Top Indoor Things to Do in Anchorage

Anchorage is a thriving destination in all seasons, offering a wide array of activities no matter what the weather has in store. If you find yourself in town on a day that you’d rather spend indoors, the city provides plenty of ways to stay active, explore Alaska’s unique history, and immerse yourself in local culture. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a history buff, or someone looking for a cozy indoor escape, Anchorage has something to offer.

Stay Active

For travelers who want to keep moving, Anchorage offers comfortable indoor sports and fitness options. Rock climbing enthusiasts can scale the walls at state-of-the-art facilities with routes for all skill levels at the Alaska Rock Gym. Beginners can enjoy the supportive environment of guided climbs, while seasoned climbers can take on advanced routes, along with bouldering walls with problems for all skills levels. If you prefer to stay close to the ground, Anchorage has cutting-edge golf simulators, where you can tee off on world-famous courses without battling the elements. If you’re in the mood for fast-paced fun, try pickleball or indoor tennis, or take the kids to one of Anchorage's indoor trampoline parks. Whether you’re honing your rock-climbing skills or rallying on a pickleball court, these activities not only get you moving but are fantastic opportunities to meet like-minded adventurers.

Museums & Educational Centers

Anchorage is steeped in history, and its museums and cultural centers are ideal places to connect with the past, while staying relevant to the present. The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center is a must-visit, blending art, history, and science into an engaging experience. Explore galleries featuring Alaskan art, delve into the state’s Indigenous heritage, and marvel at interactive science exhibits. 

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At the Alaska Native Heritage Center, learn about the different cultural groups of Alaska’s Indigenous Peoples through storytelling, dance performances, and exhibits. The center offers an intimate glimpse into the history and resilience of Alaska’s First Peoples, and their ingenuity in procuring food and building shelter. 

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At planetariums either at the University of Alaska Anchorage or at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, embark on a breathtaking journey through the cosmos. With expert-led shows and stunning visuals, this immersive experience is a hit for astronomy enthusiasts and families alike. 

For those fascinated by prehistoric creatures and geological marvels, the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature showcases Ice Age fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and interactive exhibits. It’s a great way to dive into Alaska’s deep past, and a place that younger visitors will find interesting.

Meanwhile, the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery offers a behind-the-scenes look at Alaska’s fisheries. See fish-rearing tanks up close and learn about the crucial role hatcheries play in supporting the state’s salmon and rainbow trout populations. Detailed and colorful exhibits educate the whole family about the life cycle of fish, and their important role in the environment.

For aviation enthusiasts, the Alaska Aviation Museum is a treasure trove of historic aircraft, captivating stories about bush pilots, and the vital role aviation plays in connecting Alaska’s remote communities.

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Greenhouses

If you’re yearning for tropical paradise, visit the Mann Leiser Memorial Greenhouse. Providing a year-round burst of warmth and color, this facility is filled with vibrant plants and flowers cultivated for landscaping and beautifying Anchorage in the summer by the Horticulture division of Anchorage Parks and Recreation. This peaceful haven is also home to a small fish pond and an aviary.

Culinary Experiences & Breweries

Anchorage also has no shortage of indoor culinary experiences that are a treat for the senses. Local breweries, meaderies, cideries, and distilleries provide cozy tasting rooms where you can sample Alaska-inspired beverages like bold stouts, bright pilsners, tangy ciders, or smooth gin crafted with Alaska botanicals. If you prefer a hands-on experience, take a cooking class and learn to prepare dishes inspired by Alaska ingredients. Or, join a brewery or food tour to let the local experts take you to some of Anchorage's top culinary destinations. 

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Entertainment & Shopping

When it’s time to unwind, Anchorage delivers a variety of indoor entertainment options. Catch a movie at Bear Tooth Theatre, where you can enjoy gourmet food and local craft beer while you watch a blockbuster, independent, or foreign film. For live performances, the Anchorage Performing Arts Center hosts Broadway shows, the Anchorage Opera, and the Anchorage Symphony, ensuring a memorable night out. Cyrano's Theater stages a wide array of local plays. Music lovers can hear Anchorage’s local musicians at intimate venues like independent bookstores, or at lively bars. For puzzle enthusiasts, Anchorage’s escape rooms offer themed challenges perfect for group outings. Work together to solve mysteries and “escape” before time runs out. 

Finally, don’t miss the chance to shop local. Anchorage is home to a variety of galleries featuring Alaskan artists, along with gift shops with locally-made crafts, food, and clothing. Or, browse craft fairs for unique keepsakes.

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Anchorage proves that even when the weather is less than perfect, there’s no shortage of incredible indoor experiences. From active adventures to cultural explorations, culinary delights, and entertaining escapes, the city invites visitors and locals alike to embrace its vibrant indoor attractions. Anchorage combines the best of Alaska’s creativity, community, and curiosity—rain or shine.