February 5,2026

💥 BIG UPDATE FOR INSIDE WOODLANDS READERS! 💥

We’re refreshing the format of Inside The Woodlands to make each issue easier to read and even more useful.

🚀 Starting this week:

📬 Tuesdays will focus on community,

Home, health, pets, new businesses, and a little inspiration to carry you through the week & MORE...

🎉 Thursdays will be your go-to Weekend Guide featuring:

Local events, local eats, food and drink, kids activities, recipes, and adoptable pets and MORE...

Get Ready for Pool Season 2026 in The Woodlands!

Season passes for all 14 Township pools are now on sale, offering families fast entry and exciting perks for summer fun.

Pass holders enjoy complimentary popsicles during Pop at the Pool events, free admission to select Aquatics activities, and the chance to join the revamped High Seas Adventure Scavenger Hunt with new prizes.

Pre-season pool access starts May 9, with weekend hours at locations like Alden Bridge, Forestgate, and Rob Fleming Aquatic Center.

Regular pool season runs May 23 through August 11, 2026, and Alden Bridge Pool will also open weekdays in May.

Reservations are now being accepted for private pool rentals and parties, with options for both mornings and evenings, and inflatables available upon request.

The six Township spray grounds are open daily, making it easy for families to beat the heat across The Woodlands.

The 19th Annual Creekwood Fishing Derby returns to Creekwood Park in The Woodlands, Texas, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Anglers of all ages and experience levels are invited to enjoy a morning filled with fishing and family-friendly excitement.

Bring your own fishing rod, while bait is provided on-site. This year’s catch-and-keep event lets participants take home their catch—with fish cleaning handled by the Woodlands Professional Firefighters Association. Free T-shirts will be given out while supplies last, so early arrival is encouraged.

Prizes await those who reel in the longest, heaviest, or smallest fish. Official measurements are handled by the Woodlands Bass Club, and community groups like Neighborhood Services and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office will be on hand.

Experience a spectacular community tradition at 3883 S. Panther Creek Drive and create unforgettable memories outdoors.

A How-To Guide for Deep Cleaning Your Grill

A clean grill can enhance the flavor of your food, making regular grill maintenance an essential part of your outdoor cooking routine.

Grills, especially those exposed to the elements, can accumulate dirt, rust and food residue that can affect performance and safety.

Plus, residual char and grease can impart unwanted flavors and even lead to flare-ups.

Once you’ve gathered the right tools – a sturdy grill brush with stainless steel bristles, a scraper, a bucket of soapy water, microfiber cloths and grill cleaner or degreaser – consult this step-by-step guide to keep your grill in pristine condition, ensuring delicious meals every time.

1. Preheat the grill for 15 minutes to loosen any stuck-on residue then turn it off and let it cool slightly.
2. Ensure the gas supply is turned off before cleaning.
3. Remove the grates and scrub them thoroughly with a grill brush and warm, soapy water. Rinse and let dry.
4. Clean burners by wiping them with a damp cloth.
5. Scrape the inside of the grill to remove any debris and use a vacuum to collect loose dirt and ash.
6. Wipe down the exterior of the grill with a microfiber cloth and grill cleaner.
7. Reassemble the grill once all parts are dry and give it a final wipe down.

In between deep cleanings, remember to clean your grill grates immediately after cooking while they are still warm to remove food particles and grease.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Your Child's Oral Health: A Foundation for Better Overall Health

 Good oral health sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles and better overall health. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) help eligible families access affordable and comprehensive care for their children and teens, including regular cleanings, fillings, X-rays, and more to help ensure that eligible kids have access to essential dental services.

By practicing good dental habits and seeing a dentist regularly, children can avoid dental problems and maintain healthy smiles as they grow.

Dental Coverage Available Through Medicaid and CHIP

If you’re looking for affordable dental coverage, your child may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid and CHIP.

Together these programs cover more than 36 million children nationwide.

Enrollment is open year-round, and many families qualify even if they don’t realize it. Beyond dental care, Medicaid and CHIP also cover preventive health services, emergency care, vision care, prescriptions, and mental and behavioral health services for eligible children.

To see if your family is eligible and to find dentists in your area who accept Medicaid and CHIP, visit InsureKidsNow.gov and explore the “Find a Dentist” tool.

Start Good Dental Habits Early

Regular dental visits are an important part of your child’s oral health routine. Children should see a dentist by the age of 1 and continue with visits twice a year (every six months) as they get older.

Going to checkups on a regular schedule can help catch problems early or before they even start. 

Cavities (also known as tooth decay) are the most common preventable chronic disease among children in the United States, and more than half of all children have cavities by the time they’re 6 to 8 years old.

When left untreated, cavities can cause pain and infections that may affect eating, speaking, playing, learning – and even mental health.

The dental visit will vary depending on your child’s age and milestones, but it can include cleanings, full teeth and gum exams, treatments, and guidance on caring for your child’s teeth.

Dental visits also help children become comfortable with the dentist, reducing anxiety, and building a positive relationship with oral health care that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Enrolling in CHIP and Medicaid

Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low-cost health coverage to eligible families and children. You can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person directly at your state’s Medicaid agency.

Learn more at InsureKidsNow.gov.

Provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at U.S. taxpayer expense.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

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