Both kids and adults have a great new place to play in Brooklyn, Aviator Sports and Recreation. The sports complex, at Floyd Bennett Field, has been opening piecemeal since last fall, and now almost all the pieces are in place. Aviator (where aircraft hangars stood in the 1930s) has two indoor skating rinks offering ice skating, ice hockey league play, and figure skating lessons. There is a 35-foot rock climbing wall, and a variety of birthday party options. Kids can have gymnastics parties, skating parties (with princess or pirate theme, and a show by the professional skaters on staff), or attend a school break holiday sports camp.
The camps, for kids ages 6-12, offer active days filled with basketball, soccer, rock-climbing, gymnastics, ice skating and crafts.
What’s great for families with small children is the Lil’ Aviator’s Child Center; offering up to two hours of childcare at a time for kids 6 months–5 years. Parents have to stay at the facility while their kids are in childcare; they can use the fitness center or gym. The gym, with basketball and volleyball, is open for league and pick-up games.
Beginning this month, Aviator offers youth instructional basketball, for ages 6-11, and youth league basketball play, for grades 4-12. There is also an adult league.
After you expend some energy, you can refuel at the on-site Best of Brooklyn Food Court, which includes Grimaldi’s Pizza, Schnack Burgers, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and Junior’s Cheesecake. There’s also a sports bar for adults.
On the first Friday of each month, Aviator offers a Parent’s Night Out, with dinner and activities for kids. Virtuous parents can use this time to exercise, but it is also a time where you can visit that sports bar.
If you have older kids, there is teen skating on Friday nights with a DJ.
When the weather warms up, Aviator has two outdoor turf fields, for youth league play in football, lacrosse and soccer.
The 25-acre facility is at Hangar 5, Floyd Bennett Field. There is free parking. For more information, call (718) 758-9800 or go to www.aviatorsports.com.
