Rain or Shine: Indoor Activities in Houston
- Treat Yourself to a Staycation
- Take the Kids to Main Street Indoor Park
- Explore the Health Museum
- Play Pretend at Frolic’s Castle Houston
- Take Photos at the Color Factory
- Appreciate Art at the Museum of Fine Arts
- Learn at Space Center Houston
- Rock Climbing at Momentum
- MiniGolf at Track 21
- Bowling at Palace Social
- Ice Skating at Ice at the Galleria
- Give Ax Throwing a Try at Houston Axe
- Play Arcade Games at Cidercade
- Go Karting at K1 Speed
- Go Indoor Skydiving at iFLY
- Try Virtual Reality at Zero Latency
- Explore the Universes at Seismique Houston
- Go on a Tour of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
- Test your Smarts in the PanIQ Escape Room Houston
- Go on a Food Trip
Houston, we’ve got a rocket-fueled lineup of indoor activities that are out of this world! From mind-bending installations to finger-licking BBQ delights, our city’s indoor scene is packed with excitement, adventure, and mouthwatering surprises.
So buckle up, folks, because we’re about to take you on a thrilling journey through some of the most unique and entertaining spots in H-town for those rainy or extra sunny days when you just want or need to stay inside.
Whether you’re a local looking for new experiences or a visitor checking to see what Houston has to offer, these indoor activities are worth a try! So, put on your adventure hats, and let’s dive headfirst into the world of indoor fun in Houston!
Treat Yourself to a Staycation
If you’re on the lookout for a staycation spot that guarantees a unique experience in Houston, you needn’t look further than the Marriott Marquis.
The first thing that comes to mind when people mention this hotel is its incredible Texas-shaped lazy river pool where you can float while taking in breathtaking views of the Houston skyline.
The Post Oak Hotel is another great staycation destination with the full service wellness spa. The seven dining options, including our favorites — Bloom and Bee and Bouchée Patisserie hit the spot for us every time too.
With its exclusive Houstonian Club, Houstonian Hotel which features the Family Stay & Play Weekend package, where kids can slide down a 30-foot pool slide, play in geysers and lagoons, and explore the kids’ gym, bungalow, and playground.
| Pro Tip: You can take a stroll through the hotel’s clothing stores or marvel at the luxury cars at the Post Oak Motor Cars dealership next door! |
Take the Kids to Main Street Indoor Park
Address: First United Methodist Church, 1320 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-668-1894
Designed for kids aged 5 and under, this charming play area resembles a bustling main street, complete with adorable shop doors and a green space at its heart.
The little ones will have a blast climbing the structures and playing pretend.The park often hosts crafting activities and story times, offering even more entertainment for the little ones. And the best part? It’s completely free!
Parents can also bring small snacks for the kids to enjoy, making it a perfect outing without any extra costs. Just remember, parents must supervise their little adventurers at all times.
| Pro Tip: You can park in the reserved spots in the lot on the southeast corner of Travis and Polk Streets, right across from the Houston Police Museum. |
Explore the Health Museum
Address: 1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-521-1515
The Health Museum is a science themed hands on museum for kids and kids at heart to dive into the world of human biology where you perform real lab experiments and learn about health and disease.
The museum and cell lab are geared toward kids aged seven and older, making it an ideal outing for curious minds eager to explore the wonders of the human body.
Located near other popular museums, is sometimes overlooked, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing its wonders. Thursdays are the perfect time to visit, with free general admission from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
| Pro Tip: For just an additional $3 for members and $5 for non-members, you can also explore the fascinating DeBakey Cell Lab, open until 7:00 pm every Thursday where the kids can engage in lab experiments about cellular biology. |
Play Pretend at Frolic’s Castle Houston
Address: Mall, 303 Memorial City Way, Houston, TX 77024, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-464-8640
As the world’s largest indoor soft play area in a shopping center, Frolic’s Castle is an enchanted wonderland your little knights and wizards will adore.
With a grand three-level medieval castle complete with a drawbridge and catapult, surrounded by an Enchanted Forest, your kids can embark on some fun.
They can climb and explore as they encounter wizards, knights, and fire-breathing dragons scattered across the playscape.
| Pro Tip: Combine a visit to Frolic’s Castle with a family outing at Memorial City Mall to make the most of your staycation with some shopping, a train ride, ice skating, and good food all in one location. |
Take Photos at the Color Factory
Address: 3303 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Phone Number: +1 347-378-4071
This captivating art exhibit was first opened in Houston 2019 and quickly became an instant hit with locals and visitors alike.
Here, you step into a literal explosion of color, with 14 art installations that you can explore and interact with.
This insta-famous hotspot collaborated with artists, including the minds behind Harvey & John and Alicia Eggert, to create an unforgettable experience. Even NASA joined the fun, adding their touch to the magic!
| Pro Tip: You can buy your tickets at the entrance on the day of your visit, but we would suggest you buy tickets in advance through their website because slots run out fast. |
Appreciate Art at the Museum of Fine Arts
Address: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-639-7300
The museum is an adventure in itself, offering an array of exhibitions, picturesque gardens, charming shops, cozy cafes, and even fine dining options to sate your appetite for art and good food.
As you meander through the museum’s elegant halls, you’ll find yourself captivated by modern and contemporary art at every turn. The crown jewel is Van Gogh’s: The Joy of Nature exhibition.
You’ll also encounter captivating historic Spanish collection paintings, light tunnels, and modern technology blending with art.
| Pro Tip: Every Thursday, the museum opens its doors with free general admission for the public, so you can explore the museum’s grounds and art collection without spending a dime! |
Learn at Space Center Houston
Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-244-2100
In this iconic destination in the city, you’ll get to explore loads of exhibits and installations about space and America’s contribution to its exploration.
At the Space Center Houston, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar artifacts. It’s not every day that you get to touch a piece of the moon’s history, is it?
They also have interactive exhibits you can explore that offer a behind-the-scenes look at NASA’s missions and the thrilling life of astronauts. With over 400 space artifacts on display, you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to journey beyond Earth.
| Pro Tip: After exploring, you can go on the tram tour which will take you to the NASA Johnson Space Center. On the tour, you’ll get to go to functional government facilities and the iconic Mission Control Room. |
Rock Climbing at Momentum
Address: 1401 Silver St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-433-7211
This climbing gym is a paradise for climbers, boasting a whopping 43,000 square feet of gym space and 15,000 square feet of climbing walls.
From beginner-friendly routes to challenging overhangs, Momentum has it all.
Not into climbing? Fear not, for Momentum has more to offer. You can sweat it out with yoga and group fitness classes or hit the fitness room for a full-body workout.
Plus, with a membership, you gain access to not just Momentum Silver Street but also Momentum Katy and all other Momentum gyms across the country.
| Pro Tip:Don’t forget to check out their video tour before you hit the walls, just to see if it’s something for you or not. Plus, it’ll get you psyched up and ready to conquer those routes! |
MiniGolf at Track 21
Address: 4815 Hwy 6 N, Houston, TX 77084, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-200-2600
Looking for a quirky indoor activity? The glow-in-the-dark mini golf adventure at Track 21’s indoor mini golf course is something you can try with friends and family
Nestled on the west side of Houston, this nine-hole course takes you on a journey through a neon-lit jungle, complete with wild creatures and props.
They provide you with a map to guide you through as you make your way through the course. The entire course is also very aesthetically pleasing and perfect for taking shots for Instagram!
| Pro Tip: After you’ve showcased your putting skills, don’t leave without diving into the other activities they have on site like go-karts, laser tag, and arcade games for a whole day filled with fun. |
Bowling at Palace Social
Address: 4191 Bellaire Blvd Suite 150, Houston, TX 77025, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-913-4955
The beloved Palace Social Bowling Lanes in Bellaire have recently undergone a refurbishment to improve into a state-of-the-art indoor bowling and entertainment venue in Houston.
They have 8 lanes available which is enough so a lane is always available, but not too many to make the place crowded.
Palace Social also has other activities you can try! You can try the 3D Dark Ride in their virtual reality arena, challenge your skills with arcade games, or try your hand at the multi-sport simulator bays.
| Pro Tip: After a tiring day of bowling, grab some food from the in house restaurant and bar. Try our favorite fried shrimp platter or their classic mom’s meatloaf! |
Ice Skating at Ice at the Galleria
Address: 5015 Westheimer Rd # 1260, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-621-1500
For days when the temperatures are soaring in the city, escape the heat at Ice at the Galleria, an indoor ice rink located in the Houston Galleria’s Center Food Court.
Whether you’re an ice-skating pro or a first-time skater, you can have fun skating and gliding across the ice. They have public ice skating sessions where everyone can just hit the ice. You can catch talented skaters practicing here too.
If you want to hone your skills, they have Learn to Skate Classes you can sign up for. For those seeking some friendly competition, their Broomball and group events are a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories.
| Pro Tip: Make sure you dress in warmer clothes if you’re planning to spend more than a few hours skating. We would also suggest wearing pants just in case you take a tumble! Don’t worry about ice skates, you can rent some on site. |
Give Ax Throwing a Try at Houston Axe
Address: 6734 Larkwood Dr STE B, Houston, TX 77074, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-930-2937
Houston Axe is the city’s first indoor urban ax throwing range and the very first ax throwing club in Texas. It’s an exhilarating experience that offers stress relief like no other.
Ax throwing works like archery where you stand in front of a target and try to hit the bullseye by throwing axes onto wooden panels.
They have experts (Axperts) who teach you the techniques of throwing an ax safely. Once you get the hang of it, they’ll let you explore and try throwing axes.
| Pro Tip: They have splatter paint throwing if working with axes seems too daunting for you! You get to also aim for bullseyes, but with much easier to handle balloons filled with paint. Plus, you get to take home the target paper as a souvenir. |
Play Arcade Games at Cidercade
Address: 2320 Canal St Suite 100, Houston, TX 77003, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-787-2726
Cidercade is an arcade gaming paradise featuring over 275 games. Here, you’ll find all-time classics like pinball and shooters, but also features driving consoles and air hockey.But, Cidercade goes beyond gaming with its arsenal of adult beverages on tap.
You can take a break from conquering high scores and t sip a spiked beverage, like hard ciders, kombucha, seltzers, and wine.
And when hunger strikes, worry not! On-rotation food trucks are ready to satisfy your cravings. If you prefer to bring your own food, you can do that too, or even get it delivered straight to the location.
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget, Cidercade is a cashless spot, so bring your credit or debit card for uninterrupted fun and refreshments! |
Go Karting at K1 Speed
Address: 14900 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77040, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-674-8012
You can satisfy your need for speed and excitement at K1 Speed, where indoor go-karting takes family fun to a whole new level. You get to feel the adrenaline rush as you race your family and friends around an indoor track.
Here, you’ll find easy to drive electric go-karts, well-designed tracks, and barriers for safety. You also get access to the arcade and their full-service resto-lounge that serves classic American food and drink choices.
| Pro Tip: Go-karting is a physical activity that might be a bit dangerous, so we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes. Try not to wear loose clothes or accessories that might get caught in something. Tie up your hair if it’s long too for maximum safety. |
Go Indoor Skydiving at iFLY
Address: 9540 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77055, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-942-4359
If you want to experience the thrill of defying gravity and soaring through the air without jumping from a plane, then head on over to iFLY’s indoor skydiving facility.
Their state-of-the-art wind tunnels are designed to provide a safe and exhilarating flight experience. The entire experience is made possible with a vertical wind tunnel that can send you up to 50 feet high into the air with wind speeds of 171 miles per hour.
| Pro Tip: Beginners need to take an orientation and a post-flight debriefing, so get there a bit earlier than your schedule if you want to maximize your time inside the wind tunnel. |
Try Virtual Reality at Zero Latency
Address: 12143 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-617-7430
At Zero Latency, you can bring your friends or family for a day of exploration without having to leave the confines of the city. You step in and strap on your VR headset, grab your gun controller, and start playing.
The state-of-the-art VR technology lets you and your friends explore virtual realms with complete freedom of movement. With Zero Latency, you are untethered from the real world, allowing you to move and interact comfortably, just like in real life.
| Pro Tip: You can choose from a range of thrilling experiences, from zombie apocalypses to family-friendly adventures and competitive VR e-sports, but our personal favorite is the Far Cry experience where you can feel like you’re in the battlefield yourself. |
Explore the Universes at Seismique Houston
Address: 2306 S Texas 6, Houston, TX 77077, United States
Phone Number: +1 346-202-6006
Seismique Houston is a relatively new addition to Houston’s line-up of uncommon places to visit. This interactive museum spans a staggering 40,000 square feet.
As you venture through more than 40 galaxies (galleries), you’ll find yourself surrounded by a sea of vibrant colors, pulsating lights, and out of the ordinary installations.
The different galleries feature uniquely different themes, with some of our favorites being one with extraterrestrial beings, a room filled to the brim with globes that light up, and neon lights tunnels.
| Pro Tip: Seismic actually encourages guests to fully interact and touch all the exhibits to make the most of the experience, so don’t be scared to let your curiosity take the reins. Make sure you download their app too to help you maximize your time there. |
Go on a Tour of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Address: 105b Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-752-0314
Houston is full of unique spots that you can check out when the weather just isn’t cooperating with your day of fun. You can step into history and art at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, a fascinating underground structure built in 1926 to store water.
The massive concrete structure is supported by 221 striking concrete columns that create a visually stunning grid pattern.
Today, the cistern serves as a unique public space for art installations and events.
| Pro Tip: Try out the unique acoustics of the Buffalo Bayou Cistern. If you’re lucky, you can find the spot near the dead center of the cistern where you can experience a trippy 17-second echo. |
Test your Smarts in the PanIQ Escape Room Houston
Address: 1017 Eagle St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 281-974-5400
Escape rooms have slowly gained popularity across the world with locations popping up everywhere. PanIQ Escape Room in Houston offers hour-long immersive themed escape room experiences like the Wild West and Military Bunker.
But, if you’re a thrill seeker like us, they also have an adrenaline-pumping adventure that takes inspiration from the Chainsaw Massacre movie.
Imagine finding yourself locked inside an abandoned shed after your car breaks down on a rural Texas road and you need to find your way out before the madman who put you there comes back to finish the job.
| Pro Tip: If you go with family, it’s best to go with the kid-friendly rooms. If you do decide on trying the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Room, be reminded that there are strobe and flashing lights! |
Go on a Food Trip
If you’re looking for Southern comfort meals on rainy days, the Breakfast Klub is a must visit with classic chicken and waffles and catfish and grits dishes being local favorites, complete with your choice of potatoes or eggs and toast or a biscuit.
For classic Texan BBQ, Brisket & Rice, a family-owned restaurant elevates barbeque dishes to new heights with state-of-the-art slow smokers. Their BBQ fried rice made with their pulled tender brisket, sausages, and banana pudding are must try items!
The Boot Texan Kitchen offers up a flavorful blend of BBQ too along with Cajun cuisine with their fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs. For seafood lovers, their fried catfish is always flaky and crisp. Don’t forget to indulge in the crowd-favorite boudin chips too!
| Pro Tip: Pair your main course at the Boot Texan Kitchen with classic BBQ sides like baked beans and collard greens. If you get them as add ons to a main dish, you save a few bucks as opposed to getting them a la carte. |
