Things to Do in Gowanus

Kids build a robot and take it home. Different project every session. Ages 2-14.

Each session, kids build a robot from motors, circuits, and recycled materials -- and they take it home. Different project every time. Drop-in classes, birthday parties, and camps. Ages 2-14.

98 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Schedule varies by class · (347) 762-6840 · indoor · Ages 2–14

Climbing for kids 3+. They also do parents' night out -- you drop them off.

Youth climbing programs starting at age 3. After-school classes, weekend programs, summer camps, birthday parties, and parents' night out events. Drop-in climbing starts at age 5. Day passes available for families.

575 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · Mon-Fri 6am-11pm, Sat-Sun 8am-9pm · indoor · Ages 3+

Free canoeing on the Gowanus Canal. Yes, really. Weekends, weather permitting.

Free public canoeing on the Gowanus Canal, offered by volunteers on weekends during warm weather. Life jackets provided. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. It is the Gowanus Canal, so manage your expectations on water clarity, but kids think it is an adventure. First-come, first-served.

165 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Weekends, spring through fall, weather permitting · outdoor · Ages 5+

Tumbling, rock climbing, martial arts, dance -- all for kids. Drop-in open play available.

Kids' activity center in Gowanus offering tumbling, gymnastics, rock climbing, martial arts, and dance classes. Open play sessions available for drop-in. Birthday parties too. Ages 6 months to 14. The tumbling and climbing combo works well for kids who need to burn energy on a rainy day.

400 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm · indoor · Ages 0–14

1920s warehouse. Comedy, podcast tapings, live music, themed dance parties. $10-30.

Converted 1920s warehouse with a 25-foot vaulted ceiling. Comedy, stand-up, podcast tapings, trivia, live music, themed dance parties -- they book a little bit of everything. Separate lounge bar. The kind of venue where regulars get fiercely protective.

149 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 · Show nights, doors typically 7-8pm · (718) 643-6510 · indoor

Baroque burlesque. Acrobatics, opera, cocktails. Unlike anything else in NYC.

Theatrical spectacle mixing baroque opera, circus acrobatics, burlesque, and dance in an intimate, ornate setting. Productions like Nutcracker Rouge and Queen of Hearts run for months. Cocktails are part of the experience. There is nothing else like this in New York -- or most other cities.

505 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 · Show nights, check schedule · indoor

Axe throwing bar with a mountain lodge vibe. $35/person. Surprisingly good date energy.

Axe throwing bar with a mountain lodge aesthetic in Gowanus. A pro teaches you technique, then you compete. $35/person for an hour session. The whole place is built out in warm wood -- it feels like a cabin, not a warehouse. Surprisingly popular for date nights. BYOB-friendly for food. Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight, Fri 12pm-1am, Sat 11:30am-1am, Sun 11:30am-10pm.

622 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · Mon-Thu 4pm-12am, Fri-Sun from 11:30am/12pm · (833) 542-5293 · indoor

Climbing gym in Gowanus with bouldering walls, fitness area, yoga, sauna. Day pass covers everything. No membership required. $15 Fridays. Shoe rental available. Short walk from Union St (R) and Carroll St (F/G).

575 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11217 · Mon-Fri 6am-10pm, Sat-Sun 8am-8pm · (347) 834-9066 · indoor