Summertime in Texas: the season when the sun forces us to become vampires by noon and find ways to entertain our whiny children indoors. Unfortunately for me, indoor play places are not my jam. The screaming, the lighting that’s either way too bright or too much like a nightclub, the annoying arcade games and even more annoying plastic prizes. Thankfully, my husband doesn’t share my feelings and will happily take my kids to their beloved play places while I get a break.
I prefer to find refuge from the heat at indoor establishments that are slightly less noisy and crowded than typical play places. Also, when you have as many hot summer days as we do in Texas, you have to get creative and keep coming up with new venues to explore. These indoor activities will keep kids cool—and entertained—during those endless summer afternoons.
If you want to branch out beyond the typical play places, here are 21 indoor places for kids in ATX to explore.
Museum of Ice Cream
11506 Century Oaks Terrace #128
At this immersive “museum,” you can eat unlimited ice cream, explore 12 colorful and interactive installations, and slide down a pink slide into a pool of sprinkles!
Museum of Illusions
11010 Domain Dr. #100
This small museum is a fun way to kill time if you’re at the Domain. Kids will enjoy figuring out how each mind-bending illusion works and checking out the photos afterward.
Texas Science and Natural History Museum
2400 Trinity St.
The newly renovated museum at UT opened in 2023 shows what life was like millions of years ago, when dinosaurs and other creatures roamed the earth. See the 30-foot Ocean Creek Mosasaur fossil; rock, mineral, and meteorite specimens; and learn about the diverse animals and ecosystems of Texas.
Bullock Texas State History Museum
1800 Congress Ave.
For school-age kids with an interest in history, the state’s official history museum has plenty of artifacts, exhibits, and experiences to satisfy their curiosity. There’s also an IMAX® Theater with the largest screen in Texas.
Wonderspaces
1205 Sheldon Cove #2A
An immersive exhibit where you can walk through and interact with 14 different art installations. Open to all ages, and kids under 3 are free. There is a full bar and gourmet popcorn and chips available for purchase.
Create Process Art Studio
2438 W Anderson Ln. Suite A-2
Kids will find everything they need here to express their creativity through whatever materials excite them, from paint to play dough. They host Open Table sessions every weekend where kids can play and create for 3 hours. Advance reservations required.
For more art studios in Austin, check out this post.
Dirdie Birdie
10910 Domain Dr. Suite 120
Adults will appreciate the stylish decor and kids (ages 6 and up only) will love all 12 of the inventive holes. There’s even a virtual hole that my son loved. You can dine at the full-service restaurant after golfing.
Holey Moley
807 E 4th St.
Another indoor mini-golf course with 27 holes inspired by movies and pop culture that will wow kids and adults alike. Food and drink available, including a kids’ menu and nonalcoholic slushies.
Westgate Lanes
2701 W William Cannon Dr.
This old-school bowling alley is cheaper than the fancy places and isn’t inside of a huge entertainment venue. Brings me back to my childhood and has everything you need for a fun bowling experience.
Splash Shack
1801 Clover Ln. (Cedar Park)
This micro indoor waterpark is a nice option for younger kids (ages 2-8) who may not be ready for the really big waterparks. Still has plenty of slides to entertain them, plus a concession stand.
Crux Climbing
121 Pickle Rd. #100 (South)
6015 Dillard Cir #B (Central)
18817 N. Heatherwilde Blvd Bldg 3 (Pflugerville)
All three locations have an awesome Panda-monium kids’ room that includes a rock wall with an auto-belay system kids can clip into, as well as slides, fireman’s pole, and other fun climbing areas.
Ninja Nation
6500 N Lamar Blvd.
Perfect for aspiring Ninja warriors ages 5 and up, this facility is super clean and never too crowded or overstimulating. Open gym is anytime during normal operating hours.
Chaparral Ice
2525 W Anderson Ln. #400
What better way to beat the heat than skating in a chilly ice rink? Public skating sessions are offered daily.
Playland Skate Center
8822 McCann Dr.
Lace up your skates at Playland, an Austin original since 1973. They even have “Skater Tots” sessions for kids 5 years and under where you can bring scooters, balance bikes, and activity walkers.
Inner Space Caverns
4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd. (Georgetown)
One of the best-preserved caves in Texas, it was discovered in 1966 after being hidden for over 10,000 years. Down in the cave it’s 72 degrees (but feels like 80 degrees with humidity) year round, which feels pretty good when it’s 100 degrees outside. Guided tours last 75 to 90 minutes.
KidFlix at EVO
166 Hargraves Dr Suite A100
3200 Kyle Crossing (Kyle)
Of course a movie is a great way to entertain kids in some lovely AC, but did you know that EVO theaters show family movies at 10 a.m. for just $1 all summer? The movie changes every week, and at that price you can see them all!
Cidercade
600 E Riverside Dr.
Yes this is an arcade, but it’s a $12 flat fee to get in (no paying per game), no tickets or plastic prizes, and children under 5 are free! Plus the food is tasty and there is a nice patio overlooking the lake and downtown.
Purr-fecto Cat Lounge
2300 S Lamar Blvd. #104
If your kids are animal lovers, they will love petting and playing with the adorable kittens and cats here. The lounge partners with rescue organizations so all the cats are up for adoption, but you can come just for the cuddles. For ages 6 and up; advance reservations required for 30- or 70-minute sessions.
Bass Pro Shops
200 Bass Pro Dr. (Round Rock)
You could spend an afternoon here exploring the 16,000 gallon aquarium and wildlife displays. Inside the store is also Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill, with nautical-themed lanes and casual family dining.
Austin Aqua-Dome
1604 Fort View Rd.
This tropical fish store has over 200 aquariums full of fish, coral, and invertebrates from around the world, plus an outdoor pond.
