Climbing With Kids

Following the rules and etiquette listed below will help you and your kids manage risk and climb like the pros: 

• All visitors must read and sign a liability waiver or be escorted by gym staff to progress beyond the lobby 
• Children under 14 years of age must have adult supervision 
• You must pass a safety check and display your belay card or receive training before climbing 
• The minimum age for belaying is 14 
• Customers are not allowed to teach belay skills to fellow climbers 
• No climbing or belaying while under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
• Falls while bouldering (climbing without a rope) are the most common cause of injuries in the gym! 
• Padded landing surfaces may not protect you from injury. Padded and carpeted areas are fall zones, keep these areas clear of objects and watch for falling climbers 
•  No climbing while wearing headphones, one earbud allowed 
•  No bouldering in rope climbing areas 
•  You must tie directly into your harness with a figure 8 follow through knot unless using an auto belay 
• Only modern commercially manufactured harnesses are allowed 
• No top roping on single bolts 
• No skipping bolts when lead climbing – first bolt optional 
• No food or drinks on the carpet or bouldering pads. 
• All chalk must be contained in a chalk bag
• Do not run
• Avoid excessive yelling
• Feet first only when using the slide at North
• Take turns, only 1 attempt per person when others are waiting
• Never walk underneath a climber 
• Store personal items neatly in cubbies or lockers; away from falling climbers
• Closed-toed shoes are required for climbing. Climbing shoes are available to rent or purchase. Socks are optional. 
• Avoid stepping on ropes
• Fitness and training equipment is off limits to anyone under 14 except when actively engaged in training (not play) and being supervised by an adult.
• Do not use chalk to draw on the walls 
• Do not wear climbing shoes into the restrooms 
• Notify a staff member or leave an anonymous comment if you’d like to provide any feedback

A typical first visit with a youth climber starts with a warm welcome from our front desk team. Then we verify waivers, collect payment if necessary, help everyone get the correct rental gear, and provide a comprehensive orientation and gym tour. The orientation and gym tour lasts about 15 minutes and includes demonstrations of how to use our autobelay and bouldering terrain. We will also explain available terrain, hazards to be aware of, and the perks included with a membership. Our patient and experienced customer service team is well-versed in welcoming new climbers and helping everyone feel comfortable. 

After the orientation and facility tour, the following activities are immediately available: 

• Climbing with our autobelay devices up to 3 stories high 
• Climbing up to 10 feet high without a rope on the top-out boulders available at each location 
• Use of the workout spaces and fitness equipment (Ages 14+)
• Climbing up to 14 feet high on the larger boulders (Ages 14+)
• Attending any of the regular yoga or fitness classes hosted during your visit (Ages 14+)

Anyone 14 and over can sign up to take a top rope class. This class is free for members and is held regularly.  After taking the class, participants are encouraged to come back the next day and take a certification test, no appointment is necessary. Participation in a top rope class is not a requirement to take the certification test if you are an experienced belayer or to have an excellent first-time experience with the auto belays and bouldering.

Adult relatives or family friends can act as supervisors, just make sure to sign a waiver for your child before they come. Youth under 14 who do not have a supervisor can apply to join our Youth Programs, sign up for a Seasonal Camp, or schedule a session with a Private Instructor. Please note that these activities have a considerable lead time; additional planning is required.

Yes! Many climbers first fall in love with the sport during a birthday party. Information on birthday parties can be found here. 

Small groups of children are welcome as long as the recommended supervision ratios listed above are maintained. Groups of 8 or more are eligible for discounted pricing if they make an advanced reservation. Please book online or call for more information. 

Yes! We kindly ask that you keep all food and drinks off of the carpeted areas to avoid spills. Please note that we do not have a formal area with tables and chairs to sit down for a full meal. Snacks are available to purchase in the lobby as well. 

Nope! It is completely free for anyone to come watch or supervise if they do not wish to climb.

Bouldering terrain does not have any weight or height requirements. However, auto belays do have minimum requirements. The minimum weight to use an auto belay is 25 pounds. The minimum torso length to wear a full-body rental harness is 14 inches. The maximum weight for the auto belays is 300 pounds.

We believe that climbing is a beneficial activity that can transform someone’s life and we understand it can be a cost-prohibitive sport. As such, we offer a sponsored membership program on a case-by-case basis. More information can be found here.