23 Indoor Activities in Sacramento That Don’t Feel Like Plan B in 2025

The City of Trees might be known for its sprawling urban forest, but indoor activities in Sacramento deserve just as much love. Looking for something fun to do when it rains? From free spots to weekend plans, we’ve pulled together local favorites perfect for dreary days or just a change of pace.

Explore museums, cozy restaurants, date night ideas in Sacramento and kid-friendly picks as you get to know the indoor charm of California’s capital city.

Jump to Section

• Cozy and Cultural Indoor Activities in Sacramento
• Active Indoor Activities in Sacramento
• Group-Friendly Indoor Activities in Sacramento
• Indoor Activities in Sacramento FAQs

Cozy and Cultural Indoor Activities in Sacramento

1. Cooking Classes

If you’re feeling inspired after trying some of the city’s Michelin-rated restaurants, cooking classes in Sacramento are the perfect solution. Professional chefs give you a personal taste of the vibrant local food scene and teach you how to make restaurant-quality meals using ingredients that reflect Sacramento’s farm-to-fork culture.

2. Painting Classes

Sacramento has an incredible arts scene. The Crocker Art Museum displays ancient art from all over the world in a gorgeous Victorian home — basically, every art enthusiast’s dream. After admiring the beautiful paintings, try out painting classes in Sacramento to channel your own creativity. Step by step, talented instructors will show you how to bring your artistic visions to life and onto the canvas, and your painting is yours to keep forever.

3. Paint and Sip

Paint and sip classes in Sacramento pay homage to the city’s artsy vibe, but with a boozy twist. Learn how to paint sunsets, floral still life scenes and more while sipping great wine at welcoming local venues.

4. Visit the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity

This world-class museum is one of the best indoor activities in Sacramento for all ages. With interactive exhibits on everything from nature to outer space to energy, the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity seeks to educate and inspire visitors to get curious about science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts — all in a sleek space right along the Sacramento River.

5. California State Railroad Museum

If you’re looking for indoor activities in Sacramento today, a trip to the California State Railroad Museum is always a good idea. It’s the largest railroad museum in North America, preserving and highlighting the role of railroads in the Western U.S. through historical exhibits, fascinating stories and a collection of vintage locomotives. Its location in Old Sacramento makes it a perfect stop during a downtown day trip.

6. Try a Local Coffee Shop

If you’re like me and drink more coffee than water, one of the best indoor activities in Sacramento for adults is checking out a coffee shop. The city is full of cozy spots where you can immerse yourself in the local culture while sipping a coffee made with love (and high-quality beans). The Mill, Old Soul and Temple Coffee are some of the most popular cafés in the city. Pick one place or turn it into a coffee shop crawl and visit them all.

7. Check Out the Restaurant Scene

As a diehard foodie, I firmly believe food is one of the best ways to discover a new place and the City of Trees is no exception. Sacramento boasts several Michelin-rated restaurants, including Grange Restaurant & Bar, Frank Fat’s Restaurant and Bacon & Butter. These indoor activities in Sacramento will awaken your senses and leave you with a full stomach and a happy heart.

8. NorCal Aquarium & Wildlife

Looking for Sacramento indoor kids' activities? It doesn’t get much better than NorCal Aquarium & Wildlife. More than just an aquarium, this bucket list destination is home to two-toed sloths, capybaras, stingrays and many other animals. Up-close animal encounters, including feeding experiences, are offered, as well as the opportunity to snorkel with sharks, stingrays and fish. It's a great place for indoor birthday party ideas in Sacramento.

Active Indoor Activities in Sacramento

9. Team-Building Activities

Team-building activities in Sacramento are perfect because the city already has a community atmosphere, and, according to Psychology Today, a sense of community is crucial for overall health and well-being. There’s a camaraderie that comes with being home to a high-performing sports team and the urban forest inspires residents to feel a responsibility toward one another and the environment. Bond with your team members as you work together to cook meals, make art and more in a city that knows how to collaborate.

10. Play Retro Arcade Games at Coin-Op Game Room

If you need indoor activities in Sacramento this weekend, throw it back to the retro age with vintage arcade games at Coin-Op Game Room. With over 40 arcade games, a robust beer selection and delicious pizza, Coin-Op is the very definition of an adult playground. I love the combination of drinks and arcade games, and if you agree, you’ll love it here too. It’s a Midtown favorite for a reason.

11. Have a Blast at Rebounderz

The best Sacramento indoor kid activities give kids the freedom to burn off some energy and an indoor obstacle course does just that. Rebounderz is a trampoline park with a ninja warrior course and sports like dodgeball, so kids can get some exercise, test their agility and stamina and, most importantly, have fun. It’s a great spot for birthday parties or a high-energy afternoon when they need to move and play.

12. Go Indoor Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is one of the most adventurous indoor activities in Sacramento for all ages. The city has several climbing gyms, but Sacramento Pipeworks is the most well-known. It boasts 14,000 square feet of climbing space, including a 40-foot wall. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner; all skill levels are welcome. (I can say that with confidence because I’ve been to several climbing gyms and as someone with zero experience, I always have a safe, fun time.)

13. Go Roller Skating at The Rink

Whether you need indoor activities in Sacramento for adults or the whole family, you can’t go wrong with roller skating. I have such fond memories of Friday nights spent at the roller rink in high school, and I never pass up the opportunity to relive them. The Rink is an old-school roller skating spot in the Riverwood Shopping Center, complete with disco balls, a snack bar and an arcade. Roller rinks have been classic indoor date ideas for decades and they aren’t going out of style anytime soon.

14. Indoor Go-Kart Racing at K1 Speed

Searching for indoor activities in Sacramento today that let you put the pedal to the metal? Indoor go-kart racing at K1 Speed is where it’s at. This is one of the best team-building activities in Sacramento and it’s also great for families because there’s no age minimum — just a height requirement of 48 inches. I’ve been to several K1 Speed locations and it’s a blast every time.

15. Test Your Problem-Solving Skills at Enchambered Escape Room

Escape rooms are one of the more classic indoor activities in Sacramento. Whether it’s a rainy day or you just want to try something new, Enchambered Escape Room Sacramento is one of the nation’s highest-rated escape rooms with creative themes, realistic scenes and clues hidden all around you. Do you have what it takes to make it out in 60 minutes?

16. Punch Bowl Social

Punch Bowl Social isn’t exclusive to the City of Trees, but it’s still one of the best things to do in Sacramento. It’s a restaurant and bar with activities like bowling, darts, billiards, karaoke, board games and more, plus fun events such as music bingo and a brunch club. Bring your friends, drop all your worries and make lasting memories at this Downtown Commons hotspot

Group-Friendly Indoor Activities in Sacramento

17. Tipsy Putt

Looking for indoor mini golf in Sacramento? Consider your search over. Tipsy Putt is a playground for grown-ups with a quirky mini golf course, a full bar, tasty eats and an energetic vibe that makes it perfect for birthdays, date nights or after-work hangs.

18. Watch a Kings Game

If you’re in town between October and April, catching a Kings game at Golden 1 Center is a must. The Sacramento Kings' fan base is famously devoted and watching the energy in the arena is part of what makes this one of the most exciting group outings in the city.

19. Enjoy a Spa Day

A relaxing spa day easily ranks among the best indoor activities in Sacramento. Head to Spa LaLe at the Westin Sacramento Riverfront for massages or facials, or check out Asha Urban Baths for sauna therapy, cold plunges and a calming communal atmosphere.

20. Try Axe Throwing at The Smart Axe

If you’ve never tried axe throwing, add it to your list of indoor activities in Sacramento. The Smart Axe is a local favorite for friends, family or co-workers looking to try something new together. Skill isn’t the point here — just get the axe on the board and laugh along the way.

21. Jelly Belly Visitor Center

Up for a nostalgic adventure? The Jelly Belly Visitor Center in nearby Fairfield is a sweet trip through childhood. Take a factory tour to see how the jelly beans are made, pick up souvenirs in the gift shop and even try a jelly bean-shaped hamburger or pizza from the on-site restaurant.

22. Underground Mini Golf

Need a more family-friendly indoor mini golf option in Sacramento? Underground Mini Golf delivers with an 18-hole, Gold Rush-themed course that brings a bit of local history and a lot of fun to every round.

23. Have a Tea Party at The Tea Nook

Tea parties aren’t just for kids (and I know this because I host them for my friend group regularly). Experience one of the best indoor activities in Sacramento when you visit The Tea Nook, a Victorian-style high tea room. You’ll enjoy a traditional high tea of quiche, finger sandwiches, scones and pastries served on fine china. Pinkies up! 

Indoor Activities in Sacramento FAQs

Where To Go in Sacramento When It Rains?

Indoor activities in Sacramento are perfect for rainy days. All of the attractions listed here offer tons of fun for all ages, from museums to high-energy destinations like escape rooms and indoor go-kart tracks. You could also browse shops and candy stores in Old Sacramento, or head just outside the city to the Roseville Galleria if you’re after indoor activities in Roseville.

Is There Anything Fun To Do in Sacramento?

Whether you’re into history, culture, shopping, dining or anything in between, indoor activities in Sacramento appeal to many interests. Step back in time at the California State Railroad Museum or the historic district of Old Sacramento (a great choice if you need free indoor activities in Sacramento!), tour the Capitol building, try local restaurants and enjoy fun attractions like indoor go-karting, rock climbing and mini-golf.

Where To Cool off in Sacramento?

Rainy days aren’t the only time when indoor activities in Sacramento come in handy. Take respite from the summer heat by visiting a museum, a shopping mall or any of the places listed here. Not only will you cool off, but you’ll have a great time in the process.

What Is the Purple Light in Sacramento?

The famous purple light in Sacramento is a laser beam celebrating the Kings winning a home game. It’s emitted from Golden 1 Center after each victory. You can even see the beam from space because it’s so powerful.

Sacramento’s indoor activities aren’t just a backup plan. They’re a perfect addition to any trip to California’s capital city, letting you experience the rich history, culture, culinary scene and family-friendly atmosphere in new, exciting ways. No matter what indoor activities in Sacramento you do, you’ll leave with cherished memories.

For even more fun ways to explore Sacramento, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!