katy parks

—by Sheila Cox, Five Star Realtor | Updated December 2025—

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

For families who love the outdoors, Katy Parks and Recreation doesn’t disappoint. The city and surrounding area are filled with parks, trails, and recreational spaces designed for all ages.

Katy Dog Park

5414 Franz, Katy TX 77493

“Opened in March 2007, this off-leash park for canines of all sizes and is open everyday from dawn to dusk and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. The 14 acre park offer lots of grass and trees with a third of a mile length walking path, a wading pool for dogs, custom dog showers and fountains accessible for both the four legged friend and their owners. Stop by and enjoy our newest attraction- the agility course! Located on the west side of the park, this course was designed for dogs to train or exercise along with their owners with ease. The park is divided into two parts for small and large breed dogs and has public restrooms.” (Source: Website)

Mary Jo Peckham Park

5597 Gardenia Ln, Katy, TX 77493

This is a 32-acre park featuring a lake with ducks, fish, and wildlife, playground, miniature golf, picnic pavilion, gazebo, walking trail, restrooms, picnic tables and grills.

Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic & Fitness Center

5597 Gardenia Ln, Katy, TX 77493

Open 7am-7pm (M-F), 8am-5:30pm (Sat), and 10am-5pm (Sun)

Fitness center for residents of Harris County (northern portion of Katy) that offers free swim lessons, water exercise, American Red Cross lessons, and other workshops. Fitness classes include yoga, Karate, Qigong, fitness machines, and cardio training.

>> See the Activity Calendar

Harvest Plaza

5701 Third Street, Katy TX 77493

“In the heart of downtown Historic Katy, Harvest Plaza is set aside to pay tribute to Katy’s beginnings as a rice-farming community. The beautifully landscaped plaza offers a shade structure with night lighting, benches, a water feature and commemorative brick paving. ” (Source: Website)

Katy City Park

5720 Franz Road, Katy TX 77493

“This sports facility is home to 2 baseball fields, 2 softball fields, a state of the art sports lighting system, soccer field/multipurpose field, a covered three court basketball pavilion, six ADA accessible tennis courts and many picnic tables for year round use. All athletic fields are available for rentals Monday through Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Incudes the Katy Play Station and Pavilion, “The state’s largest innovative playground for multiple-impaired and profoundly deaf children, is also located within Katy City Park. The all-inclusive 13,000 square foot playground, custom designed as a tribute to Katy’s name sake the MKT Rail line. This play facility is a one-of-a-kind attraction for both able and disabled bodied children and has quickly become a destination within the community for family fun recreation. Katy Play Station was featured in Today’s Playground Magazine and has received several awards for its design and contribution to the Katy community.

The Play Station Pavilion is equipped with permanent picnic tables and benches. Seats approximately 50 and is available on a daily basis for rental.” (Source: Website)

Katy Arboretum

2046 Katy City Park Road, Katy TX 77493

“The Katy Arboretum was developed as a joint venture with the City of Katy, CenterPoint Energy and Keep Katy Beautiful. The three-acre park was designed as an educational green space to promote CenterPoint Energy’s Right Tree Right Place initiative. The Arboretum features various species of trees with educational plaques and is a popular location for families, scout groups and tourists. Inside the park area is The Arboretum Building that can be rented for parties, baby and bridal showers and other events. The park features a play structure, outdoor BBQ grill, patio with picnic style seating and a tranquil walking path. The Arboretum Building is equipped with tables and chairs, can accommodate approximately 50 people and is available on a daily basis for rental.” (Source: Website)

Katy Heritage Park

5990 George Bush Drive, Katy TX 77493

“Established in 2003 as a joint project with the City of Katy and the Katy Heritage Society, Heritage Park is best known for its restored historic buildings, beautiful landscaping, the Tradition Bank bandstand pavilion and brick paved patio. To rent or tour the historic homes, please contact the Heritage Society at (281)391-2550.” (Source: Website)

Thomas Park

5919 Fourth Street, Katy TX 77493

“A small, historic facility located at the edge of Historic Downtown Katy, Thomas Park is the location of the tri-county marker where the borders of Harris, Waller and Fort Bend Counties intersect. Thomas Park attracts visitors to its tranquil environment, paved walking path, benches, playground and gazebo. Thomas Park is a popular location for photographers, small weddings and family gatherings.” (Source: Website)

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Park

6202 George Bush Drive, Katy TX 77493

“Centrally located within the City of Katy, this wooded park offers an exciting children’s playground, with a large pyramid rope climber, two picnic pavilions with tables, a walking path and public restrooms. This park is the location for the bi-annual Community Campouts and Katy Summer Nights.

VFW Park’s large outdoor pavilion (30′ x 60′) is equipped with permanent concrete tables and benches. Seats approximately 96 and is available on a daily basis for rentals.” (Source: Website)

Woodsland Park and Community Center

443 Danover Road, Katy TX 77494

“True to its name, Woodsland Park is a heavily wooded 8 acre park with amenities that cater to individuals and groups looking for a park with a more secluded atmosphere. The park features a covered basketball pavilion, picnic tables, playground, an outdoor pavilion with large barbecue pit and a community building. Woodsland Park is home to the city’s senior services day activities and community fitness classes.

This Community Center may be rented out on an hourly basis for weddings, parties or other related events. The Community Center is 1,333 square feet (31′ x 43′) and is equipped with a full kitchen, indoor restrooms, tables and chairs. Maximum occupancy is 100.” (Source: Website)

Exploration Trails and Greenbelts

Katy is known for its master-planned communities, many of which are designed with miles of trails and greenbelts. Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch, and Elyson all have extensive walking and biking paths that connect neighborhoods to parks, lakes, and schools. These trails are perfect for morning jogs, bike rides with kids, or evening strolls with the family dog.

The city has also invested in expanding public trail systems, making it easier for residents to explore the outdoors without leaving their neighborhoods.

Sports and Fitness

Katy has a reputation for being one of the most active communities in Texas. Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone who enjoys staying fit, you’ll find opportunities here.

Youth Sports

Katy is a hub for youth sports programs. Soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, and football leagues are available through both schools and community organizations.

• Katy Youth Football and Cheerleading Association (KYF): Offers one of the largest football programs in the state.
• Katy Youth Soccer Club: Provides recreational and competitive soccer opportunities for all ages.
• Little League Baseball: Multiple leagues operate across the community, with strong participation.

Sports aren’t just about competition—they’re about community. Families often find that joining local leagues is one of the fastest ways to connect with neighbors and make friends.

High School Sports

Katy ISD high schools are famous for their athletic programs, particularly football. Friday night games at Katy High School or Seven Lakes draw huge crowds, creating a sense of community pride that’s hard to match. Even if you don’t have kids in the district, attending a high school football game is a quintessential Katy experience.

Fitness and Gyms

For adults, Katy offers a wide variety of gyms and fitness centers, from national chains to boutique studios.

• Lifetime Fitness: A luxury fitness club with pools, classes, and family programs.
• 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, and Planet Fitness: Affordable gym options throughout the city.
• Orangetheory Fitness, F45, and CrossFit gyms: Popular boutique fitness studios offering group workouts.
• Yoga and Pilates studios: Wellness-focused spaces are easy to find, particularly in LaCenterra and surrounding areas.

Many master-planned communities also include fitness centers within their neighborhood amenities, making it easy to stay active close to home.

Arts, Culture, and Community Events

Katy may be known for sports and schools, but it also has a thriving arts and culture scene that continues to grow as the community expands.

Katy Rice Festival

Perhaps the most iconic community event, the Katy Rice Festival celebrates the city’s agricultural roots. Every October, thousands gather in Historic Downtown Katy for food, live music, carnival rides, and parades. The festival honors the rice farming heritage that helped build Katy, while also showcasing local businesses and artists.

Katy Rodeo and Livestock Show

Held each February, the Katy Rodeo is another beloved tradition. With rodeo events, livestock competitions, and a parade through downtown, it’s a chance for residents to celebrate Katy’s Texas roots. For families new to the area, the rodeo is a must-attend event that truly captures the local spirit.

Live Music and Theater

While Katy doesn’t yet have the large performing arts venues of Houston, it offers plenty of local talent and community productions.

• Central Green at LaCenterra: Hosts free concerts, movie nights, and cultural events on an outdoor lawn.
• Local high schools: Katy ISD schools have strong fine arts programs, often producing musicals and concerts that rival professional productions.
• Community theaters and churches: Many offer seasonal performances, especially around holidays.

Museums and Cultural Centers

• Katy Heritage Museum: Showcases artifacts from Katy’s history, including farming tools, household items, and photographs.
• MKT Railroad Depot and Park: Preserves Katy’s railroad history and serves as a charming community landmark.
• Local art galleries: Small but growing, often tied to local artist collectives.

Farmers Markets and Seasonal Events

• Katy Market Day: Held monthly in Historic Downtown, featuring local vendors, food trucks, and entertainment.
• Holiday events: Christmas tree lightings, neighborhood parades, and festive markets make the holidays a special time in Katy.
• Food festivals: From crawfish boils to cultural celebrations, Katy’s event calendar is always full.

Golf Courses & Country Clubs

Katy Parks and Recreation includes golf! The following golf courses and country clubs are nearby. Read all the details at Katy Golf Courses.

> See also: Things to Do in Katy TX

Summary: A Lifestyle That Has It All

Katy offers more than just good schools and nice houses—it offers a lifestyle. For families who want balance, Katy makes it possible to enjoy the best of both worlds: suburban comfort with access to shopping, dining, parks, sports, and culture.

You can spend the morning at a soccer game, the afternoon at LaCenterra’s boutiques, and the evening at a concert under the stars. Or you can keep it simple with a bike ride along a community trail and a family dinner at a local restaurant.

What makes Katy special is the variety. No matter your interests—shopping, food, fitness, arts, or family fun—you’ll find ways to connect, explore, and thrive. And because the community is so family-focused, you’ll never feel like you’re missing out.

Katy isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to experience life fully.

>> See Also Katy Things to Do