20 Unique Indoor Activities In Houston To Try Next Time It Rains
- Date: December 20, 2024
- Topic: Events
- Contributors: Written by Nina Gunther-SegalEdited by Alexis Shiraki
Source: Peerspace
Answered
Event venues on Peerspace typically cost $80 — $220 per hour.
Looking for the best indoor activities in Houston? As you’ll soon learn, Houston residents have an array of indoor entertainment to choose from, whether you’re more excited about museums or you’d rather spend the day at your local arcade.
You can even book a private, customizable venue through Peerspace, the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals. Using Peerspace, you can rent unique hidden gem venues from local hosts who list their special spaces as event venues. You’ll see a few amazing examples ahead!
Without further ado, here are our favorite indoor activities in Houston to enjoy on the next rainy day.
1. Enjoy tranquility and medititation at the Rothko Chapel
The Rothko Chapel was established 1971 as a space to display 14 large mural paintings by abstract painter Mark Rothko. Rather than being dedicated to a specific religion, it’s intended as a space for all forms of meditation and worship. It’s also a destination for social justice and civil rights activists. If you’re socially conscious and curious, it’s one of the most rewarding indoor activities in Houston.
2. Find an excuse to throw a party with your best buds
You don’t have to have an excuse to throw a party, but it can’t hurt. Refer to this list of weird national holidays for inspiration, especially if your goal is to put together an event that’ll be truly memorable! Alternatively, you could be honest and simply say that you’re planning a party to keep yourself entertained on a rainy day—and maybe even make the theme of the party “rainy day”!
How about the venue for your spontaneous rainy day party? In case you’d rather not host it at your own home, you can always look for what’s available on Peerspace when it comes to Houston party venues!
For example:
- This professionally designed gallery event and office space, which includes multiple areas to entertain. The hosts recently invested $25,000 into professionally redesigning and remodeling this space, and it shows!
- This unique multipurpose event space in the Heights, which measures 1,500 square feet and can comfortably fit about 40 people (depending on the setup you choose). The open, relaxing space also has a view of the lush garden as well as a full kitchen, AV equipment, comfortable lounge furniture, and more.
- This modern bungalow in Independence Heights, which is an ideal choice for medium sized gatherings (it has space for up to 40 people) and is especially affordable at only $75 to $100 per hour. The bungalow itself is 800 square feet and has a large modern deck, a kitchen, multiple restrooms, and lots more to enjoy.
3. Enjoy a meal fit for a hobbit at the Hobbit Cafe
This “mead bar” has been around since 1972, when it first started serving tasty vegetarian fare (although it now serves meat). If you’re a Tolkien fan looking to feel as if you’ve been transported to the Shire for an hour or two, you’ll love hanging out at this Houston classic, where you can buy nachos, fish tacos, and burgers, among other options on the menu.
4. Learn more about the human body at the Museum of Health and Medical Science
This museum is a unique destination that will fascinate many science lovers. Some highlights here include a 27.5-foot-long intestine, a model of an eyeball that you can walk through, and a huge beating replica of a human heart, among many other engrossing exhibits that illuminate the inner workings of our bodies. Apparently, there’s even a skeleton riding a bicycle!
5. Or visit the National Museum of Funeral History for a truly morbid museum-going experience
The National Museum of Funeral History honors the heritage and rituals of funerals throughout history. It displays the country’s largest collection of authentic and historical funeral service items in a total of 19 permanent exhibits, including one that focuses on the history of cremation, another that celebrates the lives and deaths of the popes, another that focuses on jazz funerals of New Orleans, and another that displays fantasy coffins from Ghana.
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6. Deepen your understanding of sailing at the Houston Maritime Center and Museum
Yes, we’re including lots of unique museums among our suggested indoor activities in Houston, but what better way to entertain yourself on a rainy day? This small yet amazing museum contains one man’s huge collection of model ships, which he gathered during his 95 ocean voyages and began to display at the museum starting in the year 2000.
7. Explore the downtown Houston tunnel system
Did you know that Houston has the largest below-ground pedestrian tunnel system in the United States? Connecting 95 city blocks and more than 20 commercial buildings with over six miles of pathways, the tunnels contain restaurants as well as stores, services (such as a dentist office and a barbershop!), and more. Plus, if it’s hot and muggy out, the tunnels also happen to be air conditioned. Just make sure you visit on a weekday before 6pm, or they’ll be closed.
8. Meet 900 different animals at the Houston Zoo
That’s right—the Houston Zoo has over 6,000 individual animals of roughly 900 different species on display in its 55 acres. It also has both indoor and outdoor exhibits to explore. You won’t run out of cool sights at this impressive zoo in the heart of the city!
9. Learn a new skill at Houston Axe Throwing
Axe throwing is a truly badass activity that involves exactly what you’d guess: throwing axes, aiming them at a target in an attempt to hit the bullseye at the center. Houston Axe Throwing is an especially great choice for beginners because they have a team of skilled experts who will guide you through axe throwing to ensure you’re staying safe and using the right form.
10. Entertain your kids at Wonderwild, an indoor playground
Our list of indoor activities in Houston includes this fabulous indoor playground for those seeking to keep kids busy on a rainy day! Wonderwild has a giant ropes course, a three story playscape, a giant jumping pillow, engaging pedal cars, and even more entertainment for kids to enjoy.
11. See a classic opera at the Houston Grand Opera
Another one of our favorite indoor activities in Houston is a trip to the Houston Grand Opera to see one of the many operas they put on each season. See what’s currently being performed here on their website.
12. Go shopping and dining at The Galleria
The Galleria is not only the largest shopping destination in Texas—it’s also the most luxurious place to shop in the state! Choose from more than 400 stores, including designer staples like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, as well as over 60 restaurants that are ready when you need to take a snack break.
13. Go ice skating at Ice at the Galleria
Ice at the Galleria is one of the best skating rinks in the city, and it also happens to be located in the aforementioned Galleria. So if you’re spending the day going on a shopping spree at its hundreds of stores, you can also fit in some ice skating while you’re there.
14. See a show at The Riot Comedy Club
Comedy lovers will really enjoy spending an evening at The Riot, whether they go out for laughs with friends or decide to go there for date night. If you’re feeling especially brave, attend one of their Monday open mic events and give stand up comedy a try for yourself!
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15. Transport yourself to a magical oasis at the Cockrell Butterfly Center
Located next door to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Cockrell Butterfly Center is fully covered in glass, protecting both you and the thousands of butterflies it contains from the elements. Further adding to the ambiance is a picturesque 50 foot waterfall and plenty of lush plants from around the world.
16. Say cheers to a tour of the Yellow Rose Distillery
Whiskey aficionados will get a kick out of touring a real distillery, which you can do any day Tuesday through Saturday, with tours starting on the hour every hour.
17. Immerse yourself in a new reality at Exitus VR
If you’ve never experienced virtual reality before, you’re in for a shock. Exitus VR has a number of themed games to choose from: “Zombie Survivor,” “Escape the Lost Pyramid,” “Beyond Medusa’s Gate,” and more—just be ready to be fully immersed, which can be truly frightening if the subject matter of the game is scary!
18. Go skydiving without the plane at iFLY Houston
Ever heard of indoor skydiving? It might sound like an oxymoron, but thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you can simulate the experience of skydiving—floating in midair and all!—at this indoor skydiving center. It’s one of the few indoor activities in Houston that help you reach new heights — literally!
19. Play unlimited arcade games at Cidercade Houston
The coolest thing about Cidercade Houston is that you can pay $12 per person for unlimited playtime on more than 275 arcade games! This indoor activity in Houston encompasses both old and new arcade games as well as pinball, rhythm games, fighting games, Skee-Ball, and many other entertaining options.
Looking for a place that’s a little less crowded? Then consider booking time at this midtown speakeasy lounge. It’s hidden behind a CBD wellness shop and allows you private access to a party space with a full bar, arcade games, and a DJ booth. This will be a rainy day you’ll never want to forget!
20. Plan a romantic meal for someone special
Maybe your ideal indoor activities in Houston include alone time with your significant other. If so, we have just the suggestion for you! Why not book a private dinner venue through Peerspace and enjoy a gourmet meal, just the two of you? It’s easy to do when you book a venue like this Northside dinner lounge with city views!
This beautiful and stylish space offers comfy seating, speakers for piping in some romantic music, a table for two that overlooks the city, and optional catering services. It’s a great idea whether it’s your anniversary, their birthday, or just as a way to say you care on a rainy day!
Indoor activities in Houston: conclusion
We hope these indoor activities in Houston have you looking forward to the next rainy day! Houston is a city brimming with art, culture, and just plain fun, so it’s easy to spend time with loved ones enjoying everything the city has to offer.
Remember, when you’re looking for a more bespoke experience, rent a Houston event venue through Peerspace. Delight your friends and family by booking a stylish space that offers amazing amenities that keep those rainy day blues at bay.
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