  October hours are Tuesdays from 10am-12pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-4pm.  The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.  Admission is $7 for guests over age one, or free with membership.  The Woodlands Children’s Museum is located in the Panther Creek Village Center at 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381. 

Market Street – The Woodlands is looking for a special child or deserving family to flip the switch that will light the shopping, dining and entertainment destination’s 70-foot Christmas tree as part of its Market Street in Lights on Thursday, November 18.

Nominations currently are being accepted for this year’s Market Street “Lighting Luminary,” a child or family who has overcome incredible odds, made a significant contribution to the community, or perhaps helped someone in need.  The selected “Lighting Luminary” will be on stage to illuminate Market’s Street’s giant Christmas tree and launch its amazing, three-minute light show synchronized to signature holiday songs.

Sponsored Texas Children’s Hospital – The Woodlands, “Market Street in Lights” will attract hundreds to witness the first “performance” of Market Street’s Christmas tree and the more than 25,000 multi-colored lights adorning the destination’s Central Park.  “Market Street in Lights” presentation will continue nightly throughout the holiday season.

To nominate a deserving child or family, visit the Market Street website at https://shopatmarketstreet.com, download the Luminary Nomination Form and describe why a child/family should serve as the Official Lighting Luminary for Market Street in Lights.

All submissions must arrive at the Market Street management office no later than October 22.  Instructions for submission can be found on the nomination form.

Children’s Museum Houston invites you to Explore Abilities Day – an exclusive event for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and special learning needs to explore the Museum.  From 10am - 3pm on Monday, October 11, 2021, doors will be closed to the public.  There will be no music and sound-reducing headphones will be available.  Outside food and drinks will be allowed (Fresh Café will be closed).  Registration is required. 

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Smiles and Fur Friends: Come interact with wonderfully calming therapy dogs.
Event Time: From 10 a.m. to noon in Kids’ Hall. 

Houston Ballet:  Get your body creatively moving with the Ballet’s “Adapted Dance.”
Event Time:  From 10 a.m. to noon in PowerPlay Alcove.

Sensory Resources:  Visit with BlueSprig Pediatrics about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Event Time:  From 10 a.m. to noon in Kids’ Hall.

H-E-Buddy:  Participate in a sensory activity with H-E-B’s lovable mascot.
Event Time:  From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Kidtropolis, USA.

Halloween Story Time: Join for an imaginative, spinetingling Halloween adventure.
Event Time: At 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and noon in Brown Auditorium

Faithful Paws:  Fuzzy, friendly and fluffy all over!  These therapy pets are sure to bring a smile!
Event Time:  From 1 to 3 p.m. in Kids’ Hall.

WHERE:

Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St., Houston, TX 77004

HOURS/COST:

• EXPLORE ABILITIES DAY SPECIAL HOURS:  10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Special Sensory Friendly Day Admission:  $5 per person.  Children under one and Museum Members receive free admission.
• Pre-registration required.  Please contact Lydia Dungus at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (713) 535-7238 to make a reservation.
• For more information and Play Safe guidelines, visit www.cmhouston.org or call (713) 522-1138.