35 Fun Indoor Things to Do in Austin, Texas, for Rainy Days

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Austin is the state capital of Texas and is also an exciting tourist destination. The city has an array of attractions, including historical Texas landmarks, museums, and trendy bars and restaurants.

You can also find numerous fun indoor things to do in Austin, Texas. If it's a rainy day and you want to do something inside, options range from relaxing in a coffee shop or unwinding at a spa to checking out specialty museums and entertainment complexes.

Whether you live in Austin or are visiting, these 35 indoor activities will keep you occupied even when the weather is bad.

Organizing a last-minute visit to Austin?

When visiting Austin, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. Below are some top recommendations to get you started.

🏨 Top accommodations in Austin

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Austin Parmer Tech Ridge (under $100 USD a night)
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin Cedar Park-Lakeline, tx (rated highly)
• Hyatt House Austin Downtown (relax by the pool)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Austin

• Small-Group Public BYOB Sunset Boat Tour on Lake Travis (likely to sell out)
• Private Lake Austin Boat Cruise - Full Sun Shading Available (rated highly)
• Skip the Line - Austin Zoo - General Admission Ticket
• Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour
• Austin Downtown Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

35 Austin Indoor Activities

sainaniritu/Depositphotos.com

Visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum

Austin has many museums, and one of the best ones to visit is the Bullock Texas State History Museum. This venue is the official museum of the state of Texas, and you can discover an array of exhibits on the Lone Star State's history and culture. There's also an IMAX theater where you can watch educational films.

🏨 Places to stay close to the Bullock Texas State History Museum

• Hotel Van Zandt (rated very highly)
• Hotel Ella (relaxing pool)

☂️ Join a tour to see the Bullock Texas State History Museum

• Austin & Hill Country Sightseeing Tour (a sort after tour)
• Double Decker Austin Single Loop Sightseeing Tour

Play arcade games at Pinballz

Playing arcade games is a fun indoor activity for kids and adults alike. One of the best places to do so in Austin is Pinballz.

The arcade offers a range of classic and newer games to enjoy. You can also get food, like nachos, pizza, and burgers, and Pinballz allows adults to bring in alcoholic drinks.

🏨 Accommodations close to Pinballz Lake Creek

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Austin Northwest Research Blvd (scored highly by guests)
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Austin Cedar Park-Lakeline, tx (offers a pool)

Race go karts at K1 Speed

K1 Speed is a go-kart track in North Austin that offers go-kart options for kids and adults. At the venue, you can race your friends around a fun challenge track, before going to the arcade to play games. There's also an on-site cafe with snacks and drinks.

🏨 Stay near K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts, Corporate Event Venue, Team Building Activities

• Sonesta Simply Suites Austin The Domain Area (good value)
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Arboretum (highly rated)

Relax at Viva Day Spa

One of the most relaxing indoor activities in Austin, Texas, is going to Viva Day Spa. The spa has three locations in Austin, all of which offer high-quality treatments.

Options to choose from include massages, facials, hot stone treatments, and manicures. They also have couples packages if visiting with your partner.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Viva Day Spa Med Spa Lamar

• East Austin Hotel (lounge by the pool)
• Hyatt Place Austin Downtown

Find some great books at the Austin Central Library

Located in Downtown Austin, the Austin Central Library features six floors to explore. At the library, you'll find numerous fiction and non-fiction books for all ages to enjoy.

Once you've found a book, there are many places to sit and read, with most of these spots offering views of Lady Bird Lake. The library even has a rooftop garden.

🏨 Places to stay close to the Austin Central Library and the Austin Public Library

• Hyatt Regency Austin (well-rated)
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin Downtown South Congress (relax by the pool)

Experience Wonderspaces Austin

Wonderspaces Austin is an immersive art experience with installations filling a 28,000-square-foot space. The unique artworks are supposed to challenge your perception and be like something you've never seen before.

You can see pieces by numerous contemporary artists, and the venue often stays open until late.

🏨 Accommodations near Wonderspaces Austin

• Drury Inn & Suites Austin North (rated highly)
• Hampton Inn Austin North (lounge by the pool)

View works of art at the Blanton Museum of Art

The Blanton Museum of Art is located at the University of Texas and is one of the biggest art galleries in the United States. The museum covers almost 190,000 square feet and has a permanent collection of approximately 19,000 pieces.

As you explore, you'll see works by famous artists, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to the Blanton Museum of Art

• Hampton Inn & Suites Austin The University Capitol (rated highly)
• Omni Austin Hotel Downtown (take it easy by the pool)

Grab a drink at one of Austin's coffee shops

One of the best indoor things to do in Austin when it's raining is enjoying a cup of coffee at one of the city's many coffee shops. A great one to check out is Manana.

This spot has a range of hot and iced coffees, plus teas. They also sell delicious baked goods, including croissants, peanut butter cookies, and vegan snickerdoodles. Just a few of the other top coffee shops to visit include Greater Goods Roasting and Merit Coffee Company.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Mañana

• Aiden by Best Western Austin City Hotel (very highly rated)
• Wyndham Garden Austin (well-priced)

Travis Perkins via Visit Austin

Rock climb at the Austin Bouldering Project

Austin Bouldering Project allows you to rock climb on a range of circuits at their indoor gym. The rock-climbing venue is one of the largest bouldering gyms in the world.

The space covers 50,000 square feet and also includes a fitness gym and yoga studio. Whether you're new to rock climbing or are a pro, trying some climbing activities is a fun thing to do on a rainy day.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to the Austin Bouldering Project in Springdale

• Sentral East Austin at 1614 E Sixth (4-star rating)

Enjoy brunch at Moonshine Grill

If you're looking for rainy day activities on the weekend, going to brunch is a great idea. Moonshine Grill is a popular brunch spot to visit. They serve brunch dishes, including chicken and waffles, challah French toast, and steak or veggie hash.

🏨 Accommodations nearby the Moonshine Grill

• The LINE Austin (relaxing pool)
• Hilton Austin (4-star rating)

Catch a movie at Violet Crown

Violet Crown is an independent movie theater that shows new releases as well as indie films. Unlike standard cinemas, Violet Crown offers a luxury experience.

Cocktails, beer, and glasses of wine are available to enjoy with the film. You can also get gourmet dishes along with regular movie snacks, like candy and popcorn.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to the Violet Crown Cinema

• The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel (soak up the sun poolside)
• The Driskill in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Bounce around at Altitude Trampoline Park

One of the most fun things to do in Austin indoors for kids is going to Altitude Trampoline Park. Located in South Austin, Altitude has numerous trampolines, a kids' park, a climbing wall, tumbling tracks, and much more.

The attraction stays open until 10 PM on weekends, allowing older kids and adults to enjoy the park too.

Look around the LBJ Presidential Library

Austin Bouldering Project allows you to rock climb on a range of circuits at their indoor gym. The rock-climbing venue is one of the largest bouldering gyms in the world.

The space covers 50,000 square feet and also includes a fitness gym and yoga studio. Whether you're new to rock climbing or are a pro, trying some climbing activities is a fun thing to do on a rainy day.

🏨 Places to stay near the LBJ Presidential Library

• DoubleTree by Hilton Austin University Area (well-rated)
• AT&T Hotel & Conference Center (rated 4-stars)

Take sweet photos at the Museum of Ice Cream

Located 20 minutes from downtown, the Museum of Ice Cream is a quirky indoor attraction to visit. The museum has multiple ice cream-themed rooms where you can snap some cute Instagram pictures. Backdrops include an ice cream sprinkle swimming pool and a cookie animal carousel.

🏨 Places to stay near the Museum of Ice Cream

• Tru by Hilton Austin nw Arboretum, tx (well-regarded)
• Sonesta ES Suites Austin The Domain Area

Challenge your friends to a laser tag game

Blazer Tag is one of the best laser tag spots in Austin and also happens to be the largest laser tag venue in Texas. At Blazer Tag, you can play over three stories, with each level featuring bridges, towers, and ramps.

After a game, there's an arcade to check out and a restaurant with snacks like pizza, burgers, and popcorn.

Paint pottery at Cafe Monet

Cafe Monet Art and Clay Studio is a pottery studio where you can paint a selection of ceramic items. Pieces to paint include mugs, plates, and vases. You can even take pottery classes if you want to create your ceramics from scratch.

If you're only in Austin for a short time, do note that your painted pottery is available for pick up seven days after your session.

Tour the Texas State Capitol Building

One of the best indoor places to visit in Austin is the Texas State Capitol Building. Opened in 1888, the building acts as the seat of government for the state of Texas.

If you want to learn more about the political landmark, you can take a guided tour. Even if you aren't that interested in politics, visiting the Capitol has to be on your Texas bucket list!

☂️ Explore the Texas Capitol with a tour

• Austin Downtown Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

🏨 Stay in close proximity to the Texas Capitol

• Austin Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels (rated 5-stars)
• Kasa Downtown Austin (unwind poolside)

Drink craft beer at Austin Beerworks

Relaxing with a beer is the perfect rainy-day activity. At the Austin Beerworks taproom, you can try a variety of beers, many of which are brewed on-site. Along with classic Ales and IPAs, you can try more unique blends like coffee stout and a blood orange IPA.

🏨 Stay nearby Austin Beerworks

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Austin NW - Arboretum Area

Sip on wine at Wanderlust Wine Co.

Wanderlust Wine Co. is a stylish wine bar with a few locations in Austin, including one downtown. The bar has wine on tap, with over 50 varieties to choose from. Tastings are available too if you can't decide what to order.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to the Wanderlust Wine Co

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown (well-rated)

Explore Thinkery

Another of the great Austin indoor attractions for kids is Thinkery. This children's museum has lots of interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play.

Exhibits include a pretend farmers market, a story time nook, and a science-based display. Due to the range of exhibits for differing ages, you can take kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens to Thinkery.

🏨 Stay near the Thinkery

• Origin Austin, a Wyndham Hotel (rated very highly)
• Best Western Plus Austin Central (mid-range)

Julia Keim Texas Farmers Market via Visit Austin

Buy local produce at the Texas Farmers Market

The Texas Farmers Market has an indoor location in Mueller, 15 minutes from downtown Austin. At the market, you can browse stalls selling local produce. Items to purchase include artisan bread, fruit and vegetables, and coffee. You can also find some beauty products and craft items.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to the Texas Farmers Market at Mueller

• DoubleTree by Hilton Austin (unwind poolside)

Work your way out of an escape room

Solving problems and cracking codes to get out of an escape room is a fun rainy-day activity. After booking a game at The Escape Game Austin, you'll have an hour to complete the game and escape. Themes to choose from include an art heist and a secret agent mission.

Spend time playing board games at Vigilante

Vigilante Gastropub & Games is a bar with a vast selection of board games to play. The bar has over 200 games, including well-known board games and more niche options. You can also order food and drinks, including snack and sharing plates, craft cocktails, and alcoholic milkshakes.

🏨 Places to stay near the Vigilante Gastropub & Games

• Sonesta Select Austin North Central
• Holiday Inn Express Austin North Central

Experience a brunch bus tour

Brunch lovers won't want to miss booking an Austin brunch bus tour! You'll be taken to three great brunch spots to try a range of delicious dishes and brunch drinks. As you travel between each eatery, you'll also get to enjoy a live music act aboard the bus.

🏨 Place to stay close to 602 E 4th St

• Hyatt House Austin Downtown (4-star rating)

Hole in the Wall via Visit Austin

Listen to live music at Hole in the Wall

If you're looking for a fun evening activity on a rainy day, head to Hole in the Wall. This fun bar has live music, plus great drinks and karaoke nights. You can see a range of acts here, with many local bands performing. Head to the website to see what's on during your visit!

Bowl at Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social is a trendy entertainment complex with bowling lanes, arcade games, and great food and drinks. After a game or two of bowling, you can enjoy cocktails, craft beer, or wine.

Food to order includes a range of sandwiches, tacos, cauliflower nachos, and quesadillas. Punch Bowl Social is open all week from 10 AM or 11 AM until late.

Get adorable sweet treats at OMG Squee

OMG Squee is a cute Asian-inspired dessert spot. They sell a range of desserts, like cookies, macarons, and donuts, many of which have anime animal designs.

You can also get Taiyaki ice cream in a fish-shaped cone. OMG Squee has tables so you can dine in or pick up some treats to enjoy at home with friends and a movie!

See strange exhibits at Museum of the Weird

Going to the Museum of the Weird is one of the more unique Austin, Texas, indoor activities. Named "America's Strangest Attraction," the museum has displays of weird and wonderful pieces. Things to see include mummies, carnival memorabilia, and a Big Foot display.

Let you kids play at Mt Playmore

Mt Playmore is 20 minutes from downtown and offers young kids lots of things to do. There's an indoor jungle gym with climbing features, slides, and more, plus a toddler play area and arcade.

After your kids have played, they can choose child-friendly snacks from the cafe, like corn dogs, mac and cheese, chicken fingers.

🏨 Accommodations near Mt Playmore

• Comfort Suites North Pflugerville - Austin North (highly rated)
• Sleep Inn & Suites Austin North - I-Three5 (good value)

Craig Washburn Pictures via Visit Austin

Go to the driving range at Topgolf

Topgolf is a state-of-the-art entertainment complex with a covered driving range and other golf games. As you and your friends or family play, you can order food and drinks from an extensive menu. Even if you aren't great at golf, Topgolf's games are fun for everyone!

Hang out at Bishop Cidercade

Bishop Cidercade is another fun spot that has alcoholic drinks and arcade games. It's also open all day! Games to play include Donkey Kong and Tetris, among other classic games.

As the name suggests, you can order many varieties of cider here, with hard kombucha and seltzer on offer as well.

Shop at Barton Creek Square

Another of the best things to do indoors in Austin, TX, is getting some retail therapy at Barton Creek Square. This large shopping mall has numerous stores to explore, including clothing, beauty, and decor outlets. There are also some bars, restaurants, and cafes here.

Sing with friends at Austin Karaoke

Austin Karaoke is a great indoor place to hang out with friends. Small, medium, and large karaoke rooms can be booked, and a wide variety of songs are on offer. You can usually bring alcoholic drinks too, but check before booking.

Discover hidden treasures at the Old Bakery and Emporium

Constructed in 1876, the Old Bakery and Emporium sells crafts created by local artists. Pieces to discover include jewelry, pottery and ceramic, and paintings. The landmark also has an art gallery and a history center, which offers background on the shop's history.

christianhinkle/Depositphotos.com

Dine at the Driskill Hotel

Opened in 1886, the Driskill Hotel is an iconic building in Austin. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, you can go inside on a rainy day to enjoy a drink or a meal. Dining options include having afternoon tea, getting a drink at the cozy Driskill Bar, or enjoying baked goods at 1886 Cafe & Bakery.

☂️ Visit The Driskill with a tour

• Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour (widely sought after)
• Panoramic City Center Tour With Stops (rated very highly)

In Summary

A rainy day doesn't have to ruin your plans! You can discover an array of fun indoor activities in Austin, TX. Whether you want to spend the day with drinks and some board games, indulge in retail therapy, or keep your kids occupied, there's something for everyone to enjoy inside in Austin.

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