Gorilla Hole program offers safe place for children to hang out

Children hang out, goof off, during a recent Gorilla Hole night at the Woodlands Recreation Center.

Sometimes it's difficult to find entertainment for children, but The Woodlands Recreation Center's Gorilla Hole program solves that problem.

The program allows fifth- and sixth-grade students from the Woodlands area to have a safe place to enjoy a Friday night with friends. Once the children arrive, they are not allowed to leave the building until a parent arrives to pick them up. The activities run from 7-9:45 p.m., but attendees can come and go later or earlier. Activities vary on each date, but there is always plenty of fun for everyone.

ADDRESS: The Woodlands Recreation Center, 5310 Research Forest Drive, Spring, TX 77381
UPCOMING DATES: Friday, Aug. 3 and Friday, Aug. 17 from 7-9:45 p.m.
PHONE: 281-210-3950
WEBSITE: thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: The Gorilla Hole program is an excellent opportunity for fifth- and sixth-grade students to have a fun, safe hangout with plenty of activities to keep everyone engaged. These events are held the first and third Fridays of each month, with only rare exceptions. Many staff members, as well as off-duty sheriff's department employees, are always present to make sure everyone remains safe. Admission costs $7, and concessions are available at the site.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: "Basically, it is an opportunity to come and have a hangout. We have a DJ a lot of times. Sometimes we just play music. There are organized games, non-organized games and competitions such as dance-offs. The idea of this program is to provide a safe environment where kids of this age can have fun." — Linda Hughes, recreation superintendent