Looking to shake up your indoor plans in Austin? Whether you’re chasing creativity, culture, or just good ol’ quirky fun, these twelve experiences keep things lively—even away from the sun. From vintage arcades to immersive art, here’s your guide to Austin’s most entertaining indoor options.
1. Pinballz Arcade (North & South Locations)
Remember when arcades ruled? Pinballz revives that spirit with classic and modern pinball machines, nostalgic video games, and themed evenings. Their “Midnight Madness” events stretch late into the night with prizes and retro vibes.
Why it’s fun: You’ll bump elbows with competitive pinball fans and relive childhood glory—no quarters required, they sell pay-for-play tokens.
Pro tip: Visit on Wednesday nights for free play, or check their rotating local food trucks parked outside.
2. Museum of Ice Cream pop‑up
Yes, ice‑cream museums aren’t just gimmicks anymore. Austin’s pop‑up installations—avocado cocktail sculpture, confetti ball pit, sprinkle pool—are great for playful photos and just plain grin‑inducing joy.
Why it’s fun: You’re in charge of the camera—bring friends or fly solo. It’s messy, whimsical, and yes, sweet (free scoops included).
Pro tip: This one’s ticketed, so book ahead—slots fill fast on weekends.
3. Austin Bouldering Project
Not your typical climbing wall. With over 50,000 sq ft of floorspace, varied routes, yoga classes, and a full café-bar, this place mixes workout with hangout.
Why it’s fun: You challenge yourself at your own pace. Add post-session mocktails—including a pineapple sage margarita—and you’ve got a full evening.
Pro tip: Beginners, go gear rental and take a 30-minute lesson before tackling the walls.
4. Eeyore’s Birthday Party at Museum of the Weird
Every April, this longtime Austin royalty relocates indoors. The Museum of the Weird transforms for folk music, eccentric vendors, and mythical creature performances.
Why it’s fun: Austin’s trademark weirdness, with maze-like exhibits of sideshow oddities, interactive taxidermy, and more.
Pro tip: Don’t miss the lunar eclipse cube (if you’re lucky), a darkroom experience with glow sculptures.
5. Alamo Drafthouse – Rewatch Classics with Flair
Alamo’s main charm? Its lineup. Think “Rocky Horror” sing-alongs, “The Big Lebowski” cult nights, or themed cocktails before each show.
Why it’s fun: It’s an event, not just a movie. Dress up or don’t—staff won’t judge, but they’ll remember.
Pro tip: Catch their recurring “Anime Dinners” with Japanese snacks and cosplay contests.
6. The Escape Game – Austin
Interactive escape rooms that lean into drama, not jump scares. From escaping prison to finding priceless artifacts, the sets are detailed and addictive.
Why it’s fun: Teams of 2-8 solve puzzles, turn dials, discover secret doors—and against the clock, it works better than any board game.
Pro tip: Book “Gold Rush” if you want true 19th-century Wild West ambience and clever mechanical feats.
7. Pinballz Arcade – Vintage Vibes, Local Art
Yes, Pinballz appears twice—but each location has its own spin. The South store features a rare ground-level pinball alley game and showcases local street art on the walls.
Why it’s fun: You get your game fix and soak in murals—from pastel skulls to spray‑painted fauna.
Pro tip: Arrive between 2–4pm on weekdays to dodge the college rush.
8. Mexic-Arte Museum
If you want culture with cha-cha flavor, this museum highlights Mexican, Latinx, and Latin American artists. Regular workshops cover papel picado, altars, and mural painting.
Why it’s fun: Rotating exhibitions often feature compelling mixed media—last year’s highlight was a neon-lit Frida Kahlo room.
Pro tip: Free on Thursdays after 5 pm, and they host lively First Thursdays gallery hops with DJs.
9. Pinballz Arcade – Button‑Mash Nights
Third time? You’re not dreaming—it’s that popular. One location hosts indie-design-button-mash‑night, spotlighting new machines by local designers before they hit trade shows.
Why it’s fun: Get to play brand-new craft pinball machines before public release—and chat with creators themselves.
Pro tip: Follow their socials—these testing events are ticketed small batches.
10. Texas Crushed: Tequila Bar & Distillery Tour
Skip the usual bar crawl. Inside this cozy space, learn the grind of local tequila distillation—crushing agave, tasting stages, and layering flavors.
Why it’s fun: You’re sipping raw, freshly‑made tequila while hearing the mechanical history behind each bottle.
Pro tip: Book the “Mixology Master Class”—they teach you to make a house‑only Paloma using house‑distilled lime tincture.
11. Austin Rock Gym
An indoor climbing gem with rope routes, speed walls, and loads of top-roping challenges. It’s a haven for both beginners and serious climbers.
Why it’s fun: Climb then lounge—gear up in their industrial-chic lounge with draft kombucha, espresso martinis, and healthy bowls.
Pro tip: Weekday afternoons are perfect—you’ll get personal coaching time without crowding.
12. Thinkery’s After Dark (Adults-only Science Fun)
Normally for kids, Thinkery occasionally hosts adults-only evening events. Past themes included “Cheese & Chemistry” or “Secret Life of Spiders”—live demos, hands-on tables, and themed cocktails.
Why it’s fun: Science meets social hour. You pet tarantulas, build catapults, or grow crystals while sipping wine.
Pro tip: Tickets sell fast—they cap attendance. Follow their “After Dark” socials for the next theme reveal.
Bonus: Get the Most Out of It
Staying indoors doesn’t mean settling for ordinary. Here’s how to turn these 12 picks into a cozy adventure:
- Theme your week: Pick one “culture day” (Mexic-Arte or Museum of Ice Cream) and one “active day” (bouldering, climbing, escape room).
- Invite friends: These activities are great for introducing visitors to the real Austin vibe—quirky, playful, creative.
- Follow on socials: Many of these spots host surprise pop‑ups or late‑night events.
- Newcomer-friendly: Skip lines—book online or go during off‑peak hours to avoid crowds and maximize fun.
