While some might believe, with the advent of the internet and growing inclination toward online shopping, that malls are a thing of the past. Though it’s probably true that the nostalgic days of malls being a hangout destination for, say, wayward teens, are gone, malls in Houston at least are still in full swing.
With trendy retail destinations, foodie hotspots, ice rinks, theaters, pop-ups, full-scale events, and more, the best malls in Houston have been able to maintain thrive as entertainment destinations. Whether you’re looking for a gift, stopping by for lunch, or want to go for a skate: here are the best malls in Houston TX.
1. Galleria Houston
Located in the vibrant heart of Uptown, Houston, Galleria Houston stands as a sprawling 2.5-million-square-foot mixed-use retail destination boasting a plethora of offerings. As the largest mall in Texas, the Galleria houses over 375 stores, ranging from renowned luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci to popular favorites such as Nordstrom and Macy’s, as well as featuring 50 dining establishments – including the stunning Musaafer Indian restaurant and renowned sushi institution, Nobu, as well as comfort classics like The Cheesecake Factory and more on-the-go options like Firehouse Subs, Chipotle, and Chick-Fil-A.
Galleria also features a children’s play area, beauty salons, expert tailors, and a cutting-edge ice rink, providing a comprehensive and upscale shopping and entertainment experience.
📍5085 Westheimer Rd.
📅 10 am – 8 pm Monday – Thursday; 10 am – 9pm Friday and Saturday; 12 – 7 pm Sunday
2. Memorial City Mall
Memorial City Mall in West Houston is a mixed-use retail, dining, and entertainment hub that features over 150 stores. Here, retailers range from Gap to Levi’s, Mango, and Michael Kors. The mall is also home to a number of jewelers such as James Avery and Jared, as well as salons, cosmetic stores, and accessory outlets.
Dining-wise, the mall houses a number of on-the-go eateries such as Potbelly, Kolache Factory, and Torchy’s Tacos. Additionally, visitors here can enjoy from a number of more destination eateries including Good Co. Seafood, Guadalajara Hacienda, and KUU Restaurant. For some after work drinks, visitors can stop by Brewed Awakening or Kirby Ice House Memorial.
Memorial City Mall features a state-of-the-art ice rink that hosts ice hockey league and pick-up games, figure skating sessions, open skates, and learn-to-skate classes. The mall is also home to the multi-screen Cinemark theater, where visitors can catch the latest blockbusters, family-friendly movies, and other hit films.
📍303 Memorial City Way
📅 10 am – 8 pm Monday – Thursday; 10 am – 9 pm Friday and Saturday; 11 am – 7 pm Sunday
3. Katy Mills Mall
Katy Mills Mall is an indoor, 1.2-million-square-foot shopping outlet and destination for Houston families that features over 175 stores including a movie theater, arcade, and multiple entertainment spaces.
The mall features retailers ranging from designer outlets to popular brands like Adidas, Nike, and H&M. Their food court features a number of mall staples like Wetzel’s Pretzels, The Cheesecake Factory, and Charleys Philly Steaks. For the kiddos, or us young-at-heart adults, the venue also features a Rainforest Cafe.
Katy Mills also boasts a number of attractions for the whole family. Located inside the mall in Katy, families can slide down to Slick City, the world’s first indoor slide park, a Disney Jr. Play Zone, Dig World, and the seasonal massive bounce house, Funbox.
Other notable establishments at Katy Mills Mall include Bass Pro Shop, Books-A-Million, and the AMC Katy Mills 20 theater that screens a variety of films from Oscar-worthy films to popcorn flicks, and international cinema.
📍500 Katy Mills Cir
📅 10 am – 8 pm Monday – Thursday; 10 am – 9 pm Friday and Saturday; 11 am – 6 pm Sunday
4. Woodlands Mall
Now in the process of a $100 million expansion, the Woodlands Mall is a 1.3-million-square-foot (and counting) retail space that features 200 stores, dining, and entertainment spaces.
Featured retailers here include Austin-favorite Tyler’s, Urban Outfitters, Dr. Martens, Earthbound Trading Company, TravisMathew, and Anthropologie.
Its food court features snack and drink kiosks, fast-casual eateries like Panera Bread and Chick-Fil-A as well as sit-down restaurants such as Urban Bricks Pizza Co and Bazille.
As for entertainment, the mall features a number of gaming avenues including the adventure series-themed Escape The Room escape room and the Immersive Gamebox, an immersive arcade wherein players utilize motion tracking, projection mapping, VR, and more in fully-encapsulating games.
📍1201 Lake Woodlands Dr #700
📅 11 am – 8 pm Monday – Thursday; 11 am – 9 pm Friday and Saturday; 12 – 6 pm Sunday
5. Willowbrook Mall
The 1.4-million-square-foot indoor shopping plaza in northwest Houston features a diverse array of over 150 retailers, eateries, and health & beauty outlets. Notable retailers here include Lululemon, Zara, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the LEGO Store.
While its food court is largely comprised of common mall eateries, the mall will soon become home to Chicago’s famous Portillo’s hotdog restaurant slated to open by the end of the year.
📍2000 Willowbrook Mall
📅 11 am – 8 pm Monday – Thursday; 11 am – 9 pm Friday and Saturday; 12 pm – 6 pm Sunday