Rock climbing is one of the most exhilarating and adrenaline pumping activities that you can experience with your kids. There are many phenomenal locations to take your kids rock climbing that will start a life long passion with the great outdoors.
The benefits that come from rock climbing can equip you child with essential skills they need in life and give them the extra boost in confidence that children often need.
When Can A Child Start Rock Climbing?
There is no official best age for children to start rock climbing. Physically development and mental development however play a part in when the best time will be for your individual child to start.
Most classes that we have looked into have asked for children to be 5 years old. The main reason for this is not their physical ability but their ability to follow instructions and have more confidence and control over their bodies.
There are many indoor rock climbing gyms that allow all children who can fit into a harness to be able to climb so long as they are well supervised. We have taken our children as young as 18 months rock climbing indoors and have had great success.
Indoor rock climbing is great precursor to taking them outdoors to real mountain and cliff faces. It is actually what we recommend that you do initially before embarking on your first big outdoor climb. Helping a child develop confidence in themselves in secure and safe environment will help them to be in control and confident on the face of a mountain the following week. It will also give you as the parent a good insight into where your child is and what fears and hurdles they may need to overcome.
Outdoor climbing companies generally have an age requirement of 5-6years old also for similar reasons. Children need to fit securely in a harness and be able to follow instructions well. The ages of 5-6 seem to coincide with the general weight requirement of rock climbing harnesses and the mental and emotional development needed.
Only you can be the true judge of of when your child is ready. There are a few things to take into consideration. For big outdoor climbs we think around 8+ is the ideal age.
How Does Rock Climbing Help A Child’s Development?
There are many facets to why rock climbing is so beneficial to a child’s development. It is actually one of the safest sport that you can introduce your child to, especially when you compare it to contact sports.
Co-ordination
Rock climbing relies a great deal on co-ordination. In order to reach the destination or to complete the climb there needs to be a lot of mental work happening to know where to place each foot and each hand and in which order to gain the most from each movement. Co-ordinating both eye sight along with hand and foot movements is an incredible skill that can be fine tuned and developed through rock climbing.
Strength and Edurance
Rock climber use an immense amount of strength and agility to propel themselves up and over walls and back down again. This is definitely one of the forerunners as being one of the most beneficial aspects to rock climbing in children. Although rock climbing uses a lot of energy and strength, unlike running or biking for example it feels less like exercise which can be great for the sports adverse children out there.
Rock climbing provides a full body work out. Every part of the body is utilised and strengthened during a climb. Over time a child’s endurance increases and their ability to go further and do more explodes.
Confidence
The confidence that a child experiences from rock climbing is astounding. Rock climbing is a very individualised and personal sport. There is no competition with anyone but themselves. The magnitude of standing at the bottom can seem overwhelming and daunting but with each step and each reach their confidence blossoms. This confidence then bubbles over it to all facets of their lives.
Rock climbing can be the perfect sport for shy or reserved children who are intimidated by team sports. An individualised sport such as rock climbing can provide these kids with that sense of achievement and success that is so often touted in team sports
Problem Solving
Problem solving is an added benefit that comes with rock climbing for kids. We touched on it a little under co-ordination but it goes a little further. Problem solving is all about finding a solution to a problem. Rock climbing presents a child with the problem of needing to find the best way up a wall or mountain. As with life there are often many different ways to to reach a solution and the process of finding the best one requires a significant amount of problem solving.
Rock climbing requires kids to think and plan ahead and use their mental abilities to foresee future obstacles. Using and honing these skills will allow them to carry these essential life skills over to other areas outside of rock climbing.
Communication Skills
Many indoor rock climbing centres now have automatic belay systems but once you are out in nature you are going to need to rely on being a two person team. One climber and one belayer. Each person has different responsibilities and roles and to effectively complete a climb safely and successfully there needs to be great communication.
As the climber a child will need to relay if they need extra slack on the rope or more tension. The belayer in turn needs to be able to relay to the climber what they are doing on the ground and help them to be aware of any dangers or obstacles that may be obscured from view.
Stress Relief
It is not just adults who need stress relief. Children benefit greatly from being able to find ways to relieve built up stress and tension in their bodies. Rock climbing requires focus which mean being able to let go of whatever else is on your mind. Being 100% present and available to the task at hand is one of the biggest stress reliefs.
Rock climbing gives a huge surge in adrenaline and other happy hormones which greatly impact a child’s mental health and wellbeing.
What Is the Recommended Climbing Gear For Beginners?
There is only one absolute necessity when you are a beginning climber and that is a good pair of climbing shoes. Everything else can come later as you build up your rock climbing equipment pack. The reason shoes are necessary is because they are essential for providing the right flexibility and movement in your feet along with firm and secure grip. This is difficult to achieve with regular sports shoes.
Most indoor climbing gyms offer a rental system, ours rents them for $5 per session. This is a great option for you if you are unsure if you are going to continue to climb on a longer term basis.
When your child is just starting out keep to the basic shoe. There are many bells and whistles that can be added later on but right at the start you just need basic.
These kids climbing shoes from La Sportiva are our pick for a great beginners kids rock climbing shoe. As always we only recommend we known brands within the industry that haver performed well over many years so you can have confidence in where you spend your money.
The price point is very reasonable for a climbing shoe coming in at under $50. These rock climbing shoes are easily adjustable to growing children’s feet and ensure that you are able to get the best fit possible.
Where to Rock Climb With Kids?
The best place to start rock climbing with kids is at an indoor climbing gym. Here they will be able to hone their skills, build their confidence and be guided on best practices. If you are already an avid and practiced rock climber you can accompany your child to the gym and build up and good partnership before heading out wild.
Once you are your child feel comfortable you can head out to try some outdoor climbs. You may find it best to go on a guided rock climb to start with. Even if you are a confident climber there is a huge difference in climbing for yourself and taking a novice child climber out for the first time. Guides are familiar with the terrain and courses they will be having you climb as well as a great wealth and experience in helping young climbers have a great first rock climb out in nature.
Even if you want to skip the indoor rock climbing gym and head straight out to outdoor climbing almost all rock climbing tour companies are happy to take complete novices and show them a good time.
Zion National Park
The first family rock climbing experience that comes to mind is at Zion National Park. We can honestly think of no better place than Zion.
Zion Adventures offers a family experience for kids under 12. There is both a full and half day option, with the full day option being only $30 extra it is excellent value for money. What is awesome about this company is they have a true focus on family fun and have even had 4 year olds out climbing. If you love rock climbing then definitely look into its cousin canyoneering at Zion. Their family packages are also great value.
Colorado
Colorado Adventure Guides also offer amazing tailored guided rock climbs for families. The state of Colorado is an adventurers paradise and if you are visiting a rock climbing adventure should be on your list. Their tours have a small ratio of 1:6 which means your family will have the utmost attention. You can choose between a full and half day tour both commencing at 8am. Their rates are based on how many are present in the group. The more you have the cheaper it becomes which works out well for our family of six.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is remarkable and is where Rock Climb Everyday operate their family rock climbing tours. These tours are very affordable compared to many on offer currently. Much like Colorado Adventure Guides, the prices are based on the number of people climbing. For a family of four it is $89 pp.
If you want to go even further and you and your kids are confident then search your local area for kids friendly crags. You will need to be self sufficient with your own equipment but by this time you will know if rock climbing is for your family and be ready to invest some money into good quality harnesses, and belaying systems.
There are often groups who get together on weekends to climb local areas. Ask at your rock climbing gym if they are able to recommend on to you. You will find that most will be more than willing and able to point you in the right direction to find your community.
There are an abundance of places to take your kids rock climbing, whether it is at an indoor gym or out in one of the beautiful national parks or stunning landscapes across the country.