6 Rock Climbing Gyms in NYC That Are Great for Kids
Introducing your kid to rock climbing in New York City is a fantastic way to combine physical activity with fun, challenge, and teamwork. The city’s indoor climbing gyms offer a perfect blend of safety, guidance, and excitement and that’s ideal for young climbers just starting out.
If your child is just starting out or already has some climbing experience, these indoor rock climbing spots are the perfect place for them to build confidence, strength, and problem-solving skills.
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The Cliffs Climbing
256 West 125th St., Harlem
(646) 933-7625
Other locations in Brooklyn and Queens
This rock climbing facility is open on weekdays from 7 am to 10 pm and on weekends from 9 am to 9 pm. They host clinics where you can learn intermediate and advanced rock climbing techniques.
Their facility also houses bouldering walls that are shorter and sit on gymnastics pads so you’re able to climb them with no partner or rope. They offer classes and camps to youth climbers where kids get to experience not only rock climbing but also fun indoor adventures and collaborative games.
Anyone 6 and up is allowed to use the facility, and they also offer youth classes and camps.
Central Rock Gym
21 West End Ave. Manhattan
(212) 265-7625
Central Rock Gym is a 12,000-square-foot facility that guarantees an unforgettable experience. They are open every day with differing times as well as special hours for kids that are 12 years old or younger.
This facility offers different rock climbing experiences such as bouldering, Auto Belays and Rope Climbing.
They also have youth programs such as after-school classes for children between the ages of 3.5 and 18 as well as a Learn to Belay class, private lessons and more. If you or your kids find that rock climbing might be a hidden passion, go and experience their member events, clubs and competitions!
Metro Rock
321 Starr St., Bushwick, Brooklyn
(929) 500-7625
If you’re a new climber or an experienced one, Metro Rock in Bushwick has something for everyone. For new climbers, they have intro classes to teach you techniques and how to properly use the equipment.
Plus, if you sign their waiver online you can drop in anytime without scheduling an appointment. They are open Monday through Friday from 7 am-10 pm, and on weekends from 9 am-9 pm. They have classes and camps for every level and age starting at 5 years old.
Metro Rock also has camps, Competitive and Recreational teams, clubs and classes for kids who have an affinity for rock climbing.
Vital Climbing Gym
182 Broome St., Manhattan
(646) 564-3515
Other locations in West Harlem, Upper East Side, and Brooklyn
Vital Climbing Gym offers all kinds of different techniques and classes to help you learn to climb or expand your skills. They have a class where you can learn to climb and practice safe bouldering techniques to ascend and descend the wall safely.
Their classes are free for gym members and one class can be taken for a $35 day pass. They offer youth classes for kids who are 5 years old and older. If your kids find that they love rock climbing, sign them up for the recreational or competitive team this facility offers.
They have experienced instructors who help your kids explore different rock climbing techniques and terrain while also focusing on building them up to be great people.
GP81
379 Jefferson St., Bushwick, Brooklyn
(347) 689-3082
This facility is open every day of the week, perfect for any family with a busy schedule but who still wants to find time for some rock climbing. This gym has 7,000 sq ft of climbing terrain, two Moon Boards, and walls of differing degrees.
They provide day passes for $30 that give you access to anything in the facility and for as long as you want! While this gym is open to all, they do limit their services to anyone younger than 13 years old and for any minor, their guardian must sign a waiver for them to participate.
Brooklyn Boulders
23-10 41st Ave, Long Island City, Queens
(718) 482-7078
Don’t let the name fool you because Brooklyn Boulders is actually located in Queens. They offer a variety of classes such as Intro to Climbing, Learn the Ropes, Learn To Lead and more to improve your indoor rock climbing knowledge and skills.
For their youth program, they offer classes, Academy programs and competitive as well as recreational teams for all different ages and levels starting at 5 years old. Through interactive learning, their youth programs emphasize helping kids find confidence and the will to try again and again.
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