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Area 53 Adventure Park offers tons of action-packed attractions that entertain big kids. 

Area 53: The Basics

Area 53 is actually a trio of action-packed attractions in Brooklyn and each offers its own version of extreme fun for families! Whether you choose to visit the Area 53 Adventure Park or play paintball at its adjacent location in Williamsburg or head to Dumbo's Area 53, which houses its laser tag and mini-bowling, there are tons of attractions to keep kids busy on a cold or rainy weather day. Area 53 also offers packages for birthday parties and even field trips.

RELATED: Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities for Kids near NYC

Located in an enormous warehouse-like space, Area 53 NYC is the ultimate Indoor adventure park for all ages.

Area 53 NYC Indoor Adventure Park – Williamsburg

Located in an enormous warehouse space in Williamsburg, the indoor Adventure Park has a variety of thrilling activities for kids across the age spectrum. Kids have a blast navigating the sky-high ropes course, flying on zip lines, climbing the walls, roller skating, tackling the ninja warrior course, romping in the ball pit, racing down slides, and playing games like battle beam, skee-ball, pool, Foosball, air hockey, and traditional arcade games.

The highlight for my kids was the ropes course, with its zip line that encircles the arena. They also really enjoyed the ninja course and roller rink, complete with disco lights and a hazy, smoke-filled effect. A visit to Area 53's Adventure Park is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon and especially great for older kids. Here's a sneak peek of all the fun at Area 53's Adventure Park.

Admission covers three hours of unlimited activities, and there's so much to do, my kids never got bored. Another bonus: It's a great spot to host a birthday party, with a large space upstairs near the lounge where you can bring your own food and drinks to celebrate.

Know Before You Go to the Area 53 Adventure Park

• Admission prices are $42 on weekdays; $58 on Saturdays, $48 on Sundays for full access to the park. Opt for the "Lite" tickets, which are almost half off, if you're not interested in the ropes course, ziplines, and climbing walls. A special Family Thursday ticket allows for four hours of access for $42. No matter what ticket you opt for, book with code Mommy15 to save 15 percent off.
• The recommended minimum age is 5, and kids need to be at least 48 inches tall to tackle the main ropes course, which requires a harness. While young children are allowed with adult supervision, the Adventure Park is best for older kids, tweens, and teens. Some activities, like the climbing wall, can be challenging—and frustrating to little ones.
• While walk-ins are available, we recommend booking tickets online in advance.
• There are lockers for personal items; bring your own lock or purchase one from the front desk.
• Roller skate rentals are $5, or you can bring your own skates.
• An on-site concession stand sells a small number of snacks and drinks.
• There are loud sounds and flashing lights, which may be overwhelming for sensory sensitive visitors.

Area 53 Paintball – Williamsburg

For some serious team-building and excitement, paintball is a fun and unique activity for a large group. Area 53 has a huge indoor paintball facility located adjacent to the Adventure Park in Williamsburg. The multi-level arena is set up with obstacles and real-life hazards where you can play games like Capture the Flag, King of the Hill, Lights Out, and more.

The recommended minimum age to play is 12 years old, although younger kids can play with their parents' permission. Tickets cost $40 during the week and $51 on the weekends. Games last three hours and the price includes masks, paintball markers, and a bag of paint. Rent protective gear for an additional cost. Reservations are highly recommended.

Area 53 NYC Laser Tag and Mini Bowling – Dumbo

Area 53 NYC's laser tag arena exists in a cavernous, refurbished Dumbo factory. During our visit, my two teenage daughters and I were paired with two teen boys to compete against another group of five teens. Each team entered the game field on opposite sides. There was plenty of space to run and strategically placed columns, crates, construction cones, and nooks to hide behind and shoot from. Each laser gun allows a specific number of shots before the gun "reloads," and you can shoot again. To earn a point for your team, you have to hit a black box on your opponent's gun, and a scoreboard tallies each player's hits and misses.

A word of warning, though: The guns are meant to look and sound realistic, so keep that in mind as you consider visiting with kids. My girls and I had fun despite being teamed up with kids we didn't know. Laser tag is a great idea for a birthday party for older kids or an activity for a large group of friends.

This Area 53 location also has mini-bowling. Each round of mini-bowling lasts about 25 minutes and accommodates up to six guests.

Head upstairs to the second-floor lounge, which offers places to relax, play pool or arcade games, and order snacks and drinks.

Know Before You Go to Area 53's Dumbo Location

• Admission is $39.99 on weekdays; $49.99 on weekends. The sessions are around 1 1/2-2 hours and consist of three, 10-15 minute games. Book with code Mommy15 to save 15 percent off your tickets.
• There is a height minimum of 42 inches.
• Although there is no age limit, the laser guns look somewhat realistic, make popping sounds when used, and may not be appropriate for young kids.
• The laser tag arena is dark. It's flashing lights and loud sounds and may be jarring.

All photos by the author