When you have kids, you have those days where you just need to get everyone out of the house. But what if it’s raining or freezing out? There are plenty of indoor play places for older kids around town, but this list is specific to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (younger kids). When it’s too cold to play outside, here’s a list of indoor places to play in Austin that your toddler will love.
Indoor Places To Play In Austin
Best Free Option: Austin Public Library
We visited the Austin Central Public Library on a rainy day and it’s hands down the coolest library I have ever seen!
It’s a feast for the eyes as you take in all the colored glass, the big red cuckoo clock on the wall, the giant chess set, and the bright furniture. The children’s floor is so clean and beautiful. I love how it still feels fresh and new.
In addition to all the many things to do and see here, toddler story times will take place outside on the Reading Porch on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. from January 4 – February 26, 2022. If you need a free option for indoor places to play that your toddler will love, this is your best bet!
710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin | WEBSITE
BEST BABY + TODDLER COMBO OPTION: INDIGO PLAY
If you’ve got both a baby and a toddler (hi, Kelsey! 😉 this is the place for you. Indigo Play is divided up into sections and has specific areas for babies (“Tummies, Crawlers, & Cruisers”) and a “Toddler Village”. They are pretty good at keeping the big kids out of those sections, too.
It’s a big place, and more adventurous toddlers can explore the giant climbing section as well. However, more hesitant kids will appreciate having a space to call their own.
13530 Research Blvd, Austin| WEBSITE
BEST TODDLER + BIG KID OPTION: MT PLAYMORE
If you’ve got a toddler and a big kid, then Mt Playmore is your best bet. The big section and arcade will appeal to your older kids, and the baby/toddler section is impressive!
There are slides, ride-on toys, and small climbing structures similar to the big kid section but doable for toddlers. This little area will keep them entertained the whole time your big kid(s) play. If you do attempt the big section with your toddler and climb inside along with them, make sure you wear some stretchy pants! Going down those slides in shorts isn’t fun for the backs of your legs.
13609 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin | WEBSITE
BEST ENERGY-BURNER: ALTITUDE TRAMPOLINE PARK
Altitude feels bright, open, and clean. There are specific areas designated for toddlers, so they can feel protected from the bigger jumpers.
Employees help reinforce this rule, kicking the bigger kids out of those areas. I like how even when this place is crowded, it still feels open and not overwhelming. My toddler liked jumping by himself but doesn’t like it when someone bigger jumps near him, which is why the toddler area is perfect for little ones. They will take an epic nap after a visit here! They also have “Toddler Time” hours daily from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with special pricing for kids 6 and younger. 13609 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin | WEBSITE
BEST PLACE TO WARM UP WITH A COFFEE: BRENTWOOD SOCIAL HOUSE
There are many restaurants in town that have outdoor playgrounds, but very few have something INDOORS for kids when it’s too cold to play outside. Brentwood Social House has the perfect solution!
Their back room has an adorable little kids area with a play kitchen, small tables, and plenty of books to keep them entertained. Pro tip: meet up with a mom friend while you’re here so you can grab a coffee and a chat while the kids play! It’ll feel like a vacation. 1601 W Koenig Ln, Austin | WEBSITE
BEST PLACE FOR ANIMAL LOVERS: AUSTIN AQUARIUM
This aquarium is the perfect size for toddlers. There’s plenty to see and do, but it’s not overwhelmingly huge. Creature-loving kids will delight in all the animals they’ll be able to see and touch here (it’s not just sea life- they even have a sloth).
Bonus: it’s right next to Indigo Play (see above), if you want to combine indoor places to play in Austin that your toddler will love. 13530 US-183 #101, Austin | WEBSITE
BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE: THINKERY
We love the Thinkery for their Baby Bloomer hours, just perfect for toddlers! This program is offered for toddlers age 0-3 years on Saturday mornings from 8-10 a.m. Their baby room is a safe space for babies and toddlers to roam around and explore, and the whole museum seems geared towards younger kids in general.
Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes in case your little one gets all wet in the water room! 1830 Simond Ave, Austin | WEBSITE
BEST OVERALL: PIKOPYE’S TOWN
As far as indoor places to play in Austin that your toddler will love, nothing beats Pikopye’s Town! Kids’ imaginations can run wild here as they become a letter carrier, a chef, a hairstylist, and more. It’s beautifully decorated and just so charming. My little guy never wants to leave this place! It’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, and I will truly be sad when my 4 year old outgrows this place.
Another bonus of Pikopye’s Town is getting to play with all the Melissa & Doug toys while you’re there. It’s a helpful way to purge some excess toys you may have at home, knowing that they will be available to play with at Pikopye’s Town. Kids appreciate toys they don’t see all the time at home much more anyway! Don’t forget to reserve your spot ahead of time, and bring socks for both kids and parents. 2919 Menchaca Rd Suite 205, Austin | WEBSITE
MORE INDOOR PLACES TO PLAY WITH TODDLERS
Almost Grown Play Cafe has a cute indoor play area for kids. 18901 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs. | WEBSITE
Little Land Play Gym is a perfect spot to let toddlers explore and climb. They have locations in Cedar Park, Buda, Bee Cave, Georgetown, and Leander. | WEBSITE
Toybrary has unlimited play time for only $7, and you can rent their toys to take home if your toddler falls in love with something. 2001 Justin Ln, Austin | WEBSITE
BookPeople has a charming kids section upstairs that will keep toddlers busy for hours. 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin | WEBSITE
Looking for more kid-friendly things to do in Austin? Here are Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Lakeway, and 20 Toddler-Friendly Austin Activities.
Contributing writer Addie Gross wrote for numerous local lifestyle websites before starting Austin Fun For Kids (@austinfunforkids). She loves everything about Austin and is always planning her family’s next adventure (big or small). Finding local hikes for kids is her specialty! She’s a mom to three boys that are 12, 9, and 4. Her passion is finding cool and fun new things to do around town and sharing them with everyone. Her previous boss once gave her the title “Ambassador of Fun”.
Very handy!
The Austin Aquarium is a travesty. Please research them further before recommending. https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2022-09-23/austin-aquarium-under-scrutiny-again-after-peta-investigation/
Please remove your recommendation for the Austin Aquarium. They severely mistreat their animals and it should not be supported.
[…] offers numerous indoor play areas for toddlers such as the Almost Grown Play Cafe and Little Land Play Gym, with multiple locations around the city, providing safe and engaging […]