Indoor Activities in Tyler, TX

A spot of rain or an unexpected cold snap doesn’t need to spoil your plans. There are plenty of great ways to have fun indoors in Tyler. Round up your family and friends and experience all these great local indoor attractions.

The 1859 Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum

Skip the gardens and step inside the magnificent 1859 Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum. The home was originally built as a one-story, four-room house for local attorney and Confederacy captain Samuel Gallatin. It had many residents after Gallatin moved on when the Civil War broke out, including local doctor and Civil War major William Jeffries Goodman who added the second story for his growing family. Much of what we know of the house today comes from the journals that Dr. Goodman’s daughter Sallie left. These journals and many of the Goodmans’ other historic belongings are on display at the home today.

Location: 624 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Cost: Free, although the museum encourages $2 donations.

The McClendon House

The McClendon House is another stunning remnant of a time gone by. It was built in 1878, but recent refurbishments have repaired fire damage and restored this Victorian-era home to its former glory. The McClendon family lived in this house for more than a century, collecting weird and wonderful items that provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. You can join a tour or visit during a murder mystery night.

Location: 806 W. Houston St., Tyler.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and by appointment for murder mystery nights.
Cost: $7 per person, with free admission for children 12 and under.

The Earth and Space Science Center

Aspiring astronauts and anyone fascinated with outer space will love the Earth and Space Science Center. Everything but the outdoor play spaces is indoors, so there’s plenty to see without stepping outside. This kid-friendly museum has attractions for all ages, but the real star is the 40-foot Spitz nano-seam domed planetarium. Equipped with the latest digital projection technology, it presents an immersive viewing experience that’s out of this world. While you’re visiting the science center, make sure you check out the interactive displays that bring STEM concepts to life.

Location: 1411 E. Lake St., Tyler.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (this changes seasonally, so check before you visit).
Cost: Day passes are $12 for the general public and $9 for seniors (65+) and children (under 18).

Tyler Museum of Art

Browsing an art gallery is always an excellent way to spend a day indoors. While you’ll want to skip the sculpture garden in inclement weather, there are still plenty of incredible works inside the Tyler Museum of Art. The Americana paintings and Mexican folk artworks are some of the highlights of the permanent collection. The Tyler Museum of Art also welcomes traveling exhibitions every few months, so there’s always a good reason to visit regularly.

Location: 1300 S. Mahon Ave., Tyler.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for students, children under 12, museum members, and employees of the City of Tyler and Tyler Junior College.

Liberty Hall

For a little extra culture, head to Liberty Hall. This downtown theater first opened its doors in 1930 and is still going strong. Refurbished in 2011, it still retains its art deco charm. The varied program features live music, comedy, and classic film screenings.

Location: 103 E. Erwin St., Tyler.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and during show times.
Cost: Prices vary depending on the show and seating tier.

Green Acres Bowl

Ten-pin bowling is a timeless wet weather activity. Tyler’s independent bowling alley, the Green Acres Bowl, is an excellent place for friends and families to get together for a game. Use the bowling alley’s equipment or buy your own in the pro shop. The on-site snack shop can satisfy your cravings with pizza, burgers, and other American favorites. Adults can also buy a private membership to the 11th Frame Club for access to a full bar, pool tables, and live entertainment.

Location: 2311 E. SE Loop 323, Tyler.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to midnight Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Cost: Rates start from $4 a game, depending on the day and time.

Times Square Grand Slam

Times Square Grand Slam is an independent entertainment center in the heart of the city. Originally a simple cinema, it’s seen many changes over the years, including the addition of a bowling alley, games arcade, and ropes course. Grab a coffee with friends at the coffee bar or watch the big games over drinks and a meal at the Infield Restaurant and Sports Bar.

Location: 5201 S. Broadway Ave. #170, Tyler.
Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Sunday. Times may vary depending on the activity.
Cost: Prices vary depending on the activities you enjoy.

Cotton Belt Railroad Depot Museum

In 1875, the Tyler Tap Railroad began laying its first tracks. Trains on the line carried cotton and produce from Tyler to Big Sandy. It later gave way to the Saint Louis Southwestern Railroad, dubbed the Cotton Belt Railroad after the local transport history. Trains carried passengers on the railroad from 1905 to 1956. The Cotton Belt Railroad Depot Museum, housed in the original railroad depot, celebrates this history. The museum features artifacts from the city’s railroad past and the Bragg family’s famous collection of around 200 Lionel “O” gauge electric train engines and more than 1,600 rail cars.

Location: 210 E. Oakwood St., Tyler.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Cost: Free, although the museum appreciates donations.

When you’re exploring Tyler’s indoor attractions, you need a ride you can trust. That’s where Mercedes-Benz of Tyler comes in. Our team would love to introduce you to the latest models from Mercedes-Benz or one of our quality pre-loved vehicles. Before you start having fun in Tyler, swing by our dealership and check out our range. We can also chat about our finance options and value your vehicle for a trade-in. With convenient opening hours every day, there’s no better time to visit Mercedes-Benz of Tyler.

Goodman Museum in Tyler, TX by ImageTek is licensed with CC BY 2.0