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Sugar Land is a city of about 110,000 people in Fort Bend County, southwest of Houston, named for the sugar plantations and the Imperial Sugar refinery that dominated the area for more than a century. The refinery's old char house and silos still stand by the highway, and the company town has grown into one of the most diverse and family-friendly suburbs in Texas.
Sugar Land Town Square is the city's lively center, with restaurants, shops and events around a plaza, and the Smart Financial Centre hosts major concerts and shows. The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land and the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center are popular with families.
Parks and lakes are everywhere. Oyster Creek Park has trails along the creek, Cullinan Park is known for its alligators and boardwalks, and Brazos River Park and Lake Jane Long offer fishing and quiet paths. Sugar Land's old water tower and Sugar Lakes neighborhood recall its company-town past.
Smart Financial Centre is a 6,400-seat performing arts venue near Sugar Land Town Square that hosts touring concerts, comedy, Broadway shows and the Fort Bend Symphony. Its sightlines are good from most seats. Arrive early on show nights, as traffic and parking on University Boulevard back up.
Constellation Field is the ballpark of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the Houston Astros' Triple-A team. Games are affordable and family friendly, with fireworks nights, a kids' play area and grassy berm seating. Check the schedule for theme nights and bring sunscreen for summer day games.
Sugar Land Town Square is the city's walkable center, built around City Hall and a large plaza with a fountain, restaurants, shops and a hotel. Free concerts, markets and holiday events take place on the plaza. Visit on a warm evening for patio dining and the busy atmosphere around the fountain.
The Imperial Sugar Char House is the tall brick building left from the historic Imperial Sugar refinery that gave Sugar Land its name. The refinery closed in 2003 and the surrounding area has been redeveloped. View the Char House and old silos from Highway 90A or the nearby streets.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land is a branch of the Houston museum with dinosaur fossils, gems and minerals, a hands-on science hall for kids and changing exhibits. It is smaller and calmer than the main museum. Allow about two hours and check for discounted weekday tickets.
Cullinan Park is a large nature park in Sugar Land with lakes, boardwalks, wetland trails and an observation tower. It is a top spot for bird watching, with herons, egrets and migrating ducks. Wear insect repellent, stay on the paths and look out for alligators near the water edges.
Oyster Creek Park follows Oyster Creek through Sugar Land with paved hike and bike trails, playgrounds, picnic pavilions and fishing spots. The trail links several neighborhoods and is shaded in places. Walk or cycle the trail in the morning, as the Texas afternoons get hot in summer.
Sugar Land Memorial Park is a large park along the Brazos River with a lake, walking trails, a veterans memorial and wide lawns. It links to the Brazos River corridor, where you can see the river and native woodland. Bring water and a picnic, and check river trail access after heavy rains.
Brazos River Park sits on the banks of the Brazos River in Sugar Land, with an amphitheater, a lake, playgrounds, a dog park and trails through native prairie and woods. It hosts outdoor concerts and events. Bring a blanket for amphitheater shows and visit the river overlook near sunset.
First Colony Mall is an indoor and outdoor shopping center next to Sugar Land Town Square with department stores, national brands and restaurants. Its open-air section links to the town square. Combine shopping with dinner at the square, and use the free parking garages on busy weekends.
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