Kids Climb to New Heights

As parents, most of us continuously seek ways to keep our kids mentally engaged, physically active and unplugged from the vast array of media sources.

Turn off the television, computer and video games, and cruise over to your local climbing gym, where kids and teens can exercise their bodies and brains in a media-free zone while getting in a challenging and fun workout.

Rock climbing demands responsibility, self-confidence, initiative and problem-solving skills—all of which are great qualities to foster in young children. It combines balance, flexibility, strength and focus while providing a physical and mental challenge in a supervised and controlled environment.

During this fun activity, which essentially involves using all the major muscle groups, kids can expect to burn up to 600 calories per hour while toning their arms, legs and core.

Matched with children their own age, young climbing enthusiasts are able to bond with other kids and have fun while building confidence and strengthening their climbing skills.

Prices and age restrictions vary significantly by location—generally gyms offer several different programs for kids and teens ages 6-17 in addition to programs for adults.

Most gyms offer courses specifically designed for kids between the ages of 6-12. In these classes, children are paired in small groups and are allowed to select which walls they would like to climb while belayed by skilled instructors. Instruction includes basic movement techniques and establishment of safe climbing habits. Games and activities are included in the climbing session to keep little minds stimulated.

John Alvarez, 11, travels all the way from Hollister to climb at Pacific Edge in Santa Cruz.

“My favorite wall is the chimney,” says Alvarez. “It’s probably one of the hardest walls here.”

His cousin, Alexandra Vargas, inspired by the physical challenge of rock climbing, started when she was 9 years old. Now 13, she is a very competitive swimmer, and rock climbing serves as a great cross-training activity.

The youth programs available at rock climbing gyms are usually available to students between the ages of 11-17. Teens can choose from a variety of classes such as youth intro to climbing, youth belay certification, youth climbing league, competitions and more.

Rock climbing gyms also have large boulders where climbers can ascend without a harness. This is a great activity for kids who are just hanging out waiting for their class to start or for those not formally enrolled in a climbing course. Boulders are commonly about 12-foot tall and are surrounded by extra-cushioned mats, so parents do not have to worry!

Climbing gyms have a minimum climbing age (usually 6 years old), so I would recommend leaving children 5 and under at home. This is not a place where curious toddlers can run free.  Speaking form experience, little ones just don't understand why they can't climb on a big kid’s version of a jungle gym.

Unfortunately, you are not going to find a rock climbing gym on every corner as you would a regular fitness club or tae kwon do studio, but here’s a list of a few local rock climbing gyms that offer various programs for kids and teens. The drive will be well worth the experience.

Planet Granite, Sunnyvale

Pacific Edge, Santa Cruz

Sanctuary Rock Gym, Monterey