Rainy Day? 21 Weird & Fun Indoor Activities in Austin for Adults (2024)
Austin, Texas, averages 228 sunny days per year, but what if you visit on one of those 79 rare rainy days? If you happen to be so unlucky as I was visiting in 2022, whip out this list of best indoor things to try or skills to learn in an attempt to escape the next rainy day in Austin or the summer heat. Here is a curated guide for 21 weird and fun indoor activities in Austin for adults.
Weird and Fun Indoor Activities in Austin for Adults
If you’re looking for a good time in Austin, Texas, indoors and just for the adults, then look no further than this list of fun and weird activities.
We’re not going to focus on the more normal indoor things to do in Austin like Blanton Museum of Art, the Austin Aquarium, LBJ Presidential Library, Austin Science Center, Austin Central Library, Bullock Texas State History Museum, Mexic-Arte Museum, Texas Military Forces Museum. But, if any of those drew interest, feel free to click on the link for more information…or join a Best of Austin Group Tour.
🚌 TAKE THE STRESS OUT of trip planning:
Board an Austin Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus to get around the city when it’s raining
Only unique and fun things for this Austin activities list: bring a date, bring your best friend, camera, and stamina…
Indoor Museums & Art Activities in Austin for Adults
1. Wonderspaces
If you love a modern art immersive experience, you will love Wonderspaces Austin. This 28,000 square feet interactive art museum features roughly a dozen rotating exhibitions that mix Technology x Art.
Snap picturesque Instagram shots in their room of lights, explore inventive worlds with virtual reality, watch short films and even contribute to interactive exhibits. This is the perfect place as a date night activity for anyone looking to impress.
Tickets are $24 for adults, but there are many discount-eligible exceptions. Tickets may also sell out for the time slot you want to go to, so I recommend going on their website to reserve a time. I will certainly be returning the next time I visit Austin to see what new exhibits they have.
Address: 1205 Sheldon Cove # 2-A, austin.wonderspaces.com/
Related Post: If you’re a fan of these amazing art exhibits, check out these other Southwest wonders: Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, Las Vegas’s OmegaMart, and Houston’s Seismique.
2. Museum of the Weird
Austin has a catchphrase, “Keep Austin Wierd.” Right smack-dab in the middle of 6th street, nicknamed Dirty 6, there is a wacky roadside attraction called Museum of the Weird, helping Austin live up to its slogan.
Like Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the Museum of the Weird showcases human anomalies and historical oddities. Tickets are $12 for adults.
Address: 412 E. 6th Street Austin, TX 78701; www.museumoftheweird.com/
3. Museum of Ice Cream Austin
Because what’s better than a museum AND ice cream? New York’s popular pop-up shop has now made its way to Austin. The Museum of Ice Cream explores the history and science behind this delicious treat. You’ll even get to see how ice cream is made!
Take selfies as you walk through 12 immersive installations, jump around a sprinkle pool and ride a life-size animal cookie carousel. All the while, eat unlimited amounts of ice cream. Tickets are $29 for adults.
Address: 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, #128, Austin, TX 78758; https://www.museumoficecream.com/
4. Eureka Room Austin
“Participate” with strangers in the mysteriously unique and fun Austin immersive space, the Eureka Room. This will be an experience unlike any other you’ll have – and it’s definitely weird, but in a good way.
The Eureka Room isn’t all that high-tech like Wonderspaces; the opportunity to interact with others draws people into this 100 square foot room. Without giving too much away: The Eureka Room is perfect for people who enjoy screaming, pointing, high-fiving, and being ok with being confused.
To attend an event at The Eureka Room, you’ll need a group of at least four people, though the more, the merrier, up to 8 people. If you only have a few people or yourself, check time slots or reach out to Mike to join another group. Tickets are $25 per person.
Address: 1408 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702; https://eurekaroom.com/
5. The Selfie Galleries Austin
The Selfie Galleries is a new pop-up museum in Austin dedicated to, you guessed it, selfies! With 20 different eye-popping, selfie-ready rooms, this place is perfect for anyone wanting hilarious selfies or letting your inner child act out. You can even bring your pets to get in on the action.
The admission fee is $32 for each adult, and entry is time-based, starting at one-hour time slots. Selfie Galleries will even provide a tripod and a ring light for you to use.
Address: 3220 Amy Donovan Plaza Ste 116, Austin, TX 78758
Indoor Classes to Try in Austin for Adults
6. Archery Range
Why not shoot your shot to see if you might secretly be Katniss Everdeen at an archery range? Try an indoor archery range in North Austin called Country Archery. Country Archer’s bread and butter is their pro archery store, but they did have an 8 lane indoor archery area as well.
Usually, just show up with no reservation, and you’ll be admitted. But since this is a blog post on rainy days, they may be swamped when it rains. Call ahead to see if there is availability.
For one hour, the charge is $10 for renting the lane and $10 additional to rent their equipment too. If you have no experience, staff will give you a short rundown on the rule and the basics of how to shoot, but do not expect to make too many bullseyes your first time.
Address: 8121 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758; austinarcherycountry.com/
7. Curl Austin
If you don’t know what curling is, imagine a giant version of shuffleboard on ice. You lunge and throw a “rock” while your teammates literally sweep the ice with a broom to control the speed of your throw.
Pretty random activity, but Curl Austin was on Groupon. After a 2-hour intro lesson, I would say Olympics, here we come….not.
Address: 9402 United Drive Austin, TX 78758; https://curlaustin.com/
8. Austin Ninjas, aka Ninja Warrior
Not for the faint of heart or those with soft baby skin, ninja warriors actually train at Austin Ninjas. I have seen videos, and everything looks hard.
Austin Ninjas has everything from classes to camps to open gym time for you to try out everything they have on the obstacle course in a safe environment.
Address: 6001 W Parmer Lane, Suite 430 Austin, Texas 78727; https://austinninjas.com/
9. Circus School at Sky Candy
Have you ever gawked at Cirque du Solei or at a fancy nightclub and been taken by the beauty of those trapeze or aerial silk artists? Sky Candy is a circus training center in the city of Austin. They can teach you everything from bungee, burlesque, lyra, pole, rope, silks, sling, straps, trapeze, and more. I don’t know about you, but I want to learn ’em all.
Address: 1023 Springdale Road, 8A Austin, TX 78721; skycandyaustin.com/
10. Indoor Rock Climbing
If you’re looking for an indoor activity to try in Austin, warm up your arm muscles as you give rock climbing a shot. There are several indoor rock climbing gyms in the city; one of the most popular is Austin Bouldering Project.
With a state-of-the-art fitness center and world-class climbing walls, the Austin Bouldering Project also offers yoga and fitness classes. Day passes start at $18 for adults, with monthly memberships available as well.
Address: Two locations – West Gate (South Austin), Springdale (Downtown); https://austinboulderingproject.com/
Indoor Entertainment in Austin for Adults
11. Ax-Throwing
Ax-throwing is another Grouponable activity that should be on your bucket list, period. After a brief introduction and coming up with a “cleaver” ax pun name for yourself, you are ready to try some trick shots…that can be honestly terrifying.
The staff will introduce some games you can play to raise the stakes a bit. There are a few ax-throwing places around Austin, but we went to and highly recommend Class Axe Austin.
12. Escape Rooms
Once you’re done with ax-throwing, why don’t you continue the fun with an escape room? If you go to Class Axe, which is housed in the same building as Great Room Escape, you don’t even need to get drizzled on to get to your car.
But there are so many escape rooms now with so many themes, and they are always a thrill. The Escape Game Austin is a great option in downtown Austin.
13. Rage Rooms
Just like the sky is letting off steam, why not unleash your inner beast in a rage room at The Breaking Point Austin (Another Groupon find). This is one of the few socially acceptable places where you can throw, hit, and smash things in the name of fun. Breaking Point Austin facilitates ax-throwing and escape rooms too!
Address: 12233 N FM 620 N 109, Austin, TX 78750; https://www.thebreakingpointaustintx.com/
14. Pinballz Arcade
Pinballz Arcade is the ultimate entertainment center that does feature many pinball machines, but also every arcade machine that you know and don’t know. The fun doesn’t stop there; different Pinballz locations have varying attractions, including bumper cars, dart frenzy, go-karting, laser maze, laser tag, ax-throwing, escape rooms VR, an adventure theatre, and a bowling alley. You could literally spend all day in here.
Tip: Pinballz Lake Creek has the most activities.
Address: Various Locations; pinballzarcade.com
15. Cidercade
For more of a social bar experience in downtown Austin, Cidercade is a much more low-key arcade experience and way cheaper. Bring the whole family in the day, but come 8pm, adults (21+) allowed only.
For only $10, play endless arcade games while enjoying local Bishop Cidercade craft beers and hard cider. Their arcade game assortment is not as varied as Pinballz Arcade, but Cidercade focuses more on the social atmosphere.
Address: 600 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX, 78704; cidercadeaustin.com/
16. Blazer Tag Adventure Center
Heart-pounding and adrenaline-rushing, as an adult, I forgot how much fun laser tag is. If the urge arises to bring your action video games to life, laser tag at Blazer Tag Adventure Center. They advertise themselves as the largest laser tag arena in Texas, featuring three stories of ramps, bridges, and towers.
Public laser tag games are available as free for all or team-based if you have a large group. Blazer Tag has other indoor amusements like arcade games, mini-bowling, food, and drinks.
Address: 1701 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
17. iFly Austin
If you haven’t worked up the courage to skydive out of a plane yet, you can do a test run at iFly Austin, an indoor skydiving venue in North Austin. You won’t be hurtling towards Earth via gravity but rather suspended mid-air by high-powered wind tunnels.
A 2 flight package costs $65 – $85 depending on peak times, and further discounts per flight for any additional runs.
Address: 13265 US-183 Suite A, Austin, TX 78750
Indoor Texas Activities in Austin for Adults
18. Texas BBQ
Texas BBQ is a must-do on a trip to Texas, no matter what the city. Tip: get the beef brisket and save the space on the sides.
In the Austin area, there are a few famous BBQ spots: Franklin’s, Terry’s, and Terry Blacks. Actually, the Black family has a remarkable history where all the family’s sons started their own BBQ house, with Terry’s being the original.
BBQ spots are usually cafeteria-style, where you select your sides, then your meats by weight, and pick an open table. Make sure to go at an odd hour or bring a lawn chair and an umbrella because the famous BBQ places can have super long lines.
🍖 Eating is always a fun indoor activity, go on a guided urban gastronomy experience taste testing through Downtown Austin with Secret Food Tours
19. The Broken Spoke
The Broken Spoke’s slogan, “The last of the True Texas Dancehalls and damn sure proud of it!” hangs on the exterior of their classic wood-built housing. Swinging the doors open to the place, a pool table spotlights among the rows of booths. From a tourist’s eyes, I totally saw its saloon days. It really is a hoot of a Texas experience, if that’s what you’re seeking.
Wednesday through Saturday, 8-9 pm, learn the Texas Two-Step, Western Swing, and (only one) line dancing opportunity by signing up for The Broken Spoke’s very own dance class. Although I’m not sure I would recommend the class itself, for a pretty strange reason. Feel free to ask me why.
Tip: Surprisingly dressy. You might get kicked out if you’re not wearing a “proper” shirt aka no tank tops, guys specifically.
Address: 3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Miscellaneous Indoor Activities in Austin for Adults
20. Uncommon Objects Store
Exactly as it sounds, Uncommon Objects is a massive storefront that sells uncommon objects. They have everything ranging from creepy wooden masks to tea sets to things that make you wonder just why? ie. random black and white photos of people from the early 1900s. Why anyone would buy or sell that is beyond me.
Address: 1602 Fort View Rd, Austin, TX 78704, uncommonobjects.com/
21. Shop Cute Knickknacks at an Asian Plaza
This might be a weird place to put on this list, but we spent an hour at Kinokuniya Austin and Daiso looking at cute Asian knickknacks and buying things I didn’t think I needed. Afterward, indulge on some boba, Korean BBQ, or Sushi, yes please.
Address: 6929 Airport Blvd #121, Austin, TX 78752, but the whole plaza is awesome
Where to Stay in Austin
| 🏘️WHERE TO STAY IN AUSTIN |
| Most scenic: Commodore Perry Estate (⭐8.1) Most romantic: Hotel Saint Cecilia (⭐9.0) Top luxury stay: The Fairmont Austin Gold Experience (⭐9.0) Top budget stay: Holiday Inn Austin (⭐7.7) |
Bucket List Worthy? Weird and fun indoor activities in Austin for adults
We were also stuck in Austin during bad weather, so I get it; it’s time to get creative. If you’re looking for fun indoor activities just for the day, here are some of my favorite things to do in Austin when it rains:
- Wonderspaces
- Ax-Throwing
- Pinballz Arcade
- Curling (Only because when else would you do this?)
- Texas BBQ
| TRAVEL RESOURCES |
| ✈️ Find the best tours and activities with Viator to cross off your bucket list and create unforgettable memories 🏘️ Book your accommodation with Booking.com in advance and check availability on the days of your travels. 🧾 Rent a car in advance with Discovercars for those epic road trips at the best price. |
Going Elsewhere in Texas? Discover Other In-state Adventures and Resources
- One Perfect Day in San Antonio, Texas: First Time Tourist Itinerary
- 24 hours in Dallas? The No FOMO One Day Itinerary for a First Time Visitor
- Weekend in Houston: 3 Day Houston Itinerary for First Timers
- Boquillas del Carmen Border Crossing: Mexico for Lunch and Other Big Bend Things
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.