Summer in Lincoln feels like Mother Nature’s personal sauna, so diving into an A/C–blessed hideout is basically survival. Whether you’re bouncing off walls (literally) or losing yourself in pixelated glory, we’ve rounded up the best indoor escapes this city has to offer. Grab your water bottle and your sense of adventure—let’s roll.
Double Eagle Golf & Cocktail Bar | State-of-the-art golf simulators
Tucked into the Railyard District, Double Eagle serves up 27 world-class courses you can swing at year-round, complete with real ball flight, instant shot analysis, and ultra-realistic screens that let you tee off at Pebble Beach without breaking a sweat. They’re open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, and you can book simulators by the hour—perfect for corporate outings, golf newbies, or a date night that doesn’t involve sweating through your shirt.
The full-service bar pours local brews, signature cocktails, and even mocktails for the DD in your group. With cozy booths, low lighting, and a modern lounge vibe, it’s surprisingly swanky for a golf joint. Book your tee time.
Sun Valley Lanes & Games | Bowling plus bonus fun
On North 27th Street, Sun Valley is your one-stop shop for ten-pin thrills, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, axe throwing, a full redemption arcade, and even hyper bowling—a modern twist with LED lights and extra targets. They open daily at noon (11 a.m. on weekends) and roll until midnight, with league nights midweek and cosmic bowling on Fridays.
If you’re feeling snacky, their in-house grill serves pizza, burgers, and shareable platters, while the full bar keeps everyone fueled. Whether you’re splitting pins or ducking laser blasts, it’s a guaranteed energy burner. Check out their specials and lanes.
MW Climbing | Boulder without worry
Just north of downtown, MW Climbing’s warehouse-style space boasts 5,000 square feet of bouldering terrain—no ropes, no harnesses, just climbing mats and problems of all difficulties for everyone from first-timers to chalk-dusted regulars.
Walk-ins are welcome during their 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily hours, but first-timers should budget time for a quick orientation and safety rundown.
Shoes and chalk are available on-site, and their friendly staff hosts regular technique clinics, family sessions, and even youth camps that run through summer. Don’t let gravity win. Get your climb on.
University of Nebraska State Museum (Morrill Hall) | Mammoth marvels
On UNL's campus, Morrill Hall is the natural history heavyweight you never knew you needed—complete with the world’s largest articulated mammoth skeleton and a full-dome planetarium that beams you across time and space. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with easy parking nearby and admission that won’t break the bank.
Interactive exhibits let you touch fossils, peer into prehistoric dioramas, and even simulate your own dig. Discover your inner paleontologist.
International Quilt Museum | Global textile treasures
Also on campus, this museum is home to the world’s largest public quilt collection, with over 6,000 pieces spanning centuries and continents. The light-filled gallery is both soothing and stunning, with rotating exhibits that range from traditional Amish designs to Japanese sashiko and bold fiber art that could hang in MoMA.
Drop by Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for guided curator talks or quiet, self-paced wandering. Don’t skip the gift shop—it’s a goldmine for quilters, crafters, and textile nerds alike. Patch together your visit.
Nebraska History Museum | 12,000 Years in an afternoon
Situated downtown, this museum threads together Native American artifacts, pioneer tales, and Nebraska’s quirky local legends across two interactive floors. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., it features a blend of rotating exhibits and permanent installations.
Kids can try on homesteader gear or explore touch-friendly discovery zones, while grown-ups may appreciate the extensive archives and deep-dive into social movements, agriculture, and immigration history. Step into the past.
Museum of American Speed | Petrolheads’ paradise
A short drive south on Highway 77, this Museum in nearby Inc. isn’t Lincoln proper, but car lovers will forgive the trip for its vintage race cars, hot rod memorabilia, and even a jukebox collection that doubles as automotive art.
They’re open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and guided tours are available by request. From Indy champions to traveling carnivals, it’s a gas-station-sized blast through automotive history. Check out their website and hit the gas.
National Museum of Roller Skating | Roll back in time
Out in Lincoln’s South Point, this quirky museum chronicles the evolution of roller skating through vintage rink signs, 1940s speed-skating trophies, colorful uniforms, and video footage of championship events. Open Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., it’s a small space but packs a nostalgic punch.
Admission is donation-based, and they occasionally host themed skate nights next door in the adjacent rink. Think of it as a time machine with wheels. Lace up mentally and roll through the museum.
VS. Arcade Bar | The retro arcade bar
VS. Arcade Bar combines your favorite ’80s and ’90s nostalgia with grown-up cocktails. Expect a neon-lit mix of Pac-Man, pinball, racing games, and fighting classics—all token-powered and vibe-heavy.
It’s open Wednesday through Sunday evenings, with a strict no-kids-after-9 p.m. policy that lets adults fully reclaim their button-mashing glory days. With rotating drink specials and regular themed nights, it’s a party with pixels. See the game list.
Escape Lincoln | The real-life brain teaser
This local escape room hub offers multiple scenarios—from ancient tombs and haunted theaters to high-tech heists and sci-fi panic rooms. Most sessions run about 60 minutes, and all bookings are private.
Each room is hand-built with surprising attention to detail: hidden passages, clever puzzles, even lighting and sound design to match the theme. Perfect for birthdays, date nights, or just outsmarting your coworkers, these puzzles are immersive and surprisingly theatrical. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.—but book ahead to guarantee your slot. Book your next jailbreak.
Sheldon Museum of Art | The campus art haven
On the University of Nebraska campus, the Sheldon Museum offers free admission to its stellar galleries of American art, including works by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, and contemporary visionaries. Open Tuesday through Sunday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), it also hosts lectures, film screenings, and poetry readings in its cool marble interior.
The sculpture garden outside is great for a shaded stroll, but indoors is where the A/C and masterpieces live. Plan your art crawl.
LUX Center for the Arts | The creative hotspot
Tucked into the Lincoln Arts District on Canopy Street, LUX showcases rotating exhibits from regional and national artists while doubling as a community arts center. Think of it as your all-in-one spot to admire, buy, or make art.
Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday afternoons. From wheel-thrown pottery to fused glass workshops, their class schedule is stacked—and beginner-friendly. They also host seasonal events like First Friday art walks and artist meet-and-greets. Stroll and get inspired.
Lost In Fun | The soft play paradise
Down on Cody Drive in northwest Lincoln, Lost In Fun is an indoor playground of slides, ball pits, and obstacle courses for kids five and under (and the parents who need a break). Hours run 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. most days, though Wednesdays are family-free mornings for open-play toddlers.
There’s also a foam pit, bounce houses, and a snack bar stocked with juice boxes and parent fuel (read: caffeine). Birthday party packages include private rooms, decorations, and cleanup. If you’ve got a little whirlwind at home, this is your sanity sanctuary. Check the upcoming sessions.
Lincoln City Libraries | The cool, quiet retreat
Whether you’re hitting the Haymarket branch or one of seven neighborhood locations, Lincoln’s public libraries offer a welcome escape from the sun—complete with free Wi-Fi, comfy reading chairs, and a constant stream of author events, story times, and tech classes.
Hours vary by branch but generally stretch from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and mid-day on weekends. Ideal for bookworms, remote workers, or anyone who needs a chill zone without a cover charge. Visit your nearest nook.
Tips for beating the heat like a pro
Aim for off-peak hours—weekday mornings and afternoons tend to be blissfully empty.
Always book popular experiences (like simulators and escape rooms) at least a few days in advance. Sock up (or shoe-up) for trampolines and climbing to save your skin and improve grip.
Pack a reusable water bottle—you’ll pay for bottled water but can refill on-site for free.
Double-check social media or websites for surprise closures or pop-up events before you head out. Stay cool and explore on, Lincoln.
