Summers are here in Austin, and the weather can get warmer! Do you hate the hot, humid climate that takes away your zeal to explore the city? If yes, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a resident willing to spend time with your kids or a traveler looking forward to exploring the city, do not let the sun ruin your mood and your family’s. Austin demonstrates that you don’t need the outdoors to have a good time with its world-class art galleries, intimate cafes, mind-bending escape rooms, and live performances. All you have to do is find the best things to do indoors in Austin TX.
To alleviate your burden of doing the research yourself, we’re here to provide you with a gazillion options. Let’s unveil the 7 best fun things to do in Austin this summer!
7 Fun Things to Do In Austin, TX
There are a host of indoor places catering to every age group, so you needn’t worry about what to do indoors in Austin.
Explore Indoor Museums That Exude History
Take advantage of the hot day and visit the multiple immersive museums that Austin has to offer.
The Blanton Museum of Art
On a hot afternoon, this tourist spot, one of the personal favorites of travelers and locals and one of Austin’s best-regarded museums, is a must-see. With a variety of modern, contemporary, and historic artwork, it’s a terrific place to learn about culture without going out. Reviews from visitors usually highlight the beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
Location: 200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX
Bullock Texas State History Museum
If you want to learn about Texas’s history, culture, and facts in general, this spot has it all! From the city’s indigenous roots to its evolved modern times, the museum offers a comprehensive insight. Some of the highlights here include the La Belle shipwreck exhibit, IMAX theater, Texas Spirit theater, and a few hands-on experiences. Whether you love historical documentaries or your kids love blockbuster films, you can enjoy both.
Location: 1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX
Museum of Ice Cream
A visit to the Museum of Ice Cream is one of the best activities for kids in Austin. It is an excellent place for an immersive and fun art experience. It has themed rooms, full of Instagram-worthy pop-ups. It is also home to a pool of foam sprinklers where you can dive into. Explore the history of ice cream here and have an unforgettable experience!
Location: 11506 Century Oaks Terrace #128, Austin, TX 78758, United States
Indulge In Comfort Food
One of the comforting and relaxing things to do in Austin, TX, is to enjoy the local food in a warm, cozy place. Here are some of the top picks for a quick grab –
Eggman ATX Food Truck
A New York-style breakfast sandwich from Eggman ATX can brighten your day on a hot day. Delivering expertly made egg sandwiches that both residents and tourists adore. Reviews often emphasize that this place is a must-try due to its robust flavors, handmade sauces, and fresh ingredients. Additionally, there is an enclosed structure where you may sit and eat, as well as covered picnic tables. It’s an ideal place to have a coffee while you’re contemplating topics like how to start investing in real estate!
Location: 1311 South 1st Street, Austin, Texas 78704
Amity’s
For a cozy atmosphere with sumptuous coffee and pastries, go to Amity’s. It’s located within the historic Hole in the Wall music venue. It’s a perfect spot to relax with your friends and family or work outside the confines of the office or home.
Location: 2513 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78705
Go Deep In The Cave Underground
Among the top things to do indoors in Austin TX, is to go deep into the cave for an adventure and a fun day out!
Inner Space Cavern
The Inner Space Cavern is the best-preserved cave in the city. Hidden for over 10,000 years, it was opened for the public in 1966. The cave has a lot to see, including intriguing archaeology, prehistoric animal bones, and large rooms. What’s most exciting here is that the cave remains at 72 degrees! Isn’t that something worth exploring?
Unveil Your Artistic Side At Exclusive Indoor Art Galleries
One of the best things to do indoors in Austin, TX, is exploring the art galleries. It’s a must-visit! If you are a true art lover, the city has an array of options.
Wonderspaces
Wonderspaces is a Northwest Austin immersive art experience that features rotating exhibits combining interactive elements, light, and technology. It’s a dynamic area where creativity and art meet.
Location: 1205 Sheldon Cove Unit 2-A, Austin, TX 78753
Austin Art Garage
A great platform for local artists, the Austin Art Garage showcases a diverse range of artworks, from paintings to sculptures. Here, you can witness the essence of Austin’s artistic community. Your artistic self will be pleased after visiting this art gallery.
Location: 2200 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704
Visit The Fun Indoor Escape Room
Visiting the Escape Room is one of the coolest and best indoor activities to do in Austin. Why? Because it’s where you can solve puzzles and find clues to escape. Whether you’re with family or friends, it offers an immersive experience.
With its cleverly created puzzles and captivating plots, this location is frequently named as one of Texas’s top escape rooms. It’s an exhilarating way to make the most of a hot day, whether you’re solving a theft, escaping from prison, or defusing a bomb.
Location: 405 Red River St, Austin, TX
Indulge In A Shopping Spree At Indoor Markets
Who doesn’t like shopping or sometimes, merely collecting souvenirs as tourists? Well, even when the sun is shining bright, you can still visit indoor markets and buy an experience!
Uncommon Objects
As the name suggests, you can find antique things here. From vintage clothing to stylish home decor, it has a multitude of choices to offer. It’s among the unique places to visit and a fun thing to do indoors in Austin, TX. Locals and tourists call it a treasure trove of all things unique! It’s a great option to end your day trip by collecting unusual stuff.
Location: 1602 Fort View Rd, Austin, TX
Marketplace Austin
Marketplace Austin is a bustling indoor market and is home to a variety of vendors selling clothes, electronics, home goods, and serving authentic Mexican food. It’s a perfect go-to place for everyone looking for diversity in products and food. Here, you are exposed to a fun indoor shopping experience.
Location: 10601 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753, United States
Fun Indoor Activities For All Ages
How can we not mention the myriad options for entertainment when listing the fun things to do indoors in Austin TX? Here are some incredible choices for all age groups –
Antone’s Nightclub
This club has hosted some of the biggest singers and names in music. The live music, intimate setting, and the dim lights all call for a great club experience to have with your family and friends.
Location: 305 E 5th St, Austin, TX
Pinzball Original Arcade
This indoor game center offers contemporary video games and vintage pinball machines. It also includes laser tag and a rock climbing wall. This place caters to the taste of both children and adults. For adults, it’s more of a nostalgic experience, while for children it’s an exciting one! Moreover, it offers an extended option for fun arcade games.
Location: 8940 Research Blvd..
Austin Bouldering Project
With the Austin Boulder Project, you can experience the outdoors without actually having to go outdoors. It’s ideal for adventure seekers looking for indoor activities in Austin. Here, you can climb new heights without having to dangle off a cliff. Spanning across 50,000 square feet, it’s the world’s largest indoor bouldering gym offering great options for fitness classes. It combines climbing, yoga, a gym, and a large lounge area. So, all fitness enthusiasts, you now have several indoor activities to try!
Location: 979 Springdale Rd
4477 S Lamar Blvd
Punch Bowl Social
Punch Bowl Social, an immersive restaurant-arcade combination with outlets in The Domain and downtown, offers drunken punch and a bowling alley. The whole family will enjoy Punch Bowl Social’s varied menu, nostalgic setting, and abundance of activities after dinner.
Location: 522 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Experience Indoor Fun Without Having To Go Outdoors!
These are the best things to do indoors in Austin, TX. It offers a diverse range of activities catering to all interests. Whether you want to sip the best coffee or take your older kids to immersive art galleries, you have plenty of free indoor things to do. Also, if you wish to take a break after worrying about finding the best property management services for your home, or just have some fun with your family, there are tons of indoor play options in Austin. So, the next time you’re in the city or live here but are tired of the sun, these are some spots that are a must-visit!
FAQs
What to do indoors in Austin?
There are tons of options to explore indoors in Austin. Some major ones include: children’s Museum, indoor water park, arcade or bowling, bouldering Project, Wonderspaces, movie theater, and so on.
Does Austin have a nightlife?
Yes. Austin has options for a full bar, live music, great food, and an upscale nightlife scene.
Is Downtown Austin worth visiting?
Yes, it’s full of flavor and creativity. Whether it’s trying the local eateries or visiting world-class museums, there are a host of options to try.
