You can still enjoy a climbing wall with kids! Many parents think their days of adventuring and enjoying their hobbies will be over once they have children, but that’s far from the truth! Your days will look slightly different now, but kids don’t need to stop you from having fun! In fact, sharing these experiences with your little ones can bring a whole new level of joy and connection to your climbing adventures.
You can enjoy a climbing wall with kids of any age, from toddlers to teens! Like everything in parenthood, you must plan and be flexible, but after some practice and nailing down your routine, climbing with kids can be exciting and rewarding!
- Planning Ahead
You’re a parent; you understand the importance of planning! You must have something on the books so you’re prepared for what the climbing session will look like.
Try to hit the gym at the least busiest time, like right when they open in the morning (You’re awake anyway). There will be fewer people hanging around and crowding the climbing areas!
Suppose you’re climbing with a toddler or younger child and want to hit the ropes. In that case, it helps to have a portable playpen and some toys readily available for them to entertain themselves.
Having a third partner during the climbing session also helps when your child wants extra attention. Two of you can climb/belay while the third hangs out, and you can simply rotate.
Bouldering may be your best option if having a third partner is challenging for each climbing session. You can switch off attempts on the wall and hanging out with your baby!
When your child is old enough to climb with you (and wants to), it helps to play games while on the wall! If they’re not interested, try not to structure them into something, like climbing specific boulder problems.
Let them climb on all the colors! Just teach them proper bouldering etiquette about taking turns and where to stand when not climbing; nobody wants to land accidentally on anybody, especially a child!
- Be Flexible!
One of the most valuable tips for climbing parents is to embrace flexibility. It’s not about perfecting your hand-foot match; it’s about being adaptable with your climbing plans. Your child’s interest in the gym may vary, and that’s okay. The key is to be open to change and make the most of every climbing session, whether it’s with or without your little one.
Even though you may psyched to get into the gym that day, plans can change. It might not be the day if you’re climbing and having difficulty settling down your child!
- Learn and Watch them Learn!
Climbing with kids is a beautiful way to remind you that you were a kid once, too! You’re reminded of the inner child in yourself and why you love climbing. Climbing is a silly activity that can be as fun as you make it, so why not make it fun?
Adults can learn a lot from kids: how not to take things so seriously, how to celebrate small victories, and how to try again when they fail. Kids are resilient little creatures, and if they’re determined to accomplish something, they will find a way to do so—be like a determined child!
And, of course, it’s rewarding to see your child learn something new! Whether that’s improved confidence or a learned skill, watching a little one put their work into practice is exciting! Remember, climbing is not just about reaching the top, it’s about the journey and the learning process. So, be patient and appreciate every step of your child’s progress.
Celebrate with them when they climb higher than ever, and congratulate them when they problem-solve on the wall! The skills kids learn at the gym can be seen far from the climbing wall; watch how their confidence improves when they overcome challenging situations!
- Enjoy the Process
Children grow up fast! It’s essential to enjoy the process of going to the climbing wall with your kids. They won’t be this young and small forever, so remember to cherish every outing you have. Take a moment to appreciate the laughter, the shared excitement, and the pure joy of climbing together. These are the moments that will stay with you forever.
If you’re lucky, they’ll stick with climbing for the long haul, and you’ll have a shared passion you can do for the rest of your lives. Talk about a consistent partner!
You’ll miss the days of calming down your child at the gym or corralling them around the bouldering mats—they grow up fast! Just make sure to appreciate each moment you have when climbing with kids. Don’t take climbing so seriously; they sure aren’t!