The secret’s out – it’s HOT this summer in Texas!
… Actually, that isn’t a secret at all. Two steps out your front door is all it would take for anyone to get the hint, and it doesn’t look like this season is pulling any punches. Afternoons you may have spent swimming, hiking, or biking need to be substituted somehow. After all, who wants a summer spent stuck at home? Get ready to beat the heat with this list of indoor activities and entertainment spots for you to peruse under the cool blast of the AC – we know it’s a must.
If you have children or younger siblings, you know how much youngsters love activity. Days you’d be glad just to relax and sit around, they’d much prefer an adventure. Despite this section’s “kid-friendly” features, don’t let the label keep you from having a little fun of your own. Most, if not all, of what’s listed here can be enjoyed by folks of all ages.
Texas Science and Natural History Museum
Open 10AM-5PM Tue-Sat, 1PM-5PM Sat | UT Campus | $10 General Admission
Home to multiple floors of exhibits ranging from dinosaur fossils to gemstones to life-sized dioramas, the Texas Science and Natural History Museum is a must-see spectacle. Even if you aren’t a history-lover, you’ll surely stay for the larger-than-life installations and hands-on activities.
Chaparral Ice
Open 6AM-Midnight Daily | Northcross Center | $14 General Admission
Talk about a place to cool down! Offering its rink for daily use, it’s a great spot for beginners and experts alike to get out on the ice and skate to their heart’s content. As the only publicly-accessible ice rink of its size in the city, it has remained a beloved fixture of the community for 25 years.
Pins & Wheels at Playland
Open Noon-10PM Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun (Midnight Tue, Fri, Sat) | McCann Dr | $7 - $16
Formerly known as Playland Skate Park, Pins & Wheels is your one-stop-shop for all your party-related needs. Having only offered roller skating before its expansion, guests may now enjoy bowling, axe-throwing, darts, a full arcade, and karaoke as well. With no shortage of fun events and themed nights to explore, Playland is a great place to let loose and escape the heat.
Austin Public Library
Hours Vary by Location | Free for Residents
If you find yourself in need of some quiet time, Austin Public Library operates out of 22 branches across the city, so there’s always one close by. Mill around, leaf through books that strike your fancy, or attend one of the many workshops, events, clubs, or classes that could be held at a location in your neighborhood.
K1 Speed
Open 11AM-10PM Mon-Thu, 12AM Fri, 10AM-Midnight Sat, 10AM Sun | Mc Hale Ct | $28 - $66
As the home of Formula One racing in America, Austin is the perfect host for K1 Speed, an indoor karting experience unlike any other. Their electric-powered karts provide the perfect blend of thrill, challenge, and fun that’s matched only by their commitment to safety. With a fully stocked arcade, eatery, and racing memorabilia museum-like collection attached to the track, it’s great for parties, solo excursions, and anything in-between.
The Thinkery
Open 9AM-2PM Wed-Sat | Del Valle | $9 General Admission
Open 10AM-5PM Daily, 7PM Tue, Fri | Mueller | $20 General Admission
Formerly known as the Children’s Museum, the Thinkery is a kids-centric experience that prioritizes hands-on interaction, collaboration, and expression. With a commitment to making learning enjoyable, their many exhibits, labs, and workshops provide children with space to explore and discover freely.
Austin Bouldering Project
Open 6AM-11PM Mon-Fri, 8AM-10PM Sat - Sun | Westgate, Springdale | $18 - $25
Not many people can say they’ve had the opportunity to freescale up the side of a mountain; Austin Bouldering Project provides the perfect opportunity to say “well, kind of!” With an open array of climbing courses with varying difficulties for every skill level, their aim lies in connecting people through mutual challenge and problem-solving. If you’ve never been bouldering or rock climbing before, you’ll find it’s as much a mental exercise as it is a physical one. Stop by with a day pass or sign up for a class for a true full-body workout.
As an adult, it may be difficult to find Summer activities that don’t involve swimming or some kind of outdoor endeavor – If you don’t know where to look, that is. While we’re sure you wouldn't mind lounging around on the sofa, it’s always fun to try something new; we’re sure at least something here will be worth your while.
Black Swan Yoga
Open 6AM-10PM Mon-Fri, 9AM Sat, 7am Sun | Locations Vary | Free
As an active pastime, we understand how yoga can seem difficult to get into; what’s the best program for your needs? What if you don't want to commit to a bunch of classes? How do you determine if the price is worth it? With Black Swan Yoga, all these concerns disappear. With a stress-free, simple signup process on a class-by-class basis and a donation-based payment philosophy, a visit with a friend could make for a relaxing afternoon.
Cidercade
Open 10AM - 12AM Daily | E Riverside | $12
With a flat rate entry fee that gives visitors access to their collection of over 150 games and activities to choose from, Cidercade is the premiere destination for all-day play. While completely kid-friendly during the day, 9PM marks their transition to adult-only hours to ensure everyone gets a shot at a 100% worry-free experience.
Blanton Museum of Art
Open 10AM-5PM Tue-Sun | UT Campus | $15
Mellow summer afternoons are made for art museums, and the Blanton Museum of Art is truly the cream-of-the-crop. Although their permanent collection never gets old no matter how many times you may have come to visit it, recent renovations to the outdoor areas and their rotating exhibitions held in the downstairs gallery ensure you’ll never run out of new perspectives to explore. Tuesdays offer free admission and there are plenty of discounts for students and UT affiliates to explore – a must-visit even if you’ve gone in the past.
CRAFT Austin
Open 4PM-8PM Wed, 2PM Thu, Fri, Noon Sat, Sun | Springdale | $40
Why shouldn’t adults get a space to let their creative spirit fly free as well? CRAFT Austin offers a unique opportunity to connect with your inner child and spend as long as you want simply creating freely. Visitors are given full access to a wide variety of supplies across many mediums, encouraged to take home whatever they make and leave the cleanup to CRAFT. If you want to feel like you’re back in art class, it’s a great place for those who may not have the equipment to do crafts at home.
Punch Bowl Social
Open 11AM - Midnight Mon-Fri, 2AM Sat, Sun | The Domain | $20 - $40
Located at the Domain, Punch Bowl Social is an all-in-one venue for parties, get-togethers, evenings out, and everything in between. Bowling, karaoke, board games, darts, arcade games, even a golf simulator – you name it, they have it. With happy hour deals like 50% off of all games and tons of fun events and socials, it would be a missed opportunity not to bring your next event or gathering to them.
Uncommon Objects
Open 10AM-6PM Daily | Frontview Rd.
If you’re someone who enjoyed browsing the Austin Antique Mall like a museum while it was still open, you can get a similar fix through Uncommon Objects. Although less expansive, its eclectic setup of antique furniture, art, and items make it a space unlike any other. For your average lover of the bizarre, it could make a fun new haunt.
Cap City Comedy Club
Open 10AM-5PM Daily, 9:30PM Sun | Century Oaks Terrace | $10 - $50
Bringing stadium-level laughs to a cozy theater environment, Capitol City Comedy Club stands as Austin’s premiere cornerstone for standup. With a calendar packed with talented acts and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great place for an evening out. Sit back, explore the fun treats and sips from their kitchen, and enjoy the show.
Holey Moley
Open Noon-11PM Mon-Thu, Midnight Fri, 11AM-Midnight Sat, 10PM Sun | 4th ST | $14 - $200
Sitting just east of downtown, Holey Moley combines mini golf with a party-minded experience including dining, karaoke, darts, and arcade gaming. Their creatively themed courses go perfectly with their housemade cocktails that add a splash of color to the green. With special deals and promos happening every day of the week like all-day happy hour, this might be your new go-to spot for celebrations and get-togethers.
At Moreland, we know that although us Texans are born to thrive in the heat, sometimes you’d just rather stay indoors. We hope that with this list, there’s at least one thing that will inspire you not to stay at home. After all, summer is all about fun – it just doesn’t need to be had in the sun.
