The Woodlands Kiwanis Club will host its annual Kids Fish Festival and Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Creekwood Park, bringing back the free event after last year's edition was canceled due to unsafe conditions.

The tournament is open to children ages 2 to 16 accompanied by a parent or guardian. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with lines hitting the water at 8 a.m. The event wraps up at noon with an awards ceremony.

Participants need to bring their own rods, reels, and tackle. Free bait will be provided on-site.

According to the club's event listing on Woodlands Online, the tournament aims to introduce children to fishing while teaching goal-setting and respect for the outdoors. The listing describes fishing with kids as a way to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Creekwood Park sits on South Panther Creek Drive, across from McCullough Junior High School.

What's included

Beyond the fishing, the festival offers live music, free chips and hot dogs, and refreshments throughout the morning. Volunteers from local high school Key Clubs will be stationed around the park to help younger anglers bait hooks and cast lines. In past years, members of The Woodlands Bass Club have also volunteered.

Dave Estes, then president of The Woodlands Kiwanis Club, called the tournament "a special treat just seeing kids catch fish" in an August 2019 preview published by Hello Woodlands.

Registration and details

Pre-registration is encouraged through SignUpGenius; a link is available on the Woodlands Online event page.

Last year's tournament, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, was called off due to unsafe conditions, according to the Kiwanis Club's website. The Sept. 5 event marks the tournament's return after that one-year gap.

What: Kids Fish Festival/Tournament When: Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, 7:30 a.m.–noon (fishing starts at 8 a.m.) Where: Creekwood Park, South Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands Cost: Free Ages: 2–16 (parent or guardian required) Bring: Rod, reel, and tackle (free bait provided)