During the spring and summer months, the weather can get pretty crazy here in Austin. Between crazy rain/thunderstorms and waaaay too hot temperatures, sometimes we all need a nice indoor air-conditioned place to take the kids. So where should you go?
Look no further than this handy dandy list of 20 great spots for Austin indoor play:
- The Thinkery– A great science museum for kids. This place is especially toddler-friendly with a whole water play area, and mini kitchen/grocery, and lightpegboardd.
- Mt. Playmore– A giant climbing obstacle course, arcade area, and special toddler only zone make this place awesome. I won’t even lie, it’s also super fun for adults as I too have a blast climbing through the course. Also they frequently have adults only nights so you might want to get a babysitter and head to this place sans kids.
- Catch Air– Cool play structures, a specific toddler only zone, and an interactive dance floor among other things make this place a great indoor zone.
- Little Land Play Gym and Pediatric Therapy– I’ve recently discovered this place and could really kick myself for not taking my son there sooner. He absolutely loves the ball pits. It’s great for baby, toddler, and young elementary kids.
- Catch a free class at a nearby Gymboree– Great for littles under school age. We liked our free class so much that we just got an actual membership.
- Or catch a free class at The Little Gym– This place is great for budding tumblers.
- The Austin Aquarium– Meet some birds, lizards and of course fish! There is also an area where your kids can touch some stingrays and feed some fish.
- Jumpstreet– A great indoor trampoline park in the northern Austin ‘burbs.
- Your local library- Almost every library I’ve been to in the Austin area has amazing children’s programs for all ages. Many even have a designated play area for babies and toddlers.
- Bowling- There are way too many bowling alleys to list on this list so I’d suggest just mapping where the closest is to you.
- Playland Skate Center– Who doesn’t love to roller skate? This place also has adult nights so consider it for a fun date night as well.
- Toybrary– It’s like a library, but for toys. Go play and borrow toys to take home and return.
- The Coop– Located around The Domain, this place might just be the perfect spot for your significant other to chill with the kids while you, mama, go get your retail therapy on.
- Blazer Tag– This place boasts the largest laser tag arena in Texas.
- Dart’em Up– Have you ever wanted to have a giant Nerf gun fight? Well this is the place where you can live out those fantasies. Warning, this place is not really suitable for toddler age kids as it is geared more toward school age children.
- Main Event– A cool spot for the whole family. This place has bowling, arcade games, an indoor blacklight mini golf area, and a cool laser tag area. This is another spot I wouldn’t mind getting a babysitter for and just going on a date with my husband.
- Loco-motion Inflatable Play– A nice inflatable play zone that has spaces for toddlers as well as elementary aged kids.
- iPlay Austin– Another awesome inflatable play zone with areas for older kids and toddlers.
- Bob Bullock Texas History Museum– This museum is for those history buffs out there. Although a great museum, I’d recommend it for school age kids (especially those in the 4th and 7th grades since that is when they study Texas History in school). They do also offer interactive programs for kids ages 2-5 on the second Thursday each month.
- iFly– The thrill skydiving, but indoor. This can be pricey, but could be worth the visit with your older kids for special occasions.
