Indoor Activities in Austin

Austin's premier children's museum with hands-on STEAM exhibits designed for kids from infants through early elementary. Features a massive outdoor water play area, a kitchen lab, a light and shadow studio, and rotating exhibits. Baby Bloomers hours on Friday and Saturday mornings (8-10am) are reserved for kids under 4. Free community nights on Tuesdays 3-7pm and Sundays 3-5pm.

Austin's striking modern central library is a destination in itself, with a dedicated children's floor featuring free storytimes, craft programs, and STEM activities. Weekly storytimes serve ages 0-5 including Spanish-language sessions. The rooftop garden and reading porches are great for families. Free underground parking available.

A free splash pad in the heart of central Austin, open seasonally from May through October. Water runs 8am-10pm daily during the season. Surrounded by upgraded restrooms, a playground, and an amphitheater, making it easy to spend a full morning or afternoon. Part of the beautifully renovated Pease Park with shaded trails along Shoal Creek.

An interactive aquarium where kids can touch starfish, feed sharks, and meet stingrays in hands-on touch tanks. Features tropical fish, reptile encounters, and rotating special exhibits. Plan for 2-3 hours to explore at a comfortable pace with younger kids. Children 2 and under are free.

Three floors of interactive Texas history from prehistoric times through the space age, plus an IMAX theater and a 4D special effects theater. Kids engage with over 500 artifacts and hands-on exhibits. Free admission on the first Sunday of every month (H-E-B Free First Sunday). Children 3 and under are always free. IMAX and 4D shows cost extra.

The largest university art museum in the country, located on the UT Austin campus with nearly 21,000 works. Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin' — a stunning freestanding stone building with colored glass windows — is a must-see and mesmerizes kids with its light. Free admission every Tuesday. Children 5 and under are always free. Family-friendly gallery guides available at the front desk.

A 900-capacity venue in the heart of the Red River Cultural District with indoor and outdoor stages, three bars, and a multi-tiered outdoor patio. Hosts indie rock, metal, hip-hop, and electronic acts. The outdoor stage with its tiered viewing areas offers great sightlines from almost anywhere. One of the district's anchor venues since 2006.

An Austin institution combining Texas barbecue with top-tier live music. The outdoor Waller Creek Amphitheater hosts major touring acts (capacity 2,100), while the indoor stage features more intimate shows. Sunday Gospel Brunch is a beloved tradition. The restaurant serves acclaimed BBQ independently of show tickets.

A beautifully restored 1915 venue on Congress Avenue that has evolved from vaudeville house to film palace to one of Austin's premier performing arts centers. Hosts concerts, comedy, classic film screenings, and touring Broadway productions. The ornate interior is worth the visit alone. Box office open Mon-Fri noon-5:30pm.

Austin's last true Texas dance hall, open since 1964. The restaurant serves chicken-fried steak and cold beer starting at 4pm, then the dance floor opens for live country, western swing, and honky-tonk music. Dance lessons offered Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm for $10 cash. Cover charge is $10-15 cash for the dancehall. All ages welcome.

Austin's legendary comedy institution for over four decades, blending sharp political satire, Vegas-style magic, live music, and nonstop laughs. Shows are about 90 minutes with a 5-minute break. Performances typically at 7pm and 9pm multiple nights per week. Preferred center seating available for an extra $5. A must-do Austin experience.

The flagship location of the cinema chain that was born in Austin, combining first-run films, repertory screenings, and special events with full food and drink service at your seat. Famous for its strict no-talking policy, themed quote-along screenings, and special programming like Terror Tuesday and Weird Wednesday. An Austin original since 1997.

A nationally recognized live music landmark on South Congress, open since 1955. Originally a swanky supper club, it's now a mecca for roots, rockabilly, country, swing, rock, and blues every night of the week. The intimate room holds about 200 people, ensuring an up-close experience with the performers. An Austin historic landmark.

A state-of-the-art 2,750-capacity concert venue and permanent home of the PBS television series Austin City Limits, the longest-running music series in American TV history. Hosts approximately 100 concerts per year across all genres. The multi-level layout offers excellent sightlines throughout. Located in the 2nd Street District.

The largest university art museum in the country, located on the UT Austin campus. Features a collection of nearly 21,000 works spanning European, American, Latin American, and contemporary art. Ellsworth Kelly's 'Austin' — a stunning freestanding stone building with colored glass windows — is a must-see. Free admission on Tuesdays. Children 5 and under always free.

Three floors of Texas history from prehistoric times through the space age, plus an IMAX theater and a 4D special effects theater. Interactive exhibits keep all ages engaged. Free admission on the first Sunday of every month (H-E-B Free First Sunday). Children 5 and under always free. Located on Congress Avenue near the State Capitol.

A buzzing multi-stage music compound on East Sixth Street with indoor and outdoor stages hosting psych rock, garage, indie, and electronic acts — often simultaneously. The adjoining Volstead Lounge adds even more space. The giant patio, cold beer, and great food make it a complete night out. One of the best venues for discovering emerging Austin bands.