Once Upon a Cowboy – A wild, western world of wonder for the kids

THE WOODLANDS, TX – It’s been years since I’ve heard tell of any dude ranches, and it was long decades ago when I played ‘cowboys and bandits’ as a kid. True, the network channels are no longer dominated by Western-themed shows like Gunsmoke or The Rifleman or Bonanza, and I can count on one hand the number of oaters that have made it to the local big screen this millennium.

All that aside, it can’t be denied that the Old West is an integral part of Americana, and while its popularity may wax and wane, it has never gone away. Owner Sergio Caro, his wife, and their two daughters, have added to the mix by adding another sure-fire environment for kiddie excitement: dinosaurs.

That’s right: Once Upon a Cowboy is as unique a playland as you can get, a land where cowboys and dinosaurs collide in an explosive fusion of excitement, thrills, and prehistoric wonders. The park is located just southwest of The Woodlands at 24935 Stuebner Airline Rd in Tomball.

With changes due to private parties, school sessions, holidays, and weather, the typical hours of operation are Tuesdays to Thursdays – 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Fridays – 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturdays – 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., and Sundays – 10:00 am. - 7:00 p.m.

On Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., you can step into the enchanting world of the theme park with an exclusive weekday offer – limited attractions for just $15 per child of all ages, and $10 per parent or guardian. Don’t be put off by the use of the word ‘limited’ – during this special window you get to enjoy several attractions, including: Ballocity, an indoor playground where foam blasters abound; Hatchlings Play Area where younger adventurers can build, slide, and ride adorable baby dinos; Dinorah’s Fossil Finds, where you can dig for fossils and complete an ancient Triceratops puzzle; Picklecasso’s Art Gallery, which allows you to create your own masterpiece anywhere in the room (even the walls); Dinorah’s Treasure Mine, and the Dino Stables.

For the other days and the maximum experience, starting at a low price of just $29.99 each, admission to the park opens a world – two worlds, actually – of unmatched fun with attractions that include Dinorah’s Treasures Mine, Journey Through the Sands, Dinorah’s Fossil Finds, Picklecasso’s Art Gallery, Ballocity, Veloci-Axes Kids, Hatchling’s Play Area, Big Red’s Adventure, Swinging Raccoon Saloon Show, Walking Dino, Grey’s Meet & Greet, Cassidy’s Shooting Range, Sheriff Office, Dino Encounters, Curls & Mustache Barbershop, Outdoor Sandboxes, Outdoor Playing Grounds-Horse, Outdoor Playing Grounds-Dino Bones, Milk a Cow, and more.

There are also some amazing additional features such as Escape Rooms, Puzzle Box, Food and Drinks, Veloci-Axes Adults, VR Ride, Old Oak Laser Tag, Dino Scooters, Dino Stable, and Mixed Reality that cost a little over the standard admission fee and are subject to availability, usually with weather permitting. The park also offers a 10% discount to military personnel, senior citizens, firefighters, and police.

Visitors are also invited to come shop at Two Squirrel’s General Store that is fully stocked with souvenirs, accessories and everything your family needs for your adventure.

While walk-ins are accepted, the staff strongly recommends you book your session online beforehand for the best possible experience. The park specializes in birthday parties, corporate events, concerts, and private events of all sizes, as well. Email a team member at events@onceuponacowboy.com for assistance with booking, and stay tuned to Woodlands Online for upcoming information about discounts to the park’s June Summer Camp.