All Aboard The Pavilion Express to Children’s Festival Presented by ExxonMobil Nov. 9-10

The Woodlands, Texas – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is transforming into a giant playground for the 24^th Annual Children’s Festival presented by ExxonMobil and the whole neighborhood is invited to hop on board! This year’s festival will take place on Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 10 from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and includes all performances and activities. Tickets go on sale Monday, September 9 at 10 a.m.

With performers on multiple stages, character meet and greets, a special toddler area just for the youngest festivalgoers, arts and crafts, hands-on activities and exciting active adventures, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy along this epic journey around the venue.

Everyone is invited to join Thomas & Friends™ on a fun-filled, sing along adventure by helping Thomas plan for a special Sodor surprise party using teamwork, friendship and discovery. During story time, come on a journey with Thomas, James, and Percy or play with the latest Thomas product! Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the Really Useful Engine and get your photo taken. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the special day! Visit The Pavilion website for the full Main Stage schedule.

Full of interactive and educational activities, Accenture S.T.E.A.M. Station provides an opportunity to learn in a fun, exploratory environment. Launch into space with Janet’s Planet, create glow-in-the-dark slime with Little Beakers and enjoy a whole slew of other activities including hat-making and an instrument petting zoo where kids can get their hands on real orchestra instruments like violins, flutes and trumpets.

Kids are encouraged to unleash their inner artist and create their own masterpieces in the Occidental Arts District. Located in The Pavilion Event Center, children will learn about lines, colors, shapes, patterns, unity, balance and more by using these elements to make a variety of imaginative creations. Kids can discover the art of drawing with hands-on drawing classes presented by Young Rembrandts all weekend long. On the Arts District stage, families can sing along with Frozen’s Anna and Elsa or ignite their creativity with theatre workshops by Drama Rocket.

Coming to the festival with a little one? Then you won’t want to miss The Woodlands Methodist School’s Toddler Town, a “festival-within-a-festival” for our youngest festivalgoers, ages 4 and under. Little ones will have plenty to do with musical performances, interactive theatre workshops, free exploration and a special toddler inflatable. This area is also home to the Mommy/Baby Lounge, a quiet and comfortable place to relax, feed baby, catch your breath and get organized complete with a diaper change area and private nooks for nursing mothers.

Take a break at Pepsi Central Terminal which will offer activities by Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and The Woodlands Children’s Museum, free balloons from Fidelity Investments and a wide variety of performances on the Community Stage.

Be sure to stop by the Texas Children’s Hospital Adventure Depot for exciting outdoor activities including mini go-karts, inflatable bumper cars, bubble runners, rock climbing walls, obstacle courses, a double size petting zoo and so much more.

A fan-favorite, Strike Truck Crossing is coming back bigger and better than ever. Learn about the inner-workings of some of the best trucks, tractors and automobiles that The Woodlands area has to offer. Afterwards, they can take it easy on The Pavilion Express – a train ride experience full of fun surprises. Don’t forget to head to the Sky Station at the top of The Pavilion hill where kids can build and fly their own kite, go on a digging expedition and participate in parachute races down the lawn.

Admission is $10 per person and includes all performances and activities. Children age 2 and under are free of charge. All activities and performances are included in the price of admission. Tickets can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $10 per vehicle for this and most performing arts events. Tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Guests also may park in any of the five free parking lots on the southwest side of The Pavilion off of Timberloch Place. The free, color-coded lots are connected to The Pavilion by corresponding pathways with signs leading across The Waterway.