We all know that Austin is a beautiful city for getting outside, but what about when you need to stay indoors? Like when it’s raining, or during the blistering hot months of summer? We polled Austinites on our Facebook page and put together this handy list of our readers’ favorite indoor fun.
Texas Memorial Museum
Museums and Science Centers
- Texas Memorial Museum — With 5.7 million collected specimens from research conducted at the Texas Natural Science Center, exhibits focus on prehistoric life, evolution, rocks and minerals, and Texas wildlife. (2400 Trinity St)
- Thinkery — The Thinkery is committed to providing an accessible and interactive experience for all. (1830 Simond Ave)
- Free trade counter at the Austin Nature & Science Center — Located on the western edge of Zilker Park, the ANSC offers kids the chance to take in treasures they have found in nature, learn a little about them, and trade them for points to spend on new and more exotic treasures from the store. FREE; donations accepted. (301 Nature Center Dr, on the western edge of Zilker Park)
Libraries
- Austin Public Library — With branches all over the city, you’re sure to be able to find a story time or activity to accommodate your kids, or just go browse the stacks. To find a location near you, visit the APL website.
- Wells Branch Community Library — Weekly programs and story times for kids of all ages. (15001 Wells Port Dr)
- Round Rock Public Library — Plenty of story times for all ages, plus a large children’s section. (216 E Main St, Round Rock)
- Cedar Park Public Library — Events include story times for all ages. (550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park)
Indoor Playgrounds and Bounce Houses
- Pinballz Arcade — A good old fashioned arcade with classic and new arcade games, redemption games, and other multiplayer games like air hockey, foosball, and skeeball. (8940 Research Blvd, Ste 100)
- Pump It Up — Usually reserved for private parties, Pump It Up does sometimes offer pop in play times at their Round Rock locations.
- Chuck E Cheese — One reader says the best time to go is before noon. Kids can play games of all age ranges. Tokens available for purchase. See the three Austin area locations here.
More Indoor Fun
- Barnes & Noble — Barnes & Noble has always had a great kids’ section, but now they’ve integrated a pretty big toy section into most stores, complete with a LEGO Duplo table. Hopefully a store near you still has a train table too! Grab a coffee and treat while you’re there.
- Half Price Books — A lot of locations have expanded their kids’ sections for a little more staying and browsing power. To find a location near you, visit their website.
- BookPeople — Whether there’s an event going on or not, BookPeople has tons of shelves for browsing and a wonderful kids’ section, which boasts a mini theater for storytime with a tunnel for kids that runs under the seats. Visit their calendar for all events . (603 N Lamar)
- Cabela’s — An “educational and entertainment attraction,” Cabela’s features museum quality animal displays, a huge aquarium, and trophy animals. (15570 IH 35, Buda)
- Lakeline Mall — Lakeline boasts a free indoor play area for kids, a fun carousel, an indoor train, as well as a slew of coin fed rides by the food court, not to mention Inflatable Wonderland! (11200 Lakeline Mall Dr)
- Fire stations — Call ahead of time, and most local fire stations will be happy to conduct a tour. Perfect for play dates as well.
