Crux Climbing Center Central — Attraction in Austin

Just had my daughter's birthday party here yesterday. She picked this location based on the pictures online since we had never been in person before. Unfortunately, when we arrived she was a bit disappointed since the picture wasn't accurate to the actual climbing space. The photos online show a kids climbing area with 3 auto belays (which is what she loves to do) but sadly there was only 1 in the kids area, making it a bit difficult for a party of 10 second grade girls. The employees assisting the party even stated they didn't even know a time when there were more rope climbing spots in the kids area so its been plenty of time to update the website with an accurate picture.

I was also a bit disappointed that the advertised "utensils, napkins and plates" for the party were just a random hodge podge that looked like it was pulled from a break room and brown paper towels from a restroom.

Finally, the employees that were assigned to the party were a bit underwhelming. They were both kind but I had to be the one to ask them to make sure the kids area stayed private (since I did pay for the area) and we had to be the ones to come up with games and ideas to keep the kids engaged. I realize they aren't there to be entertainment for my kids but you would think they would be excited about climbing and get the kids into it when basically they just made sure no one hurt themselves and would clip the kids into the harness for the rope.

Luckily my daughter had a good time because she was surrounded by her friends but as a parent, I was a bit disappointed in what I got for the...

Update 10/17/24:

I wrote my first review of Crux Central over a year and a half ago, and the sentiments still stand, but now I feel even more strongly about this little home away from home. If you're looking for a place to climb, take fitness classes, practice yoga, or just meet some of the best people ever, look no further than this local haven of a gym. The owners, instructors, and staff really put their hearts and souls into this place, and it shows. Go take a class with Audrey, Ashtyn, Gabi, Jennifer, Rachel, Sam, Tatiana, or Will and see what I mean (and I can only assume the instructors I haven't taken classes from are amazing at what they do too)! Yeah, there are other climbing gyms in Austin, but none of them even touch the goodness that is Crux.

Original Review:

Crux is a fantastic climbing gym, but it's also so much more. The value for the price of a membership is well worth it - the yoga and fitness classes Crux offers are better than many I've been to at your regular 'generic' gym, and the instructors really know their stuff. C-Yoga & Handstand classes are ESPECIALLY fun and challenging!

For me, the thing that makes Crux super special is the community. From the staff to the fellow climbers, it's a really welcoming place to make your home gym. Yeah, the routes are set a little harder than those at some other local gyms, but don't let that deter you. I just started 9 months ago and I've seen a lot of growth. Even first-time climbers will have routes that are accessible to them!

Check it out. You won't be...

YEAR UPDATE// Crux climbing is my favorite gym, and getting a membership has been great for me! I share a “crew membership” with friends that gives us guest passes to use to bring other friends, and reduces the price since we all signed up. The walls change often enough to not get bored and stay up long enough to figure out the more challenging climbs. I’ve used the yoga and fitness classes and really enjoy the variety in energy from the instructors and the different types of classes. The workers are knowledgeable about both how to climb and how to be cool folks. I see young children walk in and the front desk is immediately helpful getting them to their club, I see folks teleworking from the gym, families, clubs, and I know it’s a good third place. I’m so happy this is my third place!

Old review: I’ve been going here for a couple months, and it’s always been a great atmosphere. It’s connected to coffee shop if you get hungry, the staff is great, there’s 2 gyms and a lot of walls that reset with a schedule posted at the gym. I like to spend a whole day here working for 20 minutes and climbing for 10 and just switching. Dog friendly, there’s a ping pong table, lots of storage for items in benches...