Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Brooklyn
Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Brooklyn
1. Golconda Skatepark
Tucked beneath the BQE, this revamped DIY—nicknamed “Fat Kid”—packs low ledges, manual pads, curbs, banks, a rail, and night lighting into a compact plaza. Smooth concrete and constant traffic keep the energy high and the lines creative.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a quintessential Brooklyn street-style training ground where locals of every level mingle. Overhead cover makes it rideable in light rain and on blazing summer days.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early weekday mornings for space to film; after 7 pm for a lively session under the lights. Spring and fall offer the best temps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small broom or towel after storms—the low edges collect grit. The Jay St–MetroTech and York St stations both work if you’re subwaying with a board.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for its authentic DIY spirit, approachable obstacles, and social vibe; occasional crowding is the main gripe.
2. McCarren Skatepark
A Williamsburg/Greenpoint staple offering banks, quarters, a spine, rails, ledges, and a broad deck for warm-ups. Open sightlines make it easy to plan lines and film.
✓ Why Go:
The park’s variety suits mixed crews—street and small transition—plus post-session food and coffee options are steps away.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise sessions on weekends or weekday evenings after work. Avoid peak afternoons when it fills with skaters and parkgoers.
✓ Insider Tip:
Hit nearby delis for water; fountains can be seasonal. G train (Nassau Ave) keeps your approach simple with fewer stairs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for scene energy and obstacle variety; some note rough patches and crowding at prime hours.
3. Cooper Park Skatepark
A mellow, flowy layout in East Williamsburg featuring hips, a pyramid, small quarters, a fun box, and low rails. Plenty of shade rings the park.
✓ Why Go:
Great for progression days and dialing trick consistency without the McCarren crowds. The scene skews friendly and low-pressure.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings on weekdays or early weekends before afternoon pickup games spill over.
✓ Insider Tip:
Graham Ave on the L is the easiest subway walk. Bring softer wheels if you like cruising the surrounding paths.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated for its approachable features and relaxed vibe; advanced skaters still find creative lines.
4. Owls Head Skatepark
Bay Ridge’s destination for transition: bowls with pool coping, a snake run, and a street section tucked inside a breezy hilltop park.
✓ Why Go:
If you love carving, this is Brooklyn’s crown jewel. Ocean air, neighborhood views, and classic lines make it worth the trip.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons with a light sea breeze in summer, crisp fall mornings, or any sunny winter day.
✓ Insider Tip:
R train (77 St or Bay Ridge Ave) puts you close; bring a skate tool and spare hardware—leaves and sand can pop up after storms.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for soulful bowls and a welcoming crew; occasional debris from the surrounding park is the only complaint.
5. Vans Skate Space
A free, polished indoor facility with curated street features and crisp floors. Sessions are scheduled, and the space is dialed for filming.
✓ Why Go:
Rain, snow, or August humidity—this spot keeps you rolling year-round. It’s also a hub for brand events and community meetups.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday daytime sessions for elbow room; winter and rainy days when outdoor parks are a bust.
✓ Insider Tip:
Register online in advance and bring ID; under-18s need a helmet and waiver. L train to Jefferson St is the closest hop-off.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Raves for pro-grade surfaces and layout; booking requirements and popularity can make it competitive to snag a slot.
6. Homage Skateboard Academy
An indoor Gowanus training space with ramps and structured programs, plus open sessions that welcome every age and level.
✓ Why Go:
Dial in fundamentals, learn to drop in, or rehab tricks in a safe, weatherproof setting with attentive coaches.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings for adult sessions; weekend mornings for lessons; midweek afternoons are typically less busy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve ahead—sessions fill. Helmets are required for lessons; pads recommended if you’re learning transition.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently praised for supportive staff and progression-friendly setups; great option for families and new skaters.
7. KCDC Skateshop
A cornerstone of Brooklyn skate culture, this Williamsburg shop pairs curated gear with art shows, premieres, and community hangs.
✓ Why Go:
Snag parts, get spot intel, and plug into the local scene—KCDC is as much a clubhouse as a shop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for browsing; check evenings for events and release nights.
✓ Insider Tip:
Follow their socials for last-minute events and limited drops; there’s great coffee and food within a block for post-cop hangs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for an authentic vibe and knowledgeable staff who go the extra mile to set up boards right.
8. Under the K Bridge Park
A vast concrete landscape under the Kosciuszko Bridge with smooth pathways, gentle rollers, and cinematic light—perfect for cruising and filming lines.
✓ Why Go:
Shaded, photogenic, and uniquely Brooklyn, it’s a great place to push laps when parks are packed or the sun’s relentless.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoons for cooler temps and golden light; summer days when shade is king.
✓ Insider Tip:
Mind pedestrians and cyclists on shared paths; soft wheels make the most of the long concrete ribbons.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for atmosphere and flowy laps; occasional wind and industrial dust are minor trade-offs.
9. Maria Hernandez Park
Bushwick’s flatground mecca with generous plazas and smooth(ish) tiles, ringed by murals and bodegas for quick pit stops.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for practicing lines, flat tricks, and casual meetups before hitting neighborhood street spots.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings to avoid family traffic; evenings offer lights and a social session.
✓ Insider Tip:
Keep wax light and be respectful—this is a neighborhood hub. L train to DeKalb Av or Jefferson St is a short push.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals love the open space and community feel; occasional enforcement means keep grinds discreet and courteous.
10. Floyd Bennett Field
A historic airfield with miles of open pavement for distance pushing, downhill carves, and wind-aided sprints.
✓ Why Go:
When you want space—and lots of it—nothing in the city beats these runways. Sunset sessions feel otherworldly.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Calm, cool mornings or golden hour; spring and fall are ideal. Avoid heavy-wind days.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring water, layers, and a skate tool; transit is limited but parking is easy if you’re driving.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Celebrated for freedom to roam and big-sky vibes; some note variable pavement and occasional gusts.
