All The Best Free Indoor Fun for Kids in Austin

When the weather turns gloomy or the scorching Texas sun becomes unbearable, finding free indoor play spaces for kids in Austin is a lifesaver for parents. Luckily, Austin offers a variety of free indoor playgrounds, creative activity centers, and unique spaces to keep kids entertained without spending a dime. Let’s explore the best free indoor activities Austin has to offer, perfect for rainy days or escaping the heat!

Top Free Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Austin

Lakeline Mall Play Area

11200 Lakeline Mall Dr N2
Cedar Park, TX 78613

Lakeline Mall’s free indoor play area recently received a fantastic update, making it a great spot for kids to play (while parents shop, if you bring along a responsible someone or sibling to keep an eye on the littles — don’t lose your kids in the mall is what I’m saying, even though it was a rite of passage when I was growing up). You’ll find it on the lower level near Dillard’s—just park by ASAP Alterations for easy access. There’s also some comfy colorful seating, so bring a Dog Man when it’s time for a water break!

Disney Junior Play Zone at Barton Creek Square Mall

3103 Tamarron Blvd
Austin, TX 78746

There’s also a Disney-themed indoor play zone at Barton Creek Square. Park by Dillard’s and find it on the lower level in front of JCPenny.

Living Spaces Furniture Store

19024 N Heatherwilde Blvd
Pflugerville, TX 78660

Living Spaces Furniture Store is more than just a showroom; it’s a family-friendly space with a dedicated play area for kids. While parents shop for furniture or decor, little ones can enjoy a play corner equipped with toys and activities. It’s a win-win for families looking to combine furniture shopping with a playdate. Adults are not allowed in kids play area. Bring your own socks (or you’ll have to pay for some there).

Austin Nature & Science Center

2389 Stratford Dr
Austin, TX 78746

While this incredible local resource has many outdoor elements, you can also find plenty to do indoors here! I’m always surprised at how long my kids stay entertained at the inside exhibits here.

Slackers Brewing Co.

12233 Ranch Rd 620 N #204
Austin, TX 78750

Slackers Brewery offers a cute indoor play area with board games, foosball, toys, and more. Slackers Brewery is a place where families can enjoy some quality time together. While the kids play games, parents can unwind and socialize. They are also open early for coffee!

Brentwood Social House

1601 W Koenig Ln
Austin, TX 78756

Brentwood Social House is a charming cafe that welcomes families with open arms. With a cozy indoor seating area and a designated kids’ play corner, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon. Enjoy a cup of coffee while the little ones engage in imaginative play with the provided toys.

Malone Coffee

14735 Bratton Ln #210
Austin, TX 78728

Malone Coffee not only serves up delicious coffee but also caters to families with a welcoming indoor space. The coffee shop often has a corner filled with books, a giant chalkboard, and toys for kids. It’s an ideal place for parents to enjoy a cup of coffee while the little ones entertain themselves with the available activities.

H-Mart

11301 Lakeline Blvd
Austin, TX 78717

H-Mart, the popular Asian grocery store, is more than just a place to shop for groceries. It often features a casual play area near the front of the store. They also have those adorable tiny kiddie carts so young children can go shopping with you.

BookPeople

603 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78703

BookPeople, a beloved independent bookstore in Austin, hosts free storytime events for kids on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:30 am. It’s a great opportunity for children to engage with literature in a cozy indoor setting. Kids also love to run around and play inside the tunnel upstairs in the kids department.

Bricks & Minifigs

South Austin location
5207 Brodie Ln Suite 130
Sunset Valley, TX 78745

North Austin location
14010 US-183 Ste 445
Austin, TX 78717

Come and play with Legos at this cute Lego store.

The Library

This is a no-brainer, but almost every library in town has some sort of entertaining kids area with toys and books and games. Check your local branch for story times as well.

Zookeeper Exotics

9012 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78758

This unusual pet store has the most exotic creatures in town! You’ll see snakes, lizards, bunnies, and more! A great free, indoor spot to bring any creature-loving kids.

Texas Capitol Building

1100 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701

You live in the state’s capitol, but have you ever explored the Capitol Building? If not, you can for free! Go online and book a free tour.

The Thinkery

1830 Simond Ave
Austin, TX 78723

Austin’s only children’s museum, The Thinkery, has free community nights. Every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. the museum has free admission.

Bullock Museum

1800 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701

The Bullock Museum has free admission on the first Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. They usually have activities for families to participate in from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and you can stay and explore the whole museum for free!

The Blanton

200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Austin, TX 78712

The Blanton Art Museum is free every Tuesday for everyone.

Free Kids DIY Workshops

Home Depot and Lowes

Both Lowes and Home Depot have monthly free kids DIY workshops. Check their website for exact dates and times.

IKEA Family Nights

1 Ikea Way
Round Rock, TX 78665

IKEA used to have a free indoor play area called smaalland, but that has been closed since covid. But don’t worry! They have free family crafting events on most Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. in the restaurant area. Check their website and pre-register for these events. They fill up quickly and you will get turned away if an event is full. The children’s area is also a fun spot for kids to run around and play, and there are electronic video games for kids hidden throughout the store as well.

Letterpress Play

2002 S Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78704

This charming little store on South Congress will occasionally host free events for kids called Reading Wednesdays. Kids can come for a free story time, have some free snacks, and make a craft for free!

Lakeshore Learning

9828 Great Hills Trl Suite 500
Austin, TX 78759

Check their website for occasional kid-friendly free events.

First Texas Honda

3400 Steck Ave
Austin, TX 78757

Did you know that First Texas Honda has a free indoor play area and a free cafe? Shhh…don’t tell- it’s Austin’s best kept secret. You don’t even have to be buying a car to use this free play space, but they may start kicking people out if it this secret gets abused, so keep this one to yourself!

Pin This Post!

Check out my ultimate guide for FREE FUN for kids!