Have you already been hit with that gem of a quote, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing?” Well, sometimes one doesn’t feel like being drenched by a sudden downpour. And besides, a day of heavy rainfall and ominous clouds makes for the perfect opportunity to discover something new in Austin. Instead of simply staying holed up at home, choose from a number of rainy-day activities in Austin to make the most of a stormy situation.
1. See some incredible creatures at the Austin Aquarium
You truly have to “sea it to believe it”. The Austin Aquarium is home to stingrays, sharks, tropical fish, koi fish, and many more amazing creatures. Discover thousands of species whilst finding shelter from the rain. If you consider rainfall on the weekend to be a happy occurrence, the Austin Aquarium has an exciting weekend schedule featuring selfies with mermaids, glitter tattoos, a caricature artist, and face painter.
2. Visit a museum
One of the most popular rainy-day activities is setting some time aside to explore an exhibit we just couldn’t make the time for previously. Although Austin is known as the live music capital of the world, it also boasts a number of impressive museums.
From the interactive and immersive artworks on display at Wonderspaces to the sweetest activities at the Museum of Ice Cream, these Austin museums make learning fun. You can also hideout at the Neill-Cochran House Museum or gaze at masterpieces on display in one of the largest university art museums in North America, the Blanton Museum of Art.
3. Settle in at a cosy coffee shop
Do you have some overdue projects to complete or are you feeling overwhelmed by your study schedule? Retreat to a cosy coffee shop in the city and dedicate some serious time to your tasks in a relaxing setting. If you are on top of things, then why not meet up with a friend for an afternoon of chatting, coffees in hand, and warm pastries ordered? The Carpenter Hotel’s coffee bar provides the ideal setting for doing just that. And if you find yourself waiting out the rain for longer than expected, initiate happy hour at 4pm with an espresso martini.
4. Catch the latest flick at an AMC Cinema
Watching a movie at the cinema—the old rainy-day activities reliable. Check out the showtimes at your nearest AMC theater and enjoy the latest film with the added bonus of a discount. Order some buttery popcorn and a refreshing fountain drink, and then sit back, relax, and feel grateful for not being stuck outside in the bad weather.
5. Test your aim with bowling
Not only is bowling one of the most entertaining rainy day activities, it usually also comes with quality comfort food. Head to your favorite bowling alley or try a new one with your family, friends or significant other. That competitive spirit bowling elicits makes a wet afternoon fly by. Places like Westgate Lanes, The Highball, and Highland Lanes prove to be quite popular among Austinites.
6. Challenge yourself at an escape room
Escape rooms, a recurring activity appearing on lists of things to do in the city for a reason. Escape rooms challenge our minds, place an emphasis on exploration, and force us to work in teams. The experience is also enhanced by well-executed themes and puzzles. Take on the riddles at Austin’s PanIQ Escape Room or explore a dynamic room such as The Crypt at the Escape Hour.
7. Paint pottery at Cafe Monet
Given that walk-ins are welcome at Cafe Monet (upon availability, of course), this crafty activity is the perfect plan for a surprise rainy day. Paint an Italian mug to add a personal touch to your collection at home or a cereal bowl for more lively eating in the morning. Cafe Monet also has a BYOB policy, so you can add some bubbly or grape fun to your afternoon.
8. Sample the beer at one of Austin’s breweries
It’s beer o’clock at some of Austin’s finest breweries. The city has an impressive beer scene that needs to be explored and appreciated. Use a rainy day as an excuse to visit a local brewery. From the recently renovated taphouse at Austin Beerworks to the premium craft beers at Celis Brewery and one of Austin’s oldest breweries, Circle Brewing, finding a spot for a refreshing glass is no trouble at all.
9. Get inspired at a Candlelight concert
The Candlelight series has been inspiring audiences in Austin for a while now, and this intimate experience makes for a relaxing evening activity when the rain is pouring down. Enter into a warm and welcoming environment bathed in the glow of candlelight at several of the city’s finest venues. Sit back and relax as talented musicians serenade you with renditions of some of the most celebrated music. From contemporary artists to classical composers, there is something for every kind of music lover.