Sport climbing is an exciting and challenging activity that is gaining popularity among adventurous families with children and can be add to your family’s adventurous travel expereince. It is a fun way to keep kids active and encourage them to take risks within reason while also teaching them discipline, focus, and teamwork. However, finding the right climbing spot for children can be challenging. Parents need to consider factors such as accessibility, safety, and the level of difficulty of the routes.
This article aims to provide a guide to the top kid-friendly sport climbing destinations across the globe. The following destinations have been carefully selected based on their suitability for families with children. These locations offer a range of routes suitable for all ages and skill levels, as well as breathtaking views and easy access.
Whether you are a seasoned climber or new to the sport, these destinations are sure to provide an unforgettable experience for the whole family. So, grab your climbing gear and get ready to explore some of the best climbing spots around the world.
Top Kid-Friendly Sport Climbing Locations
The article provides a list of top sport climbing destinations for kids, which includes Chuckawalla Black Rocks, Maple Canyon, City of Rocks, Qemiln Park, Frenchs Dome, Red Rocks, Ouray, Horseshoe Slabs, Smoke Bluffs, Bad Hindelang, Frankenjura, Paklencia, and Benny Beg.
Chuckawalla Black Rocks
This location particularly appeals to kids because of its pocketed red sandstone, which is excellent for learning how to climb and push oneself. Because there are limited routes in this area, it is perfect for kids to run around and play.
Maple Canyon
This sport climbing destination has a lot of families, the reason why it has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. One of the best areas for children in Maple Canyon is the schoolroom: Bob’s Bolts, a kid-friendly 5.4 route is the furthest climb.
City of Rocks
This sport climbing destination is well loved by kids too! It is a home to pocketed and varnished granite and children love to point out the rocks and marvel at their unique shapes. There are also plenty of things to do aside from climbing, you will love their camping site too!
Q’emiln Park
A hidden sport climbing gem that has over 100 routes and it is perfect for all climbers at all levels. The area is shaded with trees providing a comfortable experience for climbers in hot weather.
The Post Wall and Outback Wall are the two favorite walls to climb with kids. Additionally, visitors can take a dip in the water or go boating at the nearby state park.
French’s Dome
If you are looking for a quiet and peaceful place to climb, then this small sports climbing area might be just what you are looking for. Surrounded by perfectly spaced trees that offer a great spot to hang a hammock and relax after a long day of climbing.
Red Rocks
This sport climbing destination has the unique features of red sandstone cliffs that rise up from the desert floor. This area also has the amount of space for kids to play and a home to a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, and rattlesnakes.
Ouray
Ouray is a great spot for a family climbing trip. There are many spots to choose from and The Alcove (The Pool Wall) is a great option for families with children. Although it requires a bit of a hike up, the climbs here are perfect for little kids.
These locations offer a variety of climbing experiences suitable for children of all ages and skill levels. To make the most of these destinations, it is important to use the best climbing techniques and equipment recommendations. It is recommended to check out the author’s guide to Best Beginners Rock Climbing shoes to ensure proper foot support and grip.
Additionally, it is important to have a sturdy harness and rope, along with a helmet for safety. For young climbers, it is recommended to start with top roped routes and slowly progress to lead climbing.
Parents should also ensure to teach their children about proper safety practices, such as how to tie a figure-eight knot and how to belay properly. With these precautions in mind, families can enjoy a safe and fun climbing experience at any of these top kid-friendly sports climbing destinations.
Additional Information
The Author suggests checking out a guide to the best beginner rock climbing shoes to ensure that children are equipped with the proper footwear for their climbing adventures. This can be especially important for children who are new to the sport and may need extra support and grip on the rock.
Additionally, the author shares bonus destinations in Europe for those interested in exploring beyond the North American locations listed. The Visit Norway app is recommended for those interested in discovering hidden climbing gems in the country.
When it comes to planning a climbing trip with children, the author recommends utilizing both guidebooks and personal experiences. While guidebooks can provide valuable information about a climbing area, firsthand experiences can offer insight into the specific needs and preferences of the individual children and families.
Guidebooks and apps can be used to research the types of routes available and assess the difficulty level, while personal experiences can inform decisions about camping locations, approach times, and other logistical details.
Ultimately, a combination of guidebooks and personal experiences can help families plan a successful and enjoyable climbing trip with their children.
Author’s Recommendations
For families interested in planning a climbing trip with their children, the author recommends utilizing both guidebooks and personal experiences to inform decisions about route difficulty, camping locations, and logistical details.
Additionally, the author suggests checking out their guide to the best beginner rock climbing shoes before embarking on any climbing trips. With proper gear and preparation, families can ensure that their children have a safe and enjoyable experience while climbing at any of the recommended destinations.
In addition to the top routes in North America, the author also shares bonus destinations in Europe for families to explore. For example, Bad Hindelang in Algu, Germany offers picturesque views and a quick approach to the climbing area.
Additionally, Frankenjura in Germany provides a large climbing area with porta potties and ample space for children to play. Families looking to explore climbing destinations outside of North America can also utilize the Visit Norway app to discover beautiful secrets in the country or visit Benny Beg in Scotland, which has no challenging routes and is perfect for teaching children to lead.