14-07-2025
Cool escapes: Top indoor activities, attractions for hot summer days
There are plenty of attractions across the US that offer fun indoor activities on a hot day – Photo courtesy of Sarah Miller / Color Factory
With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasting above normal temperatures for much of the United States and, particularly, the Northeast this summer, people are adjusting their vacation and travel plans to include more indoor activities and attractions.
Madison Pietrowski of GetYourGuide, an online marketplace for travel activities, can attest to this trend.
'During NYC's heat dome in June, 100% of the top 10 most-booked experiences for these days were at indoor attractions or on the water, with the majority being indoors," she says. "It's clear that both New Yorkers and visitors were desperate to escape the heat, either through air-conditioned tours or breezy cruises.'
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Thankfully, there are numerous things to do inside that will keep you cool and entertained. To help kickstart your planning, here are a few indoor activities and attractions worth checking out this summer, to include several 10BEST Readers' Choice award winners. Make a splash at an indoor water park
Among indoor activities, an indoor water park always makes a splash with kiddos – Photo courtesy of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
One of the most popular things to do on a hot day is splash around at an indoor water park. Playing in the wave pools, water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads of these indoor water wonderlands is a fun way to beat the heat. For instance, the water parks at Kalahari Resorts feature uphill water coasters, surfing simulators, a virtual reality water slide, and an exclusive water play area for young visitors. At time of publication, park locations include Round Rock, Texas; Sandusky, Ohio; Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Stroll the galleries at a museum
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis offers many things to do inside on a hot day – Photo courtesy of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Museums provide an interesting way to escape the high temps. Maybe it's teaching the kids about dinosaurs, or perhaps it's taking a deep dive into presidential history. In New York, a top-trending indoor activity on GetYourGuide is the MoMA Before-Hours Tour with Art Expert.
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'Our MoMA Before-Hours Tour is an amazing way to escape New York City's summer heat while soaking in iconic culture,' Pietrowski says. 'Visitors get a rare experience to explore the museum galleries before the crowds rush in for the day with an expert art historian guide. It's an ideal blend of comfort and culture, especially on hot days when travelers are looking to stay cool without missing out.' Explore underwater wonders at an aquarium
This award-winning aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, boasts more than 1.5 miles of immersive galleries – Photo courtesy of Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
When it comes to indoor attractions, aquariums rank high on the list. You can spend time sitting in the dark, watching schools of fish, sharks, turtles, and other marine life swim away the hours. One of the best spots for doing just that is the award-winning Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. Here you can see more than 35,000 animals representing more than 800 species. Galleries range from a three-story saltwater aquarium that highlights the Great Barrier Reef to a sunken shipwreck teeming with marine life to a murky swamp filled with nocturnal animals.
Indulge in retail therapy at an indoor mall
Aside from shopping, this Florida mall offers many indoor attractions, such as an art collection – Photo courtesy of Aventura Mall
Indoor malls are ideal for escaping hot weather. They offer something for every age and interest. For example, Florida's award-winning Aventura Mall — the state's largest mall — is home to more than 300 retailers, over 50 restaurants, and an extensive art collection. Try your luck at a casino
Hitting a casino is a sure bet among indoor activities — just make sure you quit while you're ahead – Photo courtesy of Yaamava' Resort & Casino
When you're looking for some adults-only indoor activities, check out the action at a local casino. Maybe you like to try the slots, or perhaps you prefer one of the table games like blackjack or craps. Or it could be the action of a high-stakes game in a private room. Whatever your game, a great casino to check out is the Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Highland, California. This casino has over 7,000 slot machines and more than 150 table games, plus five high-limit games where you can test your skills. Do you have what it takes to beat Lady Luck?
Take a spin around an indoor skating rink
There's nothing cooler hanging at an indoor ice skating rink when temperatures outside are soaring – Photo courtesy of Galleria Dallas
