Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Austin

Alamo Drafthouse

The ultimate rainy day plan (hands down) goes to catching a flick at the movie theater! There’s nothing like being immersed in a film with a bucket of popcorn. Movie premiers are also an excuse to dress up like your favorite film characters.

But there’s “the movies,” and then there’s “the movies at  Alamo Drafthouse.” The whole experience is elevated, and if you’ve never been to one, you definitely need to add it to your list of things to do soon. Not only do you receive a classic voice experience, but its Alamo Drafthouse elevates it with meals and cocktails during your film viewing!

Austin Public Library

Curl up to a book in one of the many corners of the Austin Public Library. We like to think that our library is probably one of the best libraries in the entire nation. If you haven’t been, you’re missing out!

This isn’t just a library full of book stacks. It’s a place of discovery, imagination, and relaxation. You can do anything from taking your kids to a fun workshop to creating art together. And if you’re looking for some alone time, sit back and relax in one of their quiet rooms, or rent a movie from their wide variety.

As if that wasn’t enough, did you know they have a shaded rooftop garden? Pack a lunch and enjoy one of the best rooftop views of downtown. The kiddos will love it! You can literally spend an entire Austin rainy day here.

Cidercade

Wanna feel nostalgic? Head over to Cidercade. This arcade is a hidden gem–not many people talk about it, but if you’re into old-school games and cider, you’ll love it. It’s only $10 to have unlimited gaming, which is why it’s one of our favorite things to do on a rainy day in Austin!

We were completely shocked by how many retro arcade games they offer: everything from Street Fighter to older-themed pinball machines cover the space, as well as a bar full of different ciders. You can also order pizza and challenge your friend to some DDR.

Expect to spend a couple of hours here because you aren’t going to want to leave!

Visit the Blanton Museum

The Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin is one of the foremost university art museums in the country, and has the largest and most comprehensive collection of art in Central Texas. The Blanton’s permanent collection of more than 21,000 works is recognized for its European paintings, an encyclopedic collection of prints and drawings, and modern and contemporary American and Latin American art. Located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Congress Avenue, the museum is across the street from the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and is adjacent to downtown Austin.

Topgolf

You definitely don’t need to be a pro to have a good time at Topgolf! Another family-friendly spot, Topgolf is the place you go to have a group outing. Whether it’s practicing your swing off a balcony or enjoying some delicious bar food, there’s always smiling faces here.

It’s also a fun date spot, you know if you’re trying to really impress with your skills. Nothing screams flirting like some friendly competition!

Since Topgolf is an all-weather facility, we highly recommend you book ahead when you see rain in the forecast. Walk-in time can sometimes be very long, especially because it’s one of the best weekend things to do in Austin on a rainy day.

High Five Entertainment

One of the best places you can go on a rainy day is High Five Entertainment. They’re mainly known for their state of the art bowling alley, where you can bowl for as little as $7 per game! They also have VR attractions, axe throwing, and golf games.

If you gather your friends for a rainy day excursion, you should book a karaoke session too! There’s even an arcade section at High Five. They LITERALLY have it all.

Need a break to refuel? You can dine-in at their restaurant-styled sitting area. We recommend going during the week when it’s not as busy so that you can fully enjoy all that High Five has to offer.

Thinkery

Looking for something that’s kid-friendly? Thinkery is a museum they’ll actually like. Let their imagination run wild, while also giving them the opportunity to learn.

On Sundays from 3-5, they open their doors for free for children and families to explore the exhibit. While they have a pre-registration process for it online, they also take walk-ins on a first-come, first-serve basis.

And if you’re looking for something a little less crowded, check out their baby bloomers program or their camp programs.

Austin Panic Room

The Austin Panic Room is the perfect place to stay dry and let out a good scream! You and your family can test your skills and knowledge in the fun themed escape rooms. Book today to get your scream on!

Capitol of Texas

If you’re looking for a little history lesson check out our Capitol building. For real, though, we aren’t sure why many people don’t already do this because hello, our Capitol is b-e-a-utiful! And the tour is completely free. Yep, you can actually walk around the Texas Capitol for free!

Unfortunately, they’re not doing guided tours at the moment. But if you’re down to do a self-guided one alone (or perhaps you can be the tour guide for your group), pick up one of their tour brochures at the north entry of the Capitol. They’ll guide you through many significant areas inside and on the grounds, offering information on the building, Texas history, and the legislature.

The Dirdie Birdie

Check out north Austin’s newest putting attraction! Easily our newest favorite things to do on a rainy day in Austin, The Dirdie BirdieThe Dirdie Birdie is an eclectic mini-golf lounge. Bringing a new-age flavor in decor, dining, and drinks, the Dirdie Birdie is the Domain’s hippest new hangout.

Putt and sip throughout this 12-hole course with your friends and waist the rainy day away. Mini golf games are $18 per person. You can also host celebrations like birthdays or corporate events through their private events booking.

Spare Birdie Public House

For an entire afternoon of gaming and libations, Spare Birdie is a spot to test your put game and nosh. Whatever your game is, Spare Birdie has a variety of popular ones. You can test your aim in bowling, mini-golf, bocce, and darts IRL or go for virtual experiences with baseball, football, and soccer.

Check out all of their delicious menu items if you need a break. They have a variety of cocktails with kitschy golf names, veggie appetizers, fried pub favorites, and an oyster bar!

Electric Shuffle

We’re on a nostalgic kick with all of these rainy day activities! This next spot is on of our favorite things to do on rainy day in Austin. If you’ve ever been to a dive bar, you may have played classic shuffleboard. But, have you ever tried high-tech shuffleboard?

Electric Shuffle combines custom-built tables with technology to create an interactive version of the shuffleboard game. Play with 24 friends  and take selfies all while gaming, dining, and drinking with your group! Reserve your own shuffleboard table for up to 90 minutes of gameplay.

The Museum of Ice Cream

The newest museum that has swept us off our feet, of course, HAS to be on our list of things to do on a rainy day in Austin. The Museum of Ice Cream has taken the the social media world by storm with locations in international metro areas; we’re lucky to have our own museum in north Austin’s Domain.

Book a group outing with your friends for a playful photo shoot that has all the likings of kawaii style. Spend an entire afternoon there swinging on banana swings, diving into a pit of sprinkles, and don’t forget your milkshake on the way out. Escape to cotton-candy colored bliss away from the rainy outside.

Museum of Illusion

Museums are clearly one of our favorite things to do on a rainy day in Austin. There’s so many different types all over the world from art, history, technology, and a combination of mediums. Austin’s newest museum is an optical illusion of immersion.

Check out the Museum of Illusions for a curious way to look at things from alternate points of view. Navigate various rooms, interactive equipment, sounds, lights, and everything to tantalite the senses.

After all isn’t that what Alice observed on her adventures in Wonderland?