Best Things to Do in Rainy Day in Houston: Top Indoor Activities

Houston has plenty of indoor places where you can stay dry and still enjoy your day. From museums and creative spaces to active indoor experiences, here are reliable spots across the city for the best things to do in rainy day in Houston, making it easy to plan when the weather shifts. Whether you’re looking for quiet exhibits, fun group activities, or places to relax indoors, there are many options to fill a rainy afternoon.

Museums & Cultural Spaces

Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science covers topics such as paleontology, astronomy, minerals, and wildlife across several permanent halls. Visitors can move through detailed exhibits, view fossil displays, and learn about natural history at their own pace.

Location: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last Entry 4:30 pm)
- Free Tuesdays: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Last Entry 7:30 pm)
- Friday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last Entry 5:30 pm)
Website: https://www.hmns.org

Museum of Fine Arts

The museum features art from many regions and eras, with large permanent collections and traveling exhibits. Visitors can walk through galleries or enjoy the sculpture areas indoors.

Location: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM 6:00 PM
Website: https://www.mfah.org

Holocaust Museum Houston

This museum focuses on history, education, and remembrance through detailed exhibits. It offers self-guided viewing with multimedia displays.

Location: 5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Website: https://hmh.org

The Menil Collection

A well-known art museum with free admission and a range of modern and contemporary works. Galleries are spread across a quiet campus with indoor viewing spaces.

Location: 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Website: https://www.menil.org

Contemporary Arts Museum

A non-collecting institution showcasing modern and contemporary works. Exhibits rotate frequently, offering something new throughout the year.

Location: 5216 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: http://www.camh.org

Houston Museum of African American Culture

Focused on African American history, art, and culture, this museum presents changing exhibitions and programs. Galleries are moderate in size and easy to navigate indoors.

Location: 4807 Caroline St, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Website: http://www.hmaac.org

The Health Museum

An interactive science museum centered on health, anatomy, and biology. Exhibits include hands-on displays and educational presentations.

Location: 1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.thehealthmuseum.org

Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University

A modern art space on campus offering contemporary exhibits, installations, and student works. Open to the public with indoor gallery access.

Location: 6100 Main St, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Website: https://moody.rice.edu

Indoor Activities & Entertainment

Space Center

This educational center offers exhibits on space exploration, astronaut training, and NASA history. Indoor galleries and spacecraft displays make it a solid rainy-day choice.

Location: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: https://moody.rice.edu

Downtown Aquarium

Includes aquatic exhibits and a large indoor viewing tunnel. There is also a restaurant and indoor activity areas.

Location: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX
Time:
- Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Website: https://www.downtownaquariumhouston.com

Children’s Museum

A hands-on museum with science, technology, and creative zones geared toward younger visitors. Indoor activities make it ideal for families heading inside on wet days.

Location: 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Website: https://www.cmhouston.org

Houston Museum of Illusions

Features rooms, exhibits, and visual tricks designed for photography and interactive viewing. Most spaces are indoors and weather-proof.

Location: 5060 West Alabama St Suite 400, Houston, TX
Time:
- Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Website: https://moihouston.com

The Escape Game (The Galleria)

Indoor escape rooms with different themes and difficulty levels. Groups solve clues and puzzles to complete the experience in a set time.

Location: 5015 Westheimer Rd Suite 3400, Houston, TX
Time:
- Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Website: https://theescapegame.com/houston

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Offers indoor skydiving inside a vertical wind tunnel with trained staff guiding each session. Guests receive pre-flight instruction and gear, and can watch from indoor viewing areas.

Location: 9540 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday – Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Website: https://www.iflyworld.com/houston-memorial

Cidercade

A large arcade with unlimited-play wristbands and indoor seating. Games range from retro cabinets to modern arcades.

Location: 2320 Canal St, Houston, TX
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Website: https://www.cidercade.com/houston

Puttery

Enjoy indoor mini-golf with themed putting courses and lounge areas, one of the best things to do in rainy day in Houston. Food and drinks are available on-site.

Location: 1818 Washington Ave Suite 180, Houston, TX
Time:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Website: https://puttery.com/locations/houston

Momentum Indoor Climbing Silver Street

Indoor climbing and bouldering gym with rental gear available. Good option for staying active inside.

Location: 1401 Silver St, Houston, TX
Time:
- Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Website: https://momentumclimbing.com/silver-street

Rainy days in Houston don’t have to be dull. With so many indoor attractions, from museums and galleries to interactive spaces and cozy cafes, the city offers plenty to explore. Keep this guide handy to discover the best things to do in rainy day in Houston and turn a wet afternoon into a fun and memorable experience.

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