Lifestyle

13 Most Fun Indoor Activities in Austin to Enjoy in 2024

Last Updated on Sep 11th 2024
indoor activities in Austin

There are many enjoyable and riveting indoor activities in Austin. Many people ask, how do you beat the Austin heat? The answer lies in the many indoor activities available in Austin!

Indoor activities in Austin today will help you to make the best out of your spare time, no matter whether you want to start a new hobby or spend quality time with friends or family.

But what is there to do indoors in Austin? Austin, the capital of Texas is a historic city known for its music scene and the many parks and lakes in and around the city.

From hiking to boating, Austin is a popular destination for outdoor activities. But the city has many amazing indoor activities for all that deserve your interest too.

Numerous studies have shown that not only do outdoor activities improve mental health but so do indoor activities. Indoor activities help to reduce anxiety, improve physical health and help to prevent diseases.

There are many benefits to indoor activities, especially if you are wondering, where to go when it rains. Unlike outdoor activities, indoor activities are ideal for all seasons, especially the fall and the winter.

We have curated a list of 13 amazing indoor activities in Austin. We will cover activities to do with friends, as a family and during the summer.

Jump to Section

Best Indoor Activities in Austin for Adults

1. Cooking Classes

Cooking classes in Austin are a great way to spend time indoors if you want to learn new culinary skills, have a good time with friends or meet new people.

This is a great opportunity to learn traditional and modern techniques to improve your cooking or to learn new recipes from various cuisines. Cooking classes are just one of many indoor activities in Austin for adults that will bring a smile to your face.

cooking classes in Austin
via Classpop!

2. Paint and Sip Time

Painting is a wonderful indoor activity that will unleash your creative mind. Paint and Sip in Austin is a fun activity where to can discover a new hobby and enjoy quality time with friends or family. In addition, paint and sip sessions are just one of many delightful date ideas in Austin.

3. Enjoy Delectable Food at a Restaurant

Austin is host to many amazing restaurants. Therefore, if you do not fancy embarking on a culinary journey through cooking classes, why not savor the tastes and flavors in Austin by visiting a restaurant?

This is a particularly good idea if you are celebrating a birthday, as there are many amazing options for birthday dinner in Austin. 

4. Get Sporty With Bouldering

Start a new hobby by learning how to do bouldering through classes led by experts. Many gyms specialize in bringing climbing and community together, such as the Austin Bouldering Project. This means you can have lots of fun, whilst testing your climbing abilities.

5. See a Classic Film

There are many great new films out currently, but seeing a classic film on the big screen within a special building is a great alternative option.

This is just one of the many indoor activities in Austin for adults that will get you nostalgic and relaxed. The Paramount Theatre, a gorgeous historic building is the perfect place for this activity. 

group of friends seeing a movie at the theater
via Canva

6. Challenge Friends in Axe Throwing

Test your precision throwing skills with friends, family or perhaps even with a date. You will learn to toss tomahawks and batarangs as you enjoy this unique experience. Expert coaches and skill challenges will help you to develop your skills. Urban Axes is a great place to get started. 

Fun Indoor Activities in Austin for Families

7. Team Building Activities

Whether you are thinking about how to create more team chemistry between colleagues or you want to do a fun group activity as a family, there are many team-building activities in Austin to try out.

These indoor activities in Austin will get you chatting and laughing in no time, creating new bonds. Team-building activities in Austin are vast and varied, therefore there is something for every team.

8. Learn a New Skill With Pottery Classes

Calming and rewarding indoor activities in Austin are pottery classes in Austin. These hands-on classes involve molding clay and are perfect for families, even if you are all beginners.

You’ll learn about how to create different colors and designs in pottery. These classes will help you to get to know the other person better, making pottery-making one of many fun indoor date ideas.

9. Explore Fascinating Museums

Austin has many museums that are simply perfect if you are searching for indoor things to do in Austin with toddlers. The Thinkery is the place to supercharge your children’s imagination and creativity through hands-on learning activities indoors.

Meanwhile, The Blankton is one of the most famous art museums in Austin, showcasing pieces from contemporary American to Italian Renaissance paintings and Latin American art.

museum indoor activities in Austin for families
via Canva

10. Embark on a Journey Through a Cavern

As a family, What to do on a hot day in Austin is a tough question, especially if you want to get outside. This is where a journey through a cavern, which will provide cover from the sun whilst getting to explore nature is a brilliant idea to follow through on as a family.

Inner Space Cavern was hidden for 10,000 years and remains at a similar temperature throughout the year, making it a perfect destination to explore when it is very hot. This is perfect if you are searching for indoor activities in Austin for families.

11. Have Family Fun at an Arcade

Arcades are fun for everyone, proving to have many free indoor activities in Austin for families there. From retro games to pinball machines, air hockey and dance games, there is something to be enjoyed for all at an arcade. Cidercade is a great place to enjoy many arcade games.

Free Indoor Activities in Austin for Summer

12. Learn about Texas for Free

There are many places to learn and enjoy a day trip for free in Austin, such as Thursdays at The Blankton. The Texas State Capitol is a fantastic place to learn about the history of Texas politics for free.

There are special tours too, making this grandiose building from 1888 a wonderful option for those looking for indoor activities in Austin for families in the Summer. You should this trip to your summer bucket list ideas.

13. Learn and Get Creative at the Central Library

Free fun indoor activities in Austin are fantastic if you are looking for an affordable activity to do as a family, a team or a group of friends. A visit to the Central Library in Austin is a peaceful experience and has lots of local art and books to enjoy.

This is a beautiful public space and is a good place to get children to get creative. This is just one out of dozens of free indoor activities in Austin that can be enjoyed with friends or as a family.

Library free indoor activity in Austin
via Canva

There are many fun indoor activities in Austin today. Even if the city is well-known for its outdoor fun, Austin has many indoor activities for the summer and even indoor things to do in Austin with toddlers.

From learning for free in many museums to enjoying sporting activities, there are plenty of free indoor activities in Austin. These activities are fun and varied, providing plenty to do for visiting friends and for family days out.

For even more fun things to do in Austin, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!