Katy, located roughly 30 miles west of Houston, is a Texas town that has seen tremendous development over the last decade. As the town grows, so does the list of things to do in Katy. Many families find Katy to be a great jumping-off point for Texas vacations.
You can visit the city or spend time in Katy before heading 80 miles southeast to Galveston. Hotels in the Katy area are cheaper and provide the flexibility to add other areas and attractions to your vacation while avoiding Houston traffic. Let’s explore some of our favorite Katy, Texas fun things to do!
Museums in Katy Texas
The City of Katy operates 4 museums. All are free to visitors, although donations are appreciated.
Johnny Nelson Katy Heritage Museum
6002 George Bush Drive Katy, TX 77493
Although Katy is now a suburb of Houston, its original roots were agricultural. This museum tells the story of early rice farmers and displays historical tractors and automobiles. Displays rotate to showcase different items from the museum’s vast collections.
Katy Veterans Memorial Museum
6206 George Bush Drive Katy, TX 77493
Operating Monday-Friday from 9a-2p and 10a-2p the first Saturday of the month, the Katy Veterans Memorial Museum covers all conflicts and wars that the United States has been involved in. The museum is free and very educational. You’ll be able to view all sorts of military artifacts like helmets, medals and ration books. The building also serves as the post for local VFW 9182.
Katy Heritage Park & Historical Homes
5990 George Bush Drive Katy, TX 77493
This park, run by the Historical Society of Katy, is home to five historical structures that have been in Katy for over 100 years. Historical plaques tell the stories of The Wright House, The Featherston House, The Stockdick House and the Old Katy Post Office. The homes are open for tours on the first weekend of the month from 12p-4p. Make sure to check their website before visiting for current hours and dates.
There is also a grandstand/gazebo on-site and a Little Free Library. If you’re on a road trip, it’s a great spot to switch up the kids’ books!
MKT Railroad Depot Museum & Katy Railroad Park
5615 First Street Katy, TX 77493
If you’ve got kiddos (or adults) who love trains, put this one on your list of things to do in Katy! The MKT Railroad Museum consists of a moved and restored train depot from the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad. The depot building itself was built in 1898 and operated until rail service ended in 1957. Since 1957, it has been relocated twice. It reopened as the Visitors Center for the City of Katy in 2005.
While here you can grab brochures, learn about Katy businesses and learn more about the railroad history of Katy. The Katy Heritage Society runs the museum and also oversees a red caboose located in the Katy Railroad Park. Kids will love getting their photo taken on the back of the caboose and climbing on the wooden train play area.
El Patio at Mason
1431 Mason Road Katy, TX 77450
When you visit European cities, you’ll often find playgrounds in center courtyards that are surrounded by picnic tables and small food markets and restaurants. The kids eat and then play while the parents talk with other adults and linger over a glass of wine. It promotes a sense of community. I’m thrilled to see that option taking hold in Katy. El Patio at Mason is a permanent spot for food trucks that incorporates a play area for the kids.
Food trucks on site offer a great variety of cuisines from around the world, and seating areas offer shade.
Katy Market Day
5717 2nd & Avenue B Katy, TX 77493
If your visit will fall on the 3rd Saturday of the month between March and November, be sure to check out Katy Market Day. They also hold a Christmas event on the first Saturday in December. This outdoor market is held in Downtown Katy and hosts crafters, artists and small business owners.
Typhoon Texas Houston
555 Fort Bend Road Katy, TX 77494
This waterpark may say Houston, but it’s actually conveniently located in Katy off of Grand Parkway and next to the Katy Mills Mall. With water slides, a lazy river, a splash pad for the littles and more, Typhoon Texas is fun for the whole family.
Their season runs roughly from April to September. April and September have limited days/hours. June and July are their busiest times. Tickets can be purchased for specific dates or as an any-day ticket.
Typhoon Texas’ proximity to movie theaters, Bass Pro Shop and shopping means that larger parties can go their separate ways so that everyone has fun. Soon there will also be a full-service hotel nearby. The Katy Boardwalk project, a mixed-use 11-acre development, includes a Hyatt Regency hotel in the plans.
Mary Jo Peckham Park
5597 Gardenia Lane Katy, TX 77493
This 32-acre park has something for everyone. You can go fishing, play mini-golf, use the disc golf course, climb on the playground or chill in the gazebo. The Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic Center is also located onsite. Priority for events and swim time is given to Katy residents and Harris County residents. If spots are still available, other folks can put in a reservation and participate.
Exploration Park
15020 Cinco Park Road Katy, TX 77450
If your group includes younger kids who need to burn off some energy, stop here! There are restrooms on site and plenty of parking. Interactive play teaches about the water cycle, while sensory gardens, a musical bridge and multiple climbing structures offer other opportunities to play and learn. The park is located along a larger 30-mile walking trail system for the Willow Forge Drainage District. To see the entire trail layout, visit this map.
Katy Dog Park
5414 Franz Road Katy, TX 77493
When a dog park ends up on the list of things to do in Katy, you know it’s got to be good! If you’re traveling with a doggo, make their day and bring them to this 14-acre dog park, which is adjacent to the Mary Jo Peckham Park. Not only is there wide open space for canines to run to their hearts’ content, but there is also a dog wading pool, special dog showers and an agility course.
Central Green
23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard Katy, TX 77494
In Texas, a lot of things center around shopping. As new areas are built, community spaces are often placed near shopping centers. Central Green Park is a half-acre space near LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch, an area of Katy. This community space has an outdoor stage, large lawn and mixed seating options. The stage hosts live music, special events and other regular events like yoga, tai chi, storytimes and homeschool gatherings are held at the park.
Free parking is available in nearby garages and the location off of community trails promotes biking and walking. Looking for more of a playground? Willow Fork Park is nearby and has traditional playground equipment.
Main Event Katy
24401 Katy Freeway Katy, TX 77494
Not every day will be a beautiful day. Maybe it’s raining, or maybe it is so hot you might burst into flames if you step outside. Main Event Katy is the perfect indoor activity. With everything from bowling to billiards to laser tag to a suspended gravity obstacle course to arcade games, there is fun for the whole family. If you think you might work this into your vacation, I strongly recommend checking their deals ahead of time. Some days are definitely better priced than others and some days, especially on weekends, can be hectic with birthday parties. If you sign up for their emails you’ll also get a discount.
Other indoor fun things to do in Katy include Kangas Indoor Playcenter, Altitude Trampoline Park, Andretti Indoor Carting and Games and Alternate Reality Escape Rooms.
Finding More Fun Things to Do in Katy
These are some of our favorite fun things to do in Katy. Are there other attractions that you love that we should add? Let us know!
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