23 Indoor Activities In TEXAS (Exciting, Riveting, & Urging)
For whatever reason, outdoor activities can sometimes be a hassle.
You can be annoyed by the weather or just don’t feel like doing it.
Either way, your choice is to do indoor activities instead.
Well, you are lucky if you are residing in Texas because this article summarizes exciting activities, which are the best choices from a wide range of past-time activities you might want to try doing indoors.
From visiting museums and art galleries to sporting events and theme parks, each destination you want to try is to be briefed and described accordingly.
So, you should get ahold of your calendar and plan these activities!
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Outdoor Activities in Texas.
Indoor Activities in Austin, Texas
1. Visiting the Bullock Texas State History Museum (Smithsonian-Affiliated Museum)
Located directly at the heart of Texas, in its capital, the Bullock Texas State History Museum is a Smithsonian-affiliated Museum that tells the story of the Lone Star State through pretty exciting ways such as interactive exhibits, special events, and educational programs.
Now, that is some anti-tedious talk and campaign for knowledge right there.
Like any other museum, its assemblage consists of artworks, photographs, and artifacts.
These are critical in highlighting Texas’ diverse and colorful history and its culture through time.
While you may wonder if it is like any other museum, what makes it stand out?
Well, for one, it has a permanent exhibit ushering visitors, even locals, to know the state’s rich history – the Story of Texas.
Address: 1800 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
2. Playing at Pinballz Lake Creek (Extensive Pinball Collection)
Austin’s Pinballz Lake Creek is a venue for the state’s most extensive and varied entertainment hubs, offering a variety of events and attractions for guests of all ages.
If you are more of a physical activity person and, for some reason, the outside world does not motivate you, this is the perfect trip to find yourself.
Of course, the pinball machines are Pinballz Lake Creek’s main draw.
With more than 180 pinball machines, the center has one of the largest collections in the world.
The machines range from vintage titles from the 1950s to the most cutting-edge pinball equipment.
Visitors can choose from a wide selection of games, including more recent titles like “Star Wars” and “The Avengers” as well as timeless favorites like “The Addams Family” and “Twilight Zone.”
Address: 13729 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78750
3. Having a blast with friends at Blazer Tag (Indoor Laser Tag Arena)
Austin is home to the indoor laser tag arena known as Blazer Tag.
It has a variety of themed arenas and playing fields, including a two-story arena, a jungle-themed arena, and a space-themed arena, one of the biggest laser tag arenas in the state.
Team games, free-for-all matches, and themed events are among the different laser tag games available in the arena.
It uses cutting-edge laser tag equipment that is precise and quick and gives players an engaging gaming experience.
Blazer Tag provides a range of activities and attractions in addition to laser tag, including an arcade, a snack bar, and a sizable party room for birthday celebrations and other special occasions.
It is a fun place for families, friends, and groups to hang out and a well-liked venue for birthday celebrations, business events, and team-building activities.
Address: 1701 W Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
4. Explore the LBJ Presidential Library (Preserves LBJ’s Legacy)
The National Archives and Records Administration manages one of thirteen presidential libraries, the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum, situated at the University of Texas at Austin (NARA).
It is a feast for history enthusiasts wondering what to do in the comfort of the inside shed.
President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration from 1963 to 1969 officially opened the repository for documents, files, and other materials on May 22, 1971.
Over 45 million pages of documents, including speeches, personal papers, White House files, and audio-visual materials like movies and photos, are kept in the library.
The museum showcases Johnson’s presidency and the significant 1960s events, such as the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the Great Society initiatives, through interactive exhibits and displays.
Visitors can also view Johnson’s Texas ranch, called the “Texas White House,” through an interactive exhibit.
The LBJ Presidential Library is a resource for researchers, students, and the general public.
Preserving the legacy of one of America’s most influential presidents is its dedication.
Address: 2313 Red River St, Austin, TX 78705
5. Go on a trip to the Texas State Capitol Building (Historical Renaissance Revival Style)
Austin is also home to the Texas State Capitol, which serves as the state’s administrative center.
The Texas Legislature, as well as the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general’s offices, are located there.
So, if you are at the right timing, you might bump into these politicians!
Texas’ sixth capital completed its structure in 1888 which exudes Renaissance Revival architectural style.
The Texas State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark, and a well-liked tourist destination, is regarded as one of the nation’s most distinctive state capitol buildings.
Its dome rises 307 feet above the surrounding landscape, a literal jaw-dropping output of sheer architecture and engineering.
Well, that is not all; its dome is made of cast iron and is covered with sheets of moonstone, making it one of the giant domes in the world.
Furthermore, the interior of the building features stunning stained glass windows, intricate wood carvings, and stunning marble flooring and staircases.
Visitors can take guided tours of the building, which cover the history of Texas, the legislative process, and, as said earlier, the architecture of the building.
The capitol grounds are also home to monuments and memorials, including the Texas Peace Officers Memorial, the Firemen’s Memorial, and the Confederate Soldiers Monument.
These are all open to the public and are a must-visit for anyone interested in Texas history, politics, or architecture.
Address: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Also see our article on Dog-friendly Activities in Texas.
Indoor Activities in Galveston, Texas
1. Explore the Moody Gardens (Aquarium, Zip Line & Greenhouse)
Are you quite into the seas and waters? Well, this is the sign to explore the Moody Gardens!
The Moody Gardens, a popular tourist destination in Galveston, Texas, promotes an aquarium, a zip line, a paddle-wheel boat, a pyramid-shaped glass greenhouse, and other attractions.
The Aquarium Pyramid, which has thousands of marine animals worldwide, including sharks, sea turtles, and penguins, is the most visited site.
Outdoor recreational activities include the previously stated zip line and paddle wheel boat, as well as educational films about the natural world, which are the main attractions in this 3D theatre.
In addition, there are numerous different kinds of gardens and plants in the gardens.
The gardens also host unique occasions and exhibits that will surely replenish your curiosity every time.
Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
2. See the Schlitterbahn Indoor Waterpark (Year-Round Water Rides)
Popular indoor water park Schlitterbahn Indoor Waterpark in Galveston, Texas, provides a range of water rides and activities for visitors of all ages.
Well, if the outsides will not quench your thirst for a swim, this is perfect for your plans.
The park has a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and a kids’ water playground.
The Master Blaster uphill water coaster, one of the longest indoor water coasters in the world, is the main draw.
A heated indoor pool and a hot tub are also available at the park for those seeking a more tranquil setting.
Due to its year-round accessibility, Schlitterbahn Indoor Waterpark is a fantastic place to spend a summer or winter getaway.
The park also offers a selection of dining establishments, picnic areas, and lockers for visitors to store their belongings.
Address: 2109 Gene Lucas Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
3. Pop in at the Pirates! Legends of The Gulf Coast (Interactive Pirate Attraction)
Parley? Well, this next themed park will no longer need a discussion as it must be visited if you long for Captain Jack Sparrow.
Pirates! Galveston, Texas’s Legends of The Gulf Coast, is an interactive attraction with a pirate theme.
Visitors can explore a pirate’s life and discover the history of piracy in the Gulf of Mexico at this attraction, which offers a distinctive experience.
Furthermore, they can engage with dressed-up performers, watch live pirate performances, and participate in treasure hunts and other games.
Various exhibits and displays, including pirate artifacts, weapons, and loot, are also included in the attraction.
Along with other experiences, the attraction also provides birthday party packages, group events, and unique occasion rentals.
Since the park is always open, it makes a fantastic vacation spot for families, history buffs, and people curious about the pirate way of life.
Address: 2313 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77554
Also see our article on Family Activities in Texas.
Indoor Activities in Dallas, Texas
1. Stopping by the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (Commemorates JFK’s Legacy)
For bored people wanting to at least get flabbergasted about something bizarre to see in a museum, why not try this one in Dallas?
The former Texas School Book Depository building in Dallas, Texas, has a museum on the sixth floor called the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
The museum honors President John F. Kennedy’s memory and the circumstances surrounding his murder on November 22, 1963.
The rifle that Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly used is on display at the museum, along with recreations of the sniper’s nest and other assassination-related exhibits and artifacts.
History buffs and people with a general interest in the Kennedy assassination frequent the museum, which also provides various educational programs and events.
Address: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
2. Pay a Visit to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science (Interactive Halls on Various Topics)
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, located in Dallas, is a state-of-the-art facility with a wide range of exhibits and programs on topics related to nature, science, and technology.
Well, their staircase is impressive; two, it needs to be visited.
The museum’s 11 permanent exhibit halls cover topics such as paleontology, geology, health, and energy and feature a variety of interactive exhibits and displays.
All those are present while having a digital planetarium, a theatre, and a library.
The museum aims to inspire curiosity and a passion for learning in visitors of all ages.
It offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as lectures, workshops, and classes, as well as opportunities for hands-on learning through interactive exhibits and activities.
The museum also has a variety of traveling exhibits that come through the museum throughout the year.
Address: 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201
3. Hang out in the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (Acclaimed Concert Hall)
The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is home to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, which opened in September 1989 to be considered one of the finest concert halls in the United States.
The center features a 2,062-seat concert hall designed with exceptional acoustics.
It is a popular venue for a wide range of musical performances, including classical, pop, and jazz concerts, recitals, lectures, and other special events.
I.M. Pei and partners designed the Symphony Center with the acoustician Russell Johnson and the theatre consultant Joshua Dachs.
The concert hall was designed to be a perfect acoustic space and boasts a unique design, with a sweeping, curved roofline and a 90-foot-high glass lobby.
The concert hall’s stage features state-of-the-art technology, including a fully equipped recording studio, which allows for live recordings of performances.
Moreover, it also includes several public spaces, such as the Nancy B. Hamon Atrium.
The latter serves as a pre-function area for concerts and other events and is great for visitors!
Address: 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201
Also see our article on Indoor Water Parks in Texas.
Indoor Activities in Houston, Texas
1. Hit the Houston Museum of National Science (Planetarium & Butterfly Center)
In Houston, Texas, a science museum called the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) often needs science-enthusiast visitors but is not necessarily anchored with that.
The museum offers various ongoing displays on paleontology, energy, chemistry, and space science.
Suppose you are still undecided about the course or program in college, ultimately, your career.
In that case, this scientific background may clarify your goals.
There is a planetarium and a butterfly center at the museum.
The museum also hosts seasonal special events and touring exhibits.
It was established in 1909 and is currently one of the most famous museums in the country.
For science enthusiasts, families, and school groups, it is a must-see attraction.
The museum is open every day and is situated in Hermann Park.
Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
2. Stop by the Space Center Houston (NASA’s Visitor Center)
The official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, is called Space Center Houston.
It is a Smithsonian Affiliate and the only location on Earth where guests can witness astronauts practising for missions, get up close and personal with a genuine moon rock, and experience the excitement of space travel.
If you are a hater of the outside world, why not try exploring this center to witness things outside of this world?
To educate visitors about the past and present of space exploration, the center offers a variety of exhibits, tours, and attractions.
The NASA Tram Tour, which offers visitors a tour of the Johnson Space Center and a stop at the famed Mission Control Center, is the center’s main draw.
Additional attractions include the Space Shuttle Replica, the Saturn V Rocket, and the Astronaut Gallery.
The centre also offers a variety of educational programs for students of all ages.
Space Center Houston is a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts, families, and students.
Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
3. See the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston (Extensive Art Collection)
One of the most prominent art museums in the country, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), which is situated in Houston, Texas, is awaiting your visit and exploration.
The museum’s permanent collection contains more than 70,000 pieces that span more than 6,000 years of history and represent a diverse range of cultures and media.
Art from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Ancient World are all represented in the collection.
A sizable collection of decorative arts and a sizeable collection of works on paper are also displayed in the museum.
The main Caroline Wiess Law Building, the Audrey Jones Beck Building, the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden, and the Glassell School of Art are just a few structures that house the museum.
The MFAH also offers a variety of educational programs, lectures, tours, and special exhibitions throughout the year.
The museum is a must-visit for art lovers and is open to the public every day except on Mondays.
Address: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
Also see our article on Fun things to do in Texas.
Indoor Activities in Waco, Texas
1. Tour the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum (Law Enforcement History)
In Waco, Texas, there is a history museum called the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum which, as its name suggests, features rangers across different timelines.
One bit of curiosity about them will indeed induce a domino effect to more some until you’ve finally perused the whole museum.
The Texas Rangers is a storied law enforcement organization with a long history dating back to the 1820s.
The museum is dedicated to preserving its history and legacy.
The museum showcases a range of artifacts, images, and interactive displays of the history of the Texas Rangers.
Visitors can discover the Rangers’ contributions to Texas’ development, the difficulties they overcame, and their effects on the state’s law enforcement.
The research library at the museum is also accessible to the public by appointment.
The museum also has an outdoor plaza that features a statue of a Texas Ranger and a monument dedicated to fallen officers.
It is a must-visit for history buffs and is open to the public every day except on Mondays.
Address: 100 Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, TX 76706
2. Drop by the Dr. Pepper Museum (Devoted to Dr Pepper’s History)
The following site might trigger your taste buds: voila, it is your ever-refreshing Dr Pepper drinks!
A museum in Waco, Texas, called the Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute, is devoted to the development of the Dr Pepper soft drink and the life of its creator, Charles Alderton.
The original structure housed the museum, where the site of the formulation of the first beverage took place in 1885.
Through interactive exhibits, artefacts, and photographs, visitors to the museum can learn about the development of the beverage and the business.
Along with a collection of old Dr Pepper advertisements and memorabilia, the museum features a replica of the original soda fountain, which displays the first-ever served beverage.
The museum also conducts tours of the original, still-in-use bottling facility.
Visitors can also see the bottling line in action and learn about bottling the drink.
The museum is a must-visit for Dr Pepper enthusiasts and is open to the public every day except on Sundays.
Address: 300 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76701
3. Visit the Valley Mills Vineyards (Wine Tastings & Special Events)
For a more out-of-the-box activity, in Waco, Texas, there is a winery called Valley Mills Vineyards waiting for your discovery.
It will surely refill your brain with knowledge about fermentation and alcohol!
The vineyard, located on the banks of the Bosque River, is renowned for producing top-notch wines using grapes grown there.
The winery hosts special events, tours, and tastings all year long.
In addition to learning about the history of the vineyard and the wine-making process, visitors can sample various wines, including red, white, and sweet wines.
One disclaimer though: kindly taste the wines responsibly!
The winery also has a gift shop where guests can buy wine bottles and other wine-related goods.
The vineyard is a well-liked venue for special occasions like weddings, parties, and business gatherings.
Address: 1686 FM1637, Valley Mills, TX 76689
Also see our article on Escape Rooms in Texas.
Indoor Activities in Edinburg, Texas
1. See the Dustin Michael Sekula Library (Meeting Spaces & Computer Lab)
The Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library is a public library located in Edinburg, Texas, named in memory of a fallen police officer Dustin Michael Sekula.
If heroism triggers your curiosity, with the opportunity to broaden your knowledge, then do not just sit on the couch after reading this: schedule or plan or even go immediately to this memorial library!
The library provides various services, including access to the internet and other digital resources, books, magazines, newspapers, and audio and video materials.
The library also offers public access to meeting spaces, study areas, and a computer lab.
It provides a range of activities and services for people of all ages and interests, including story times, book clubs, computer classes, and more.
Moreover, the library has a collection of items focused on the neighborhood, including books on local history and genealogy.
The community can access information and educational opportunities at the library, which is open to the general public.
Address: 1906 S Closner Blvd, Edinburg, TX 78539
2. Watch movies at Cinemark Movie Bistro Edinburg (Full-Service Bar & Bistro)
In Edinburg, Texas, there is a movie theatre called Cinemark Movie Bistro Edinburg, one of the biggest movie theatre chains in the US.
A full-service bar and bistro are just a few of the amenities the theatre offers, along with reserved seating and opulent loungers.
While watching a movie, guests can order food and beverages, such as beer, wine, and cocktails.
The theatre also offers Cinemark XD, a large-screen format with improved sound and digital projection that heightens the immersion of the movie-viewing experience.
Additionally, they provide the “Cinemark Connections” loyalty program from Cinemark, which enables participants to gain points and rewards for each movie theatre purchase.
The theatre shows a mix of new releases and older movies.
Also, it provides special events such as film festivals and themed screenings.
Address: 2001 W Trenton Rd Suite 116, Edinburg, TX 78539
3. Hang out at Carmike 20 (Movie Theatre Chain)
In Edinburg, Texas, there is another chain of movie theatres called Carmike 20.
If the former cinema facility ever brought you catharsis, but you wanted to try out different surroundings and ambiance, Carmike 20 will satisfy your poetic or even dramatic cravings.
It was established in the 1980s and was renowned for its opulent amenities and big screens.
It is one of the most spread movie theatre chains in the US having over 300 locations.
Like Cinemark, AMC Theatres is one of the world’s biggest chains of movie theatres which purchased Carmike in 2016.
Address: 3003 US-281 BUS, Edinburg, TX 78539
Also see our article on National Parks in Texas.
Indoor Activities in San Antonio, Texas
1. Wander the Natural Bridge Caverns (Discovery Village & Butterfly Habitat)
The next spot is ironic as it is somewhat indoors but is the outdoors to be explored.
Presenting the Natural Bridge Caverns – it is a show cave located in the Texas Hill Country near San Antonio, Texas.
The caverns are known for their unique and beautiful geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and other natural wonders.
The caverns were discovered in 1960 and opened to the public in 1964.
Visitors can take guided tours of the caverns, which are available year-round, and learn about the caverns’ history, geology, and biology.
The tours take visitors through various rooms and passageways, showcasing the natural beauty of the caverns.
The property also features a Discovery Village, a Discovery Center, a Butterfly Habitat, and a Mining Company, where visitors can learn about the area’s natural history, and a zip-line adventure, which is a fun and exciting way to experience the natural surroundings.
The caverns are open to the public seven days a week.
They are a must-see attraction for nature and geology enthusiasts visiting the San Antonio area.
Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
2. See the San Fernando De Bexar Cathedral (Historic Catholic Cathedral)
Another place to visit in San Antonio, Texas is a revered Catholic cathedral called the San Fernando Cathedral perfect for solemn indoor trips.
The cathedral is the mother church of the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the oldest continuously running religious institution in Texas.
Get nostalgic for its 1900s vibe because of its design and architectural structure, which fits being on Instagram.
The cathedral was constructed in 1738 as a modest adobe building, but it has undergone numerous expansions and renovations.
Being one of the most stunning and venerable churches in Texas, the current building blends Gothic and Spanish colonial architectural styles.
Visitors can savor the ornate altarpieces, delicate carvings, and stunning stained-glass windows inside the cathedral.
The cathedral also houses several historical artifacts, including a relic of the True Cross and a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
In addition to its religious significance, the cathedral is also an essential part of San Antonio’s history.
It played a role in the battles of the Texas Revolution: it was the site of many important events over the centuries.
The San Fernando Cathedral is open to the public for daily mass and guided tours and is a must-see attraction for history and architecture enthusiasts visiting San Antonio.
Address: 115 Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
3. Peruse the Witte Museum (South Texas Culture & Science)
See, across Texas, there are nonstop names of museums waiting to be set afoot and conquered, but it does not go any cliche as one presents different types of things in their respective fields.
This one is in San Antonio, Texas, and is dedicated to the South Texas culture, science, and natural history called The Witte Museum.
The museum was established in 1926 and has since developed into one of the state’s most well-known and regarded institutions.
Prehistoric fossils, Native American artifacts, and a sizable collection of artwork and artifacts from the Spanish colonial era are just a few examples of the diverse artifacts and exhibits in the museum’s collection related to the natural history, science, and culture of South Texas.
The Witte Museum is renowned for its cutting-edge and engaging exhibits that cater to visitors of all ages and interests.
The museum features several permanent exhibits, including the H-E-B Science Treehouse, a three-story interactive science exhibit; the McNutt World Cultures Gallery, which explores the cultural heritage of San Antonio and South Texas; and, the South Texas Heritage Center, which tells the story of the region’s history from the ancient past to the present day.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and special events for visitors of all ages, including hands-on activities, lectures, and guided tours.
The Witte Museum is open to the public. It is a great place to learn about the natural history, science, and culture of South Texas. It is a must-see attraction for visitors to San Antonio.
Address: 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Hidden Gems, Spas, and Massages in Texas.
Looking beyond Texas? Check out our article on the best Indoor Activities in New York and Florida.