Exploring Katy with Kids: 19 Best Things To Do in Katy, TX
Katy, Texas is just west of Houston with quaint, small-town charm that bustles with big-city sophistication. It's home to two of the Best Playgrounds in Houston, and, in recent years, the city has added a ton of family-friendly attractions and restaurants that make it a destination worth the drive down I-10. Read on for the best things to do in Katy, Texas with your kids!
Check out our Visitors Guide for more things to do in Houston neighborhoods.
OUR LATEST VIDEOS
Top Things to Do in Katy with Kids
1. Typhoon Texas
Typhoon Texas is a cool place to be during the hot months of summer. The waterpark boasts over nine attractions that include a wave pool, lazy river, thrilling slides, and Typhoon Jr, an area just for kids under 54 inches tall that has 10 junior-sized slides alongside an upgraded state-of-the-art splash pad. (That's why it's one of our Best Waterparks for Toddlers.)
Slick City is the perfect indoor activity to wear out the kids. Photo courtesy of Slick City
2. Slick City
Slick City, which is billed as the world’s largest indoor waterless slide park, has a location inside Katy Mills Mall. The unique theme park is designed for all ages and features 66,000 square feet of indoor sliding experiences, go-karts, and a sports court park.
3. Andretti’s Indoor Karting & Games
There is excitement at every turn at Andretti’s! Featuring fast electric go-karts for adults and kids, this location even has a track just for 4-7 year olds. Andretti’s also offers a two story laser tag arena, virtual reality experiences, a huge arcade, and an on-site restaurant.
4. PopStroke
Popstroke offers two meticulously designed 18-hole putt courses, outdoor gaming, a kid’s playground, and a full-service restaurant. And Popstroke offers a Kids Day Special: every Tuesday kids golf and gets ice cream for $15.
Exploration Park in Katy, TX. Photo courtesy of the Willow Fork Drainage District
5. Exploration Park
Exploration Park is an immersive public playground that appeals to a wide range of ages. The overall theme of the park is inspired by water and offers visitors a multipurpose play area, an open lawn for unstructured play, and a covered pavilion with picnic tables. Kids will enjoy the sensory garden, swings, a musical bridge, a raindrop berm lawn, and a slide tower and bridge connecting to a hill slide.
6. Cosmic Air Adventure Park and Arcade
Cosmic Air has a ton to do under one roof, including an arcade, trampolines, jungle gyms, obstacle courses, zip lines, battle beams, and even a dedicated space just for toddlers. There is an on-site cafe as well with kid’s favorites on the menu, making this a fun and easy outing.
7.Activate
A fun indoor option, Activate is an immersive gaming experience with interactive technology. The 75-minute experience has over 500 challenges to choose from and each game requires the teamwork of 2-5 players. Jump, race, shoot, and problem-solve in this adrenaline-filled adventure.
8. Mary Jo Peckham Park
Mary Jo Peckham Park has it all! The 32-acre green space features an awesome playground, basketball courts, an aquatic and fitness center, a putting green, a miniature golf course, a fishing lake, and a six-hole disc golf course.
9. Monster Mini Golf
If you need a fun indoor option, Monster Mini Golf is an indoor miniature golf under the glow of blacklights! It’s more fun than scary and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Monster Mini Golf also offers an arcade, laser maze, and bowling.
10. Momentum Indoor Climbing
Climbers of all levels can develop their skills and reach new heights at Momentum Indoor Climbing. This climbing gym offers 36,000 square feet of space for various climbing disciplines, including bouldering, top roping, lead climbing, and auto-belays. They even have a dedicated youth area with shorter walls and climbing holds that are closer together so even the youngest climber can make it to the top.
Construction enthusiasts can operate big equipment at Dig World. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
11. Dig World
Dig World is an interactive park where guests can operate full-sized construction equipment. Take a spin around the track in a Skid Steer Loader, control a Cat Mini-Excavator and dig real dirt and more. Do note kids must be at least 32 inches tall to ride the construction attractions, even with a parent. Kids can operate some of the equipment themselves if over 42 inches tall, and all of the equipment themselves over 48 inches tall. There is also a full-sized playground, sandbox, and more for pre-school and school-aged kids.
12. Kanga’s Indoor Playcenter
Kanga’s is a specially designed indoor play center for kids aged 1-11. Kids can explore the multi-level climbing frame, enjoy the huge swinging pirate ship ride, and try out indoor rock climbing. There is also a designated play area just for toddlers. Open seven days a week, it’s a great option for indoor play.
13. Mason Road Skate Center
Mason Road Skate Center is an old-school skating rink that has been Family Owned and Operated Since 1987. The whole family will have fun in this blast from the past activity, and if you need some refreshers they even offer skating lessons.
The kids can play while you eat. Photo courtesy of the Hat Creek Burger Company
Best Restaurants in Katy for Kids
14. Hat Creek Burger Company
Not only does Hat Creek offer delicious burgers, they also have a kids menu, chicken tenders, sandwiches, snacks for sharing, shakes, vegan, and vegetarian options. But the best part is the fully fenced playground that can be seen from the covered patio so families can dine and play.
15. Jimmy Changas
Jimmy Changas serves fresh Tex-Mex in a casual atmosphere. With a kid's menu, an outdoor shaded play area, and patio dining, Jimmy’s is a favorite for families.
16. Mia’s Table
Mia’s is a casual, family-friendly counter-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining. They offer an eclectic menu of kid and adult favorites so everyone in the family will find something they love. And every guest can treat themselves to a soft-serve cone for dessert, which is always a kid's favorite.
17. No Label Brewing Company
Live music, craft beer, food trucks, a playground, and plenty of space to run and play make No Label Brewing Company the perfect place to kick back and relax with friends and family (even the furry kids can come along!)
Putting Green at the Homewood Suites. Photo courtesy of Hilton
Best Hotels Katy for Families
18. Best Western Plus Katy Inn & Suites
Best Western Plus Katy Inn & Suites is an affordable option for families. Located right off I-10, it has a pool plus free wifi and breakfast.
19. Homewood Suites By Hilton West Houston/Katy Mills Mall
Homewood Suites located by Katy Mills Mall is a great option for larger families since every room is a suite and adjoining rooms are available. An indoor pool plus a small outdoor putting green are fun for kids. Enjoy free wifi and hot breakfast daily, or guests can cook on their own in the in-suite kitchen.
20. Hyatt Place Houston/Katy
Hyatt Place Houston / Katy has easy access to I-10 and is minutes away from Katy Mills Mall and other attractions. Free wifi, breakfast and parking are available, and kids will enjoy the outdoor pool. The hotel is also pet-friendly, so the whole family can stay.
Lead photo: Typhoon Texas Waterpark courtesy of Redi-Rock International via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
We may earn a small commission if you click through our link and make a purchase. This revenue helps us maintain this site, so thank you for supporting us.
Places featured in this article:
Exploration Park
Monster Mini Golf Katy
Dig World
Homewood Suites by Hilton Houston/Katy Mills Mall