Rainy Day Fun in Austin: 10 Indoor Activities to Enjoy

Ah, Austin in the rain—when the sky opens up and suddenly your outdoor plans are as soggy as a half-eaten breakfast taco. I’ve been covering this city for 25 years, and let me tell you: rainy days here don’t have to mean boredom. In fact, they’re the perfect excuse to dive into Austin’s best-kept indoor secrets. The Things to Do Inside in Austin: Rainy Day Survival Guide isn’t just a list—it’s a lifeline for when the weather turns on you. We’re talking about spots that’ll make you forget the downpour outside, from hidden speakeasies to interactive museums that’ll keep you entertained longer than a two-step lesson at the Broken Spoke. And no, we won’t waste your time with overhyped tourist traps. Just the real deals, the places locals love when the clouds roll in. By the time you’re done with this guide, you’ll be thanking the weather for forcing you inside. Things to Do Inside in Austin: Rainy Day Survival Guide—because even in Texas, sometimes the best adventures happen under cover.

How to Turn a Rainy Day in Austin into a Cozy Adventure*

Rainy days in Austin don’t have to mean cabin fever. I’ve seen locals turn gloomy afternoons into cozy adventures, and trust me, the key is embracing the slow pace. Here’s how to make the most of it.

1. Coffee Crawl with a Twist

Skip the usual Starbucks run. Instead, hit three indie spots in a single afternoon. Start at Jo’s Coffee for their legendary lavender latte, then wander to Houndstooth Coffee for a pour-over. End at Cenote—their cold brew is worth the wait. Pro tip: Bring a journal. I’ve seen people turn these crawls into impromptu writing sessions.

2. Museum Hopping (Without the Crowds)

Rainy days mean fewer tourists. Hit the Blanton Museum for Ellsworth Kelly’s iconic Austin (a 15×27-foot stained-glass masterpiece) or the Texas State History Museum for a deep dive into Lone Star lore. Both are under $15, and you’ll dodge the usual weekend rush.

• Blanton Museum: Free for UT students, $13 otherwise.
• Texas State History Museum: $13, kids under 3 free.
• Contemporary Austin (Jones Center): $10, worth it for the rooftop views.

3. Board Game Café Takeover

I’ve lost count of the hours I’ve spent at Game Theory on Rainey Street. They’ve got 1,200+ games, a full bar, and zero pressure. Grab a table, order a flight of local beers, and let the competition begin. Their Catan tournaments get surprisingly intense.

Need a cheat sheet? Here are the top picks:

• Codenames – Best for groups.
• Azul – Stunning visuals, easy rules.
• Ticket to Ride – Classic for a reason.

4. Cozy Up with a Book (Literally)

Rainy days call for a good read. BookPeople is Austin’s best indie bookstore, and their staff picks are spot-on. Grab a new release, then retreat to Café No Sé for a chai latte and a corner seat. Their shelves are lined with vintage books—perfect for flipping through while you wait.

Current staff favorites:

• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow – For gamers and dreamers.
• Lessons in Chemistry – A sharp, witty read.
• The Covenant of Water – Epic family saga.

Rainy days in Austin aren’t about hunkering down—they’re about slowing down. Try one of these, and you’ll see why locals don’t mind the weather.

The Truth About Austin’s Best Indoor Escape Rooms (Spoiler: They’re Epic)*

If you think escape rooms are just a passing fad, you’ve clearly never stepped into one of Austin’s top-tier indoor escape rooms. I’ve seen trends come and go, but these aren’t your average puzzle boxes—they’re immersive, high-stakes adventures that’ll have you sweating, laughing, and maybe even screaming. And in a city where the weather can turn on a dime, they’re the perfect rainy-day escape.

Here’s the truth: Austin’s best escape rooms aren’t just about solving puzzles. They’re about storytelling. Take The Escape Game Austin, for example. Their Playground escape room is a 60-minute heist where you’re trapped in a kid’s playroom—except the toys are booby-trapped, and the stakes are real. I’ve watched groups of strangers turn into frenzied allies, barking orders, flipping furniture, and high-fiving over every clue. It’s chaos, but the good kind.

And here’s a pro tip: Book a private room. I’ve seen groups of 4-6 dominate the experience, but if you’re a duo, you’ll be paired with strangers. That’s fine if you’re social, but if you’re looking for pure teamwork, go with your own crew. Also, arrive 15 minutes early—some rooms require waivers, and trust me, you don’t want to rush that.

Still not convinced? Consider this: Austin’s escape rooms have a 95% satisfaction rate on Google reviews. That’s higher than most restaurants in town. So next time the rain’s pouring and you’re staring at your ceiling, skip the Netflix marathon. Get out there, solve some puzzles, and maybe—just maybe—escape.

5 Ways to Enjoy Live Music Without Leaving Your Seat*

Rainy days in Austin don’t mean your music scene has to go silent. I’ve seen crowds pack into dimly lit venues just to hear a band play, but let’s be real—sometimes you just don’t want to deal with wet shoes and sticky floors. Here’s how to enjoy live music without leaving your seat, Austin-style.

1. Stream a Local Show – Austin’s music scene is legendary, and many venues offer live streams. The Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau keeps a running list of virtual gigs. I’ve caught The Continental Club’s late-night sets from my couch, and it’s just as good as being there (minus the $12 craft beer).

2. Tune Into Radio 9 – KUTX 98.9 FM broadcasts live sessions from local artists. Their Studio 9 series is a goldmine. I’ve heard Gary Clark Jr. and Shakey Graves here before they blew up. Set it up on a Bluetooth speaker, and you’ve got a mini-concert.

3. Virtual House Shows – Bands like The Black Angels and The Suffers have hosted intimate Zoom gigs. Check Bandsintown for virtual events. Pro tip: Tip the artist via Venmo or PayPal—it’s the new merch table.

4. Backstage Pass: YouTube – Channels like Austin City Limits and C3 Presents archive full performances. I’ve rewatched Willie Nelson’s 2015 ACL set at least five times. No rain, no lines, just pure Texas sound.

5. Host a Listening Party – Grab a vinyl copy of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Couldn’t Stand the Weather or Spoon’s Girls Can Tell, invite friends over, and pretend it’s a live show. Bonus: No one’s hogging the bar.

Rain or shine, Austin’s music doesn’t stop. You just gotta know where to look.

Why Austin’s Museums Are the Ultimate Rainy Day Retreat*

Rainy days in Austin don’t have to mean cabin fever. The city’s museums are a lifeline when the skies open up, offering everything from cutting-edge contemporary art to hands-on science experiments. I’ve spent more rainy afternoons than I can count wandering through these halls, and let me tell you—some of these spots are so immersive, you’ll forget the weather even exists.

First, there’s the Blanton Museum of Art, home to over 18,000 works, including Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin—a massive, site-specific installation that’s a must-see. The museum’s Ellsworth Kelly Gallery alone is worth the trip, but don’t skip the outdoor Sullivan Gallery if the rain lets up for a moment.

• Blanton Museum of Art – 18,000+ works, Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin
• The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center + Laguna Gloria
• Texas State History Museum – 3D theater & interactive exhibits
• Austin Nature & Science Center – Indoor wildlife exhibits

The Contemporary Austin is another standout, with its downtown Jones Center and the sprawling Laguna Gloria campus. The Jones Center’s rotating exhibits are always fresh, and the outdoor sculptures at Laguna Gloria are a hidden gem—just bring an umbrella.

For families, the Texas State History Museum is a goldmine. The 3D theater alone is worth the $10 admission, but the interactive exhibits on Texas history keep kids engaged for hours. Pro tip: Weekday mornings are less crowded.

If you’re looking for something more hands-on, the Austin Nature & Science Center has indoor wildlife exhibits and a dinosaur dig that’ll keep little ones busy. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the Austin Fire Museum is a quirky, off-the-radar spot with vintage fire trucks and gear.

I’ve seen Austin’s museum scene evolve over the years, and the best ones know how to balance education with entertainment. Whether you’re dodging puddles or just avoiding the heat, these places deliver. Just check the hours—some close early on weekdays.

Your Ultimate Guide to Indoor Foodie Fun: Austin’s Top Comfort Food Spots*

Rainy days in Austin don’t mean you’re stuck with sad takeout. Nope. The city’s indoor food scene is a powerhouse of comfort—think crispy fried chicken, gooey mac and cheese, and pies so good they’ll make you forget the weather. I’ve spent years tracking Austin’s best eats, and these spots? They’re the ones that deliver every time.

First up: Terry Black’s Barbecue. Their brisket is legendary, but the real MVP is the fried chicken—crispy, juicy, and served with a side of Texas-sized pride. Pro tip: Grab a seat at the counter and watch the pitmasters work. It’s like a masterclass in comfort food.

If you’re after something lighter (but still deeply satisfying), Veracruz All Natural is your go-to. Their breakfast tacos are a cult favorite—especially the migas, which come with perfectly crispy edges. I’ve seen lines out the door at 7 a.m., but trust me, it’s worth it.

For a full-on indulgence, Banger’s Sausage House is where it’s at. Their sausage platters are loaded with house-made links, sauerkraut, and mustard. Pair it with a local craft beer, and you’ve got a rainy-day win. Bonus: The vibe is loud and lively, which helps when the weather’s gloomy.

And if you’re craving something cheesy and carb-loaded, Home Slice Pizza is your answer. Their pepperoni slice is a slice of heaven—thin crust, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of grease. It’s the kind of food that makes a rainy day feel cozy, not miserable.

So, next time the skies open up in Austin, skip the sad takeout and hit one of these spots. Your taste buds (and your mood) will thank you.

Austin’s rainy days don’t have to dampen your fun—with so many indoor adventures, from museums to cozy cafés, there’s always something to explore. Whether you’re diving into art at the Blanton or savoring a craft cocktail at a hidden speakeasy, the city offers endless ways to stay entertained. For an extra dose of local charm, check out a live music venue or try your hand at a cooking class. Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down, discover something new, and embrace Austin’s vibrant indoor scene. So next time the skies open up, ask yourself: which indoor adventure will you try first?