19 Unique Indoor Activities In Austin To Try Next Time It Rains (2024)
- Date: April 7, 2024
- Topic: Events
- Contributors: Written by Nina Gunther-Segal
Source: Peerspace
Austin isn’t just the capital of Texas—it’s a unique destination that’s known as the live music capital of the world and is absolutely jam-packed with attractions and activities. From restaurants to arts to nightlife to shopping, there’s something for everyone in Austin, even when the weather is less than stellar. Here’s our list of 19 unique indoor activities that’ll keep you busy and entertained next time it’s pouring rain.
1. Try indoor skydiving at iFLY Austin
The phrase “indoor skydiving” might sound like an oxymoron, but it’s a real thing—and it’s the first suggestion on our list of indoor activities in Austin because it shows you don’t have to sacrifice exhilarating fun even on rainy days. Check out iFLY Austin to enjoy that adrenaline rush without the terror of jumping out of an airplane!
2. Find a fun excuse to throw a party at an Austin party venue via Peerspace
You don’t need an excuse to throw a party, of course—having fun and spending quality time with your friends is enough of a reason to plan a gathering. But if you want a theme for your party, refer to this list of weird national holidays to see if any fall on the rainy day you’re planning the event on. From National Talk Like William Shakespeare Day on March 22nd to National Hawaiian Shirt Day on August 16th, there’s a fun holiday you might not have heard of for nearly every day of the year.
Peerspace is the largest online marketplace for short-term rentals of all kinds, and it’s the ideal marketplace to discover Austin’s best party venues. It’ll make executing this indoor activity in Austin a whole lot simpler.
For example:
- This colorfully designed artistic home is perfect for small events of up to 20 people. It boasts a large kitchen with high-quality appliances and a breakfast nook to the beautiful green living room.
- This serene South Austin home on a private half-acre lot has seating for 18+, which makes it a great fit for a dinner party or other seated gathering.
- This Hill Country home boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a 112-foot deck that runs the entire length of the home. The stunning view from the house, which is cantilevered out from the hillside, is of the surrounding woods.
- This bright and spacious designer home has three grand stories to explore and is a plant lover’s dream.
Ready to discover even more amazing venues to make this indoor activity in Austin a reality? Run a quick Peerspace search and be sure to filter based on the criteria that matter to you (such as hourly price, number of attendees, event date and time, etc.) to see spaces that will work for your event needs.
3. Meet furry friends at Purrfecto Cat Lounge
Take a look at Purrfecto Cat Lounge’s Instagram to see who you’ll meet on a visit to this cat café. Iy is by far one of our favorite indoor activities in Austin! Whether you’re in search of a new cat for yourself (all cats at the cafe are adoptable rescues) or you just want to spend some quality time with friendly felines, it’s worth visiting this oasis of coffee and cuddly cats.
4. If you’re on a budget, visit the Austin Public Library
The impressive modern architecture of the six-story building that houses the Austin Public Library is just one of the many things about it that sets it apart. It has a fabulous view of the lake from the top balcony and is simply a comfortable and relaxing place to hang out, alone or with friends.
5. Or head to one of Austin’s most beautiful parks
Another great option for rainy day entertainment on a budget? A visit to one of the most beautiful parks in Austin, a list that encompasses Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and several others, according to Do 512.
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6. Go for dinner and a few rounds of bowling at Bull and Bowl
Bull and Bowl calls itself “the ultimate grown up playground,” and we agree. Choose from duckpin bowling, billiards, shuffleboard, karaoke rooms, and an arcade as your entertainment. Meanwhile, the menu has tons of tasty options to choose from, including breakfast (chicken and waffles, anyone?!), cocktails, and plenty of shareable appetizers to choose from.
7. Have an hour-long adventure at The Escape Game Austin
For starters, The Escape Game Austin isn’t your usual escape room experience—there are multiple rooms for each game, which means more entertainment and engagement during your hour of puzzling. There are seven escape room themes to choose from here, including “Prison Break,” “The Depths,” “The Heist,” “Gold Rush,” and more! Anyone who enjoys a cooperative challenge will love coming here with a group of friends and putting their mystery-solving abilities to the test.
8. Explore the mysteries of underwater life at the Austin Aquarium
You may not be able to venture beneath the waves for yourself, but the next closest thing is a trip to an aquarium like Austin Aquarium! In addition to the variety of marine life, there are also birds, reptiles, and mammals housed here. The collection totals thousands of species to see at this educational destination.
9. Spend a few nostalgic hours at the Texas Toy Museum
The Texas Toy Museum contains more than 20,000 pieces, most of which are toys and figurines from the 80s and 90s. You can also play games from their classic arcade collection (all set to free play so you can play for as long as you’d like). It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a rainy afternoon.
10. Unwind at the Fairmont Spa Austin
Interested in treating yourself to some self-care and rejuvenation? Choose from massages, facials, nail services, and more at this world-class spa in the heart of downtown Austin.
11. Visit one of Austin’s best restaurants
What better way to spend a rainy day than eating a delicious meal? Everyone has to eat, and we’re certain that enjoying some of the city’s best culinary offerings (according to Condé Nast Traveler) will take away some of the sting of bad weather.
12. Embrace Austin’s slogan and “Keep Austin weird”
There are tons of museums to choose from throughout the city, but for a truly authentic indoor activity in Austin, a trip to the Museum of the Weird is an ideal choice.
13. Or have a more conventional (but still amazing!) museum experience at the Blanton Museum of Art
The Austin Chronicle voted the Blanton Museum of Art the city’s best museum, and it certainly earns that title. If you’re looking for something to do on the second Saturday of the month, check out their Second Saturdays for live music and DJ sets on the patio as well as tours led by curators and talks about art. The galleries themselves are also open till 8 pm on these evenings, which is ideal for a date or a fun outing with friends, either before or after a delicious dinner.
14. Give axe throwing a try at Urban Axes Austin
Head to the East Side of Austin to enjoy the thrill of throwing an axe at a target at Urban Axes! They have hourly walk-in sessions, so it’s a great choice if your plans have been spoiled by rain at the last minute and you’re desperately in search of something fun to do.
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15. Appreciate the height of architectural beauty at St. Mary’s Cathedral
Restored in 2013, St. Mary’s Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Austin. It’s definitely worth a visit and has earned a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor for that reason.
16. Have a tasty meal and a cold drink at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Alamo Drafthouse started in Austin, where they now have five locations. On your next rainy day, head to the closest Alamo Drafthouse not only for a great movie but also for tasty food and beverages that far surpass the standard popcorn and soda sold at most cinemas.
17. If you’re with kids, visit Thinkery
Thinkery is a children’s museum that contains 40,000 square feet of educational activities for kids and families. It’s designed to be a destination where children can learn through play, with a range of engaging exhibits that teach kids about the laws of motion, how light works, electric currents, trains, and more.
18. Go indoor rock climbing at one of Austin’s best rock climbing gyms
For starters, as a resident of Austin, you have access to the Austin Bouldering Project—quite literally the United States’ largest rock climbing gym! Check out Austin Monthly’s suggestions of their top four indoor climbing gyms in Austin.
19. Enjoy retro fun at Pinballz Arcade
For nostalgia, hours of entertainment, and friendly faces, Pinballz is a gamer’s dream destination. Not only does Pinballz have the largest selection of classic and new arcade games in Texas, it also has more than 200 pinball machines!
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