City Cast

The Best Places To Visit In Katy

Brooke Lewis
Posted on September 21
A group practicing yoga on a grass field

Shop, eat and work out at LaCenterra shopping center in Katy . (LaCenterra/Facebook)

Katy used to be just a small, quiet suburb west of Houston. Today, it’s a sprawling city filled with more than 24,000 people, as well as exciting restaurants, coffee shops, and tons of places to shop. I spent most of my childhood there until high school, but the Katy of the past is a distant memory. Here are some spots you should check out:

Let’s Go To The Mall

I remember when Katy Mills Mall opened in 1999: My elementary school went on a field trip to the Rainforest Cafe. (Yes, we were lucky students!) The mall remains a shopping attraction for the city, with Abercrombie & Fitch, Aldo, Bath & Body Works, Adidas, and Cole Haan outlets. Oh, and yes, the Rainforest Cafe is still kicking.

A newer, bougier alternative for shopping is La Centerra at Cinco Ranch; think of it as the suburban alternative to City Centre. I also love that it’s home to Houston restaurant favorites Snooze, Postino and Dish Society.

Let’s Go To The Movies

I’m a movie lover and always looking for a place to kick back and watch a film. My favorite: Alamo Drafthouse at LaCenterra. The seats are comfy, and the food options are tasty. Keep an eye out for their theme nights. Katy Mills’ AMC has been around forever, and is another classic place to catch a movie. Other options: Cinemark 19 and XD, and Xscape in Katy Fulshear.

Let’s Play 

For a day of fun, check out Andretti Indoor Karting & Games for go-karts, arcades, laser tag and more. In the summer, splash around at Typhoon Texas waterpark by Katy Mills Mall. And grab a beer from the kid-friendly No Label Brewing Co.

Hey Houston

Want to know what's happening in Houston? Sign up for our free newsletter, Hey Houston. Packed with local news, curated event recs, local life hacks, and more, it's your daily toolkit for getting the most out of the city you love.

Neighborhood Guides

See All

The latest in Houston