You may have heard there’s a new axe-throwing joint in town. So did we. And they told us kids as young as seven can try their hand at it. That’s a proposition that’s too hard to resist, so we wrangled up some kids to check out the appropriately-named, Kick Axe.
Get Your Axe in There!
Located on what is clearly becoming an “xtreme sports” alley of sorts in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn (the block is also home to Homage skateboard shop and facility, Brooklyn Boulders, Brooklyn Fnecing, and a cross fit gym) Kick Axe obviously fits right in.
photo: Kick Axe
Come in From the Cold and Chill
We were admittedly slightly terrified of the prospect of throwing axes around, but the giant blue bull that greets visitors outside, and a downright cozy interior with a ski chalet vibe make us feel right at home.
In addition to a gas fireplace, lots of plaid and furry throws, Kick Axe provides plenty of opportunities for good old fashioned fun in the form of games ranging from Jenga to Connect Four to vintage Operation and more.
photo: Kick Axe
The Ranges
Beyond the cozy lounging areas lie the axe-throwing ranges, roomy, “pens” fenced off on three sides with a wood target on the wall, a la darts.
Safety First!
Of course, the first thing you do upon entering is sign a waiver, because axes. You can do that in advance if you like.
Our party included five adults, an 11 year-old, a seven year-old, and an eight-and-a-half year old.
Kick Axe knows that most people visitng the place think the idea is at least a little bit crazy, and so each party has its own “Axepert” on hand to not only set some ground rules, teach the basics of axe-throwing, and calm and nerves.
Before you begin, everyone gets some one-on-one instruction and some trial throws.
Throwing Down
The basic game itself, is pretty standard. (Presumably there are more intricate axe games, but we weren’t ready for that.) Your group (maximum players per range is eight) is assembled into two teams, who then face off in pairs at the range, with only one person throwing at a time. Everyone puts on a name tag with their real or axe-throwing moniker.
Each ring on the target has a point value, and the bullseye is of course the ideal spot to hit. We played ’til 30 in one round, and then played one more. The total time for play is an hour and a half.
Is it Hard? Is it Fun?
It turns out that axe-throwing is not as hard as you would think, although it can take a while to get the hang of it. That said, when axe meets wood it’s very satisfying, and once you’ve done that, you want to do it again. By the time we were done, even the seven-year-old with us was sinking the blade in and hitting the bull’s eye.
(Kids can also stand closer to the target for increased chances of success, and for really little ones, the lounge now has rubber axes for kids to throw, scoring based on where they hit the target and bounce off. One-handed throwing is also allowed, which can make things easier.)
How Much Does it Cost to Do This Crazy Thing?
If you and the family want to drop by for some axe-throwing fun, it’s $35 per person plus tax. Book online in advance. if you want a private range, request one, but you may end up playing with strangers depending on how busy things are. (Either way you’ll have fun.)
Sound like a great idea for a party? (Personally, we want to see a badass group of eight-year-old girls do this.) Semi-private party rates start at $525 for two ranges and 24 people. That’s the discount rate offered Mon.-Thurs.; it’s $700 Fri.-Sun.
Kick Axe has basic drinks for sale (soda, water, seltzer, and yes, they do sell beer but eject anyone who’s had too much) and very basic food. However, you’re free to bring in pizza and cake (no ice cream cake) or whatever your little axe-throwers desire.
Kick Axe Throwing
622 DeGraw St.
Gowanus
833-542-5293
Online: kickaxe.com
Would you take your kids axe-throwing? Tell us in the comments!
—Mimi O’Connor
