Boston Area's Best Indoor Rock Climbing
While there are some outdoor rock climbing opportunities in Massachusetts, Boston doesn't exactly lend itself to climbing outside. Moreover, the weather is only good for it a few months out of the year, but that doesn't stop Bostonians from bouldering on. Plenty of rock climbing facilities have cropped up all over the city. Some recreational venues have a wall or two, but these places have climbing apparatus of varying difficulties and really give rock climbers the workout they want.
Brooklyn Boulders
12A Tyler St.
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 623-6700
www.brooklynboulders.com
Brooklyn Boulders is a huge climbing space with 28,000 square feet of climbing structures. Members get awesome benefits like sauna time, showers and yoga. There is even a cafe on site. Casual climbers, people new to the sport and visitors to Boston don't have to commit to a membership in order to climb, though. Brooklyn Boulders offers day passes with all of these benefits, but climbers must pass certifications in order to use the auto-belay climbing, top roping and lead climbing equipment.
MetroRock Climbing Center
69 Norman St., Suite 9
Everett, MA 02149
(617) 387-7625
www.metrorock.com
MetroRock is an indoor climbing facility that covers all of a rock climbers' needs. There is a training area, instruction and plenty of climbing space. Whether visitors are beginners or experts, they will find the right route and equipment at MetroRock Climbing Center. Those who wish to climb without instruction should be prepared to demonstrate their skills in their desired technique before using the facilities. Lead climbers must also bring their own rope.
Central Rock Gym
74 Acton St.
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 744-0081
www.centralrockgym.com
Central Rock Gym is a small chain with six locations around Boston. It offers fitness equipment, yoga and lots of climbing. Central Rock Gym has everything a climber needs to stay in shape and in practice. There are also programs for beginner rock climbers young and old who want to learn how to use rock climbing to build strength, flexibility and endurance. Central Rock Gym even has youth programs and summer camps for active kids.
Rock Spot Climbing
30 Old Colony Ave.
Boston, MA 02127
(617) 269-2084
www.southboston.rockspotclimbing.com
Rock Spot Climbing has a walk-in policy that lets climbers come in, sign a waiver, get oriented and get climbing. The system is set up so climbers can take to the gym on their own. However, if climbers want to try their hand at belaying or would like the staff to hold the ropes for them, it is advisable to get an appointment. Appointments aren't necessary to take a belaying test to be allowed to hold the ropes for a partner. Other than that, access to the large climbing space is pretty straightforward.
Boston Rock Gym
78 Olympia Ave.
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 935-7325
www.bostonrockgym.com
Boston Rock Gym is one of the most fun rock gyms in the area. It offers tons of options for kids, such as birthday parties and summer camps. It also offers aerial yoga, a relaxing way to hang around and stretch at the same time. All of the rock climbing instruction and apparatus climbers expect are also available, as well as private instruction and adult team access. Auto belays throughout the gym allow climbers to workout solo.
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Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
