KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 15, 2022
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy is full of fun and things to do. Here is out list of top places that newcomers must experience when relocating to the City of Katy.
Katy's MKT Railroad Museum is free to the public.
Don’t miss these must-visit places in Katy. Newcomers continue to flood into the many new developments as the city grows in businesses and homes. All these places help make Katy what the city is. While such places are new to those new to our city, they always are worthy of repeat visits from Katy families.
1. Experience Historic Old Katy
Find Avenue D in Katy and follow it around the historic center of downtown and you will be the heart of the City of Katy. Don’t miss the beautiful Katy City Hall off of Avenue C. Take a picture by the historical MKT caboose and the MKT Railway Museum.
Downtown Katy is home to several eclectic antique shops! You can spend hours browsing their impressive and unique collections. Visit KT Antiques where they welcome shoppers with their nostalgic soda fountain and free cookies then head to Limited Edition Arts and Antiques known for their art-deco prints and extensive movie memorabilia. Historians will love Southern Historical Antique Shop for its unique variety of Historical items both Military and Civilian.
Don’t miss Katy favorite, Snappy’s Café and Grill. The historic dining spot is a popular hangout for the “Who’s Who of Katy.”
2. Family Friendly Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries
Katy is home to several award-winning breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Each is unique and all offer great events and live music.
Downtown Katy’s No Label Brewery and MKT Distillery each have a fun playground for kids to enjoy. Both of these places are in the heart of downtown and each offer great events and family fun.
Toddy Oaks is the only winery, brewery, and distillery all on the same property. The location is more than a highly stylized and beautiful bar, but also a venue for weddings and other great events.
ErmaRose Winery also has live music and food trucks in addition to great fruit wine. Sip on some wine or a “winetail” while enjoying a show.
5351 1st Street
5373 1st Street
20120 Franz Rd.
3130 Katy Hockley Cutoff
3. Parks and Trails
Mary Jo Peckham Park. Photo credit: Srini Sundarajan
Katy is home to so many parks of various themes. From large nature-style parks perfect for that family portrait or parks geared for play and exploration, Katy has it all.
Don’t miss the many hiking and walking trails that any avid adventure must explore.
Learn more about Katy Parks and Trails.
4. Katy Heritage Museum and Park
5990 George Bush Drive
Photo courtesy of the Katy Heritage Society
Learn about the City of Katy and walk among historical items and photographs at the free Katy Heritage Museum. There’s everything from historic vehicles and items from Katy’s farming and pioneering days. Don’t miss the “Katy Mayor Room” and learn about past Katy Mayors.
Take a photo in front of the "You'll Love Katy" mural! While your there, explore the history of Katy's heritage at the Wright House, Stockdick House, and visit the Tradition Bank Bandstand.
Learn more about The Katy Heritage Society and their events.
5. Shop and Dine at LaCenterra
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Explore the upscale shops and restaurants spread across 34 acres of LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch. Families can gather in the common areas, find the perfect gift or choose from many of the indoor and outdoor dining locations.
Families can play a life-size game of chess, walk along the lake to see the ducks (please don’t feed them,) see a movie at Alamo Drafthouse, and so much more!
6. Concert and Movie Nights at Central Green Park
LaCenterra
Central Green Park, locating in LaCenterra has an excited 2022 event list from popular festivals, holiday events, concerts, movies and more. They also offer regular events like Yoga, Tai Chi, and more. Follow their website for updates and events. They are FREE and fun for the entire family!
7. Attend a Katy ISD Sports or Fine Art Event
Katy ISD, the fastest growing public-school district in Texas offers Katy residents much entertainment. From top notch sporting events at grand stadiums to fine arts performances worthy of the Hobby Center. Katy ISD students are full of talent and the tickets aren’t much for a fun night out.
Tickets to events can be purchased online.
Learn more about Katy ISD sports and fine arts performances.
8. The Katy Mills Mall Area
5000 Katy Mills Circle
Katy’s large mall has become more than just that over the years. Katy Mills Mall is a whole district that is always growing and offering new things.
Outside of the mall’s parking lot is Katy’s waterpark, Typhoon Texas. Adjacent to the mall is the new Dig World. Coming soon is Katy’s first Cheesecake Factory.
The mall is a popular place for families to go see the fish at Bass Pro Shop, catch a movie at AMC Theaters, or play games or rides at Tilt.
9. Buc-ees
27700 Katy Freeway
Yes, it's a gas station, but a quick trip to the Buc-ee's in Katy proves that everything IS bigger in Texas. Even the car wash is BIG and the Guinness Book of World Records declared it to be the longest in the world! Grab some signature Buc-ee's gear, Beaver Nuggets, and an extra-large drink. It's tradition.
New to Katy? Learn more and connect at the Katy Newcomers and Friends Facebook Group.