Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Katy, Texas

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First known as Cane Island, Katy is one of the most decent and fast-growing suburbs in Texas, with a moderate lifestyle.

Its small-town character brings the community closer yet promotes a high quality of life. The community is highly regarded as educated and affluent because of the city’s great schools. Likewise, Katy has much to offer for a town with old-town heritage but fresh ideas.

Although not as widely recognized due to its subsumption into Greater Houston, Katy has always been a good place to live. Other than that, it is also a great travel destination.

Katy’s historic homes and buildings are the town’s precious remnants of the past. Meanwhile, its unique shopping, dining, and recreation opportunities reflect its reality as a thriving city. Nevertheless, Katy has never been better.

To name one reason why you must visit Katy is not enough. But here’s a list of the best things to do and places to visit in Katy, Texas.

Art Museum Cinco Ranch

Nothing can give you a bigger picture of Katy’s local, contemporary art better than the Art Museum Cinco Ranch.

The art museum has changed many lives and is located in Sugar Land and Cinco Ranch (with a main campus in the Townsquare).

“Local art matters.”

This simple tagline brought a great sense of community to Katy, Texas, since the museum was established in 2020. It represents the art in Fort Bend County and West and Southwest Houston, making them known to the public.

Art Museum TX offers education programs that extend to the present and past, as well as engaging art. Over time, it seeks to conquer the region with its contemporary art and reach a wider audience.

If you’re an art fan, you may want to peruse their exhibits in one of their art spaces in Cinco Ranch! The local art museum displays various artworks of high quality in different mediums. They get to present the best of Texas art, plus showcase works of local talents!

There’s always something for every taste. You can meet one of the local artists and have a deeper discussion on a certain piece.

There’s no better place to appreciate contemporary art than in the corners of Art Museum Cinco Ranch.

Address: 2717 Commercial Ctr Blvd, D 150, Katy, TX 77494, United States

Great Southwest Equestrian Center

Watch one of the best horse shows in the premier equestrian center in the country!

Great Southwest Equestrian Center, located in Katy, Texas, is not your typical horse show host. They have hosted some of the nation’s most prestigious horse shows, with 70,000 class entries annually.

The American Saddlebreds and Quarter Horses, Miniature Horses, Arabians, and Paso Finos are among their glorious breeds. Their past reining shows include the Great Escape Winter Slide, Great Summer Slide, and Heritage Classic.

It all sounds pretty cool, but wait until you see one of their shows yourself! GSEC puts on various shows in Katy throughout the year, so you never miss out.

They participated in notable events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, USHJA Emerging Athletes Program, and the Go Texas competitions.

Visit their 65-acre ranch in Katy with six barns, covered arenas, and warm-up rings! In addition to their elite facilities are four world-class outdoor arenas with Otto Sport footing.

You can see that the huge facility is well-maintained, including the indoor and outdoor tracks. They offer many wonderful features, from beautiful grounds to large visitor areas and a very convenient concession stand.

GSEC is continuously making great additions to its facility. If you haven’t checked them out yet, you won’t run out of the best times to do so.

Address: 2501 Mason Rd #100, Katy, TX 77450, United States

Katy Heritage Park

As the name implies, Katy Heritage Park is a re-creation of Old Town Katy, with an old village setting.

The park is part of the Katy Heritage Society’s efforts to restore the historical landmarks of the old town. Its buildings include the historic post office and mess hall from the 1943 Katy Gas Field of WWII.

The doors of five historic Katy homes in the heritage park are open to all visitors. Whether in the Wright House or Stockdick House, these structures will take you a hundred years back!

Alongside the homes decorated to suit the period it represents are benches, a gazebo, picnic grounds, and a beautiful old bandstand.

The park reminisces old Katy as a railroad town in the 1800s and its reputation in the oil industry. Today, residents and tourists alike enjoy visiting the public-private park and sightseeing tours every first weekend of the month.

If you’re lucky, you can catch one of the heritage-focused activities held in the park throughout the year!

Katy Heritage Park is a free attraction that offers not only entertainment but educational and cultural benefits. It’s a waste not to pass by this historic part of town whenever you visit Katy!

Address: 5990 George Bush Drive, Katy, TX, United States

Katy Market Day

For over 20 years, the old town of Katy has organized a Market Day event every third Saturday of the month.

Meet locals in this free outdoor market by the water tower in downtown Katy and see what they have to offer! With more than 200 vendors, the large market features a wide display of homemade goods, antiques, fresh produce, and more.

Spend a fine afternoon at Katy Market Day and enjoy all the local antique and boutique shops! The day is not complete without the line-up of food trucks in the town square and the sound of live music.

Spare one Saturday to discover many unique finds and real Texas crafts and recipes at the heart of historic downtown! There’s always something for everyone, from clothing to exotic plants, jewelry, bath and body products, tasty treats, and hard-to-find items.

There’s an entire block of booths you can peruse with a variety of for-sale items you can never find elsewhere. Moreover, the venue offers more attractions, live performances, and play areas for the kids.

One of the best days to visit is their Christmas Festival, every first Saturday of December.

Get together with the local community on this special day, and feel free to bargain!

Address: 5717 Avenue B & 2nd St, Katy, TX 77493, United States

Katy Mills Outlet Mall

To expand your shopping opportunities any day of the year in downtown Katy, visit the town’s large shopping complex.

Katy Mills Outlet Mall offers indoor shopping within the Houston metropolitan area, with over 175 top retail outlets. Its retail stores include H&M, Nike, Kate Spade, Cole Haan, Victoria’s Secret, Ralph Lauren, Fossil, and more!

It’s a perfect spot in town to break away from the Texas heat with its climate-controlled indoor shopping. Chill in the mall’s dining pavilion, movie theatre, or other family entertainment venues!

Speaking of dining, Katy Mills houses a wide selection of restaurants with your classic favorites. It’s an easy stop for a delicious brunch, dinner, or happy hour! There are plenty of options for refreshments, such as the Marble Slab Creamery, or Smoothie King.

Enjoy indoor dining at Lou’s Cajun Grill, outdoor dining at The Cheesecake Factory, or a curbside pickup at Ferso’s Tacos.

Meanwhile, you can take a break from shopping and dining at their Disney Jr. Play Zone. But if you prefer to relax and have more comfortable seating, visit the AMC Movie Theatres and catch a nice showing!

The more time you spend strolling, the more you’ll see unique retail products, including great gift ideas and one-of-a-kind finds.

Address: 5000 Katy Mills Cir, Katy, TX 77494, United States

Katy Veterans Memorial Museum

Look around the military museum in Katy, Texas, and see exhibits of the United States’ involvement in foreign conflicts.

“Home of the free and land of the brave.”

The Katy Veterans Memorial Museum displays centuries’ worth of historical artifacts from the American Revolution through World Wars and the sacrifices of the Armed Forces. Established in 1996, Katy Veterans Memorial also features exhibits of local veterans paying tribute to the fallen warriors.

From war maps, uniforms, and medals dating back to World War I to local military items, the museum is quite packed.

Visit this veterans’ memorial tucked away in Old Katy to learn about the nation’s heroes and their sacrifices. While at it, take time to expand your knowledge of America’s armed forces and military milestones.

The museum is a family-friendly facility with a nice, comfortable space and atmosphere, and definitely a hometown destination!

Don’t miss the community events often hosted here, such as the community camp-out with outdoor movie showing, perfect for children!

You can include this museum in your town exploration if you don’t mind getting a little off the beaten track.

Address: 6202 George Bush Dr, Katy, TX 77493, United States

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch

Shop, dine, and play in Katy’s exciting multi-use space and mall!

There’s always something cookin’ at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, a 34-acre outdoor shopping center in Katy, Texas.

To make your experience unforgettable, check out all the fun, unique amenities you can enjoy at LaCenterra, including Sip N’ Shop! It’s exactly what you think it is. You can drink a cold beverage while beating the Texas heat, using a Sip N’ Shop cup from the select establishments.

Grab a beer & cider at Sweet Paris, wine at Postino, or a cup of espresso at Pucci Cafe. These are the only eligible stores to buy from if you want a drink inside the property.

Moreover, the property offers curbside pickup from one of your favorite restaurants and stores. Most of the restaurants and stores are pet-friendly, so feel free to let your fur pets tag along!

Don’t worry about getting disconnected because LaCenterra also provides free Wifi access and charging stations at a green courtyard in Heritage Square. In addition to the courtyard are oversized interactive games like Jenga, Chess, and Cornhole! You will feel anything but bored in this old town attraction.

It has all you need in a mall, from fresh groceries at Trader Joe’s to movie grills at Alamo Drafthouse Theater. It’s like you never left home!

Address: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy, TX 77494, United States

Mary Jo Peckham Park

Known as the “park for all children,” don’t mistake Mary Jo Peckham Park as an all-kids park.

This 32-acre community park in Katy, Texas, is designed for all ages, although it has plenty of spaces for child play. There are swing sets for both toddlers and older kids and a miniature golf course with putters for younger children.

Alongside the large playground are walking trails, a tropical fishing pond, and an indoor pool and fitness area. The fishing lake is notable for its well-stocked fish and a fun spot to feed ducks. Meanwhile, the lighted trails provide a good space for walking and jogging in peaceful surroundings.

You can enjoy many fun activities in the exercise room, such as yoga, karate, or free use of their fitness machines. There are also a variety of free lessons offered in their indoor pool, free swims, and water exercises.

If you want a relaxing visit, you can head to the park gazebo and the pavilion or hang out at the picnic tables.

Overall, Mary Jo Peckham is a wonderful area with everything for the whole family. While the public park is free, it cultivates a “culture of clean” principle in Katy residents.

If you’re not from Katy but a resident of Harris County, you can obtain a free membership in the park.

Address: 5597 Gardenia Ln, Katy, TX 77493, United States

Mason Creek Park

If you’re looking for a hike and bike trail with a generally easy route around old Katy, Mason Creek is the place to go.

Located near Katy, Texas, Mason Creek Park offers a 1.5-mile or 3,500-step route for hiking and biking. With a 0-foot elevation and concrete paved path, this trail is considered easy and suitable for all ages.

Enjoy the scenic view of the creek while walking the asphalt loop trail, which takes about 45 minutes to complete. It’s one of the best walking trails in old Katy, especially during the summer. You’ll get a gorgeous view of the sunset at this time of the year, in addition to the warm air.

There are two ways to access and complete this trail. One is from the south, while the other is north.

If you follow the south trail, which envelopes both sides of the creek, you’ll pass by a park and several picnic spots. Meanwhile, the north trail loops around a wetland and is more serene, further from the neighborhood.

Regardless of the trail, there are opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially when the creek’s water levels are high.

Whether a morning or afternoon jog, incorporating fitness into your day only takes one loop!

Address: 2500 Porter Rd, Katy, TX 77493, United States

MKT Distillery

There’s local booze for everyone in the Tasting Room of MKT Distillery, the first distillery in Katy, Texas!

Taste the locally-crafted spirits under the rice silos of “old town” Katy, the most iconic landmark in town. Named after the Missouri–Kansas–Texas railroad, MKT Distillery keeps in touch with the town’s roots as the center of rice farming.

All spirits in MKT are distilled on-site, with locally sourced Texas ingredients and locally grown Katy rice.

Enjoy their playful flavors of cocktails, vodka, moonshine, and gin in the heart of historic Katy Rice Silos with friends and family! Its location is designed to be family-friendly, which means there’s something for your kids and pets if you ever bring one.

These include comfortable sitting areas, a shaded bar, wide enough space, food trucks, and live entertainment in a safe environment.

Their friendly staff and bartenders welcome you with a smile in their outdoor bar area with flights to sample their crafted spirits.

If you’re fine with a lengthy drive and plan to visit MKT distillery, they are only open Saturday through Sunday. Make sure to coordinate your trip on the weekend to spend a good time at Katy’s historic location!

Address: 5373 1st St, Katy, TX 77493, United States

MKT Railroad Museum

In addition to the iconic landmarks in the old town of Katy is the MKT Railroad Museum, operated by the Katy Historical Society.

The museum now sits on the old Katy railroad depot built over a century ago. It tells some interesting Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad histories, known as the Katy.

The old railroad depot will walk you through different rooms with human-sized exhibits and artifacts dating back to its commencement. In addition, it displays the railway operations and transport service in Katy before things went south in 1957.

This downtown “pocket park” now serves as an Information & Tourist Center for visitors of Katy, Texas. You can get free brochures and maps from here directly if you want to explore more businesses in town.

The red caboose parked outside the museum is one of the best attractions in the area and the most photographed. Share this travel experience with the world and be one of the many who walked through this historic part of Texas!

Address: 5615 1st St, Katy, TX 77493, United States

No Label Brewing Co.

Ask any Katy locals for the location of No Label Brewing Co., and they will know immediately what to tell you.

This is because this local brewery in the older part of Katy has served the town for over a decade. Besides being an award-winning establishment, it’s also a popular destination in Katy, Texas, for its handcrafted ales and beers.

No Label Brewing Co. is a small family-owned business in Katy that is years in the making. Its name, “No Label,” is meant to give their beers a non-exclusive character but instead a beer for all. The 1980 Kolsch, El Jefe, Pale Horse, and Gilley’s are some of their best-tasting beers.

Its family-friendly space offers a relaxing spot and plenty of outdoor seating, food trucks, and an outdoor playground for children. You can bring your friendly pets, too, so they don’t miss out!

The food selection here varies from tacos and pizza to sweet treats and desserts such as the yummy cheesecake!

Moreover, the local brewery wouldn’t be a hit without live music and entertainment. The genres vary in every visit but guarantee a casual, lively vibe.

If you’re looking for a place to celebrate an occasion in Katy, No Label Brewing Co. rents their taproom with an open bar. They have various rental options especially curated for your kind of occasion.

You’d be glad to have found this place in old Katy!

Address: 5351 1st St, Katy, TX 77493, United States

Southern Historical Antiques

If you’re a fan of old, rare books and historical items, Southern Historical Antiques is your buddy!

This historical antique shop has some of the unique selections of political, military, and civilian memorabilia in Katy, Texas! Their specialty focuses on antiquarian books and documents, as well as photography books and more historical antiques.

Some odd but interesting indoor shop finds are old coins, relics, autographs, and a wide range of Americana.

For fellow collectors, peruse various collections of printed books and documents from the 1500s through the 1800s. If you prefer something that appeals more to the visuals, check out their early radio, ancient swords, knives, and antique fishing items.

Southern Historical Antiques also carries Texas maps and currencies, letters, flags, and postcards.

If you come across this quintessential hidden gem in old Katy, this is your sign to start a collection of historical antiques. Established in 2018, Southern Historical Antiques envisions preserving knowledge and history for kindred hearts through its rare historical finds.

Moreover, they strive to be a home for authentic Texas history items and interesting quality artifacts.

Located off the main road, Southern Historical Antiques is a fine example of a unique, carefully-curated antique store. If you’re looking for anything specific, their friendly staff is one tap away!

Address: 1001 Avenue B Suite B, Katy, TX 77493, United States

The Cellar Door

You could use a sophisticated, classy evening once in a while during your trip to a new city.

The Cellar Door is an Italian restaurant and wine bar in Katy, Texas that serves only the best. Sprinkle your night with elegance with The Cellar Door’s fine dining and chic wine bar.

You can select from their 15 different wines made from Californian grapes and juices to pair with your delicious steak. Alongside their classic dishes are delightful appetizers and entrees to spice up your dining experience.

If you prefer a more relaxing, laid-back setting, you can enjoy a glass of red wine in the restaurant’s lounge. There are a lot of charming spaces to occupy in this high-end establishment.

Moreover, The Cellar Door opens its banquet rooms for special occasions, parties, and any events.

The Cellar Room, established in 2010, was a product of the three brothers’ passion and love for wine. Later on, they expanded their menu to gourmet and new American dishes that earned them guests and patrons.

Its location in old Katy is a bit on the nook, which makes it more intimate and sought after.

Don’t miss a turn and visit this local treasure for a nice atmosphere, great service, and good food. The price is surprisingly reasonable for the overall quality this place offers!

Without a doubt, the Cellar Door will be your next go-to place whenever you’re around town.

Address: 829 Mason Rd #280, Katy, TX 77450, United States

WFDD Central Green Park

Located in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, Central Green Park is Katy’s signature public park that has everything for the whole family.

Central Green is developed by Willow Fork Drainage District (WFDD) to serve as a multi-purpose venue for the Katy community. Its open lawn area shaded with lush trees provides a good space for entertainment and family fun in Katy, Texas.

This is where the neighborhood meets and gathers to share a community event, such as Movie Nights on the lawn.

Snuggle in a blanket or lay it on the grass for a classic outdoor cinema experience! Other activities held in the park year-round are morning yogas, Home School on the Green, Storytime, and more!

Situated on the south end of LaCenterra, the park is close to local shops and restaurants, such as the Fish City Grill. Picture strolling in the park accompanied by live music during the warmer months, breathing the fresh breeze over the knolls!

However, know that you are never alone in Central Green Park. There’s always a crowd in the area, but on the brighter side, you get to meet and greet locals as you go.

In addition, this public plaza widens your options of things to do and places to visit in Katy, Texas. With approximately a 3-minute distance, you get to be from one place to the other and access everything you need!

Address: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy, TX 77494, United States

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