Climbing and bouldering with children: great fun, huge added value

Whether as a highlight at a child's birthday party, as regular quality time with the kids or just for fun: climbing or bouldering with children is always a good idea. In this story, we'll tell you why that is the case and how this shared adventure becomes a safe thing with great added value. Find out what equipment is important for children's climbing, from what age children are allowed to boulder or climb and how you can climb with your children in any weather thanks to indoor and outdoor climbing areas. We'll also tell you what effects this wonderful sport can have on your child's mental and physical development and health .

These are the benefits of climbing with children

Children, whether small or large, are developing - mentally and physically. It's even better if you can enjoy your free time together with them and do a lot for their development.

• Climbing and bouldering promote children 's motor skills , coordination and self-confidence.
• The sport also strengthens the muscles and balance .
• Through climbing and bouldering, children learn to concentrate in difficult situations and to solve problems independently.
• Bouldering or climbing with children strengthens the parent-child bond and promotes your child's confidence.
• Climbing or bouldering can help your child relieve stress , frustration or excess energy .
• Outdoor climbing with children takes you into nature and can also be planned as a climbing holiday. Why not combine your short climbing holiday with children with a nice hike beforehand? Or how about an extended climbing holiday with children?
• Indoor climbing with children offers you sport and fun even when the weather is bad . Your child also learns to work together with others, to communicate – and perhaps makes new friends .

But isn't climbing for children dangerous? How do you learn to climb ? And what is bouldering? We have the right answers to these and other questions.

Bouldering or climbing? At what age does which option make sense

Admittedly, the idea of ​​your own child climbing around sharp rocks at dizzying heights is not exactly reassuring. But firstly, no one is born a master, and secondly, you can reduce the risk of children's climbing so much that you can relax completely. To do this, however, we must briefly introduce you to a special type of climbing: bouldering.

Bouldering is a climbing discipline in which you climb at jumping height without a rope or climbing harness. The walls in bouldering halls are usually four to five meters high and have colorful holds and footholds that indicate different levels of difficulty. There are usually special bouldering options for children in climbing halls or outdoors that have particularly soft, padded mats on the floor and can be climbed at a low height. The starting age for bouldering is four to five years , depending on the child's level of development, but we have also seen two- and three-year-olds bouldering. It is important that you trust your child to land on the soft mat in such a way that they do not injure themselves if they fall. Most important tip: There should always be a spotter present when bouldering. They can catch the child and give tips during bouldering about which maneuvers are safer or more sensible.

In regular rope climbing, your child is, as the name suggests, secured with a rope. This makes this variant safe. The belayer or belayer also ensures this. Here, if you have no idea how to belay correctly, you should leave the rope to the professionals. On the mountain, it is usually more difficult to find someone, but in climbing parks, climbing halls or high ropes courses, there are usually specialists on hand to belay children while they climb. But remember that the height can scare many children. That is why professionals recommend starting at low heights or reducing small fears through fun bouldering. The starting age for rope climbing is a little higher because your child has to deal with the equipment and the height as well as communicating with the belayers, among other things. Children can also go to the climbing park or climbing hall at around four to five years of age , but here too it depends on the individual child. If your child is already interested in this sport at the age of three, nothing stands in the way of a trip. Our tip: let your child take a climbing course. Here, children not only learn everything they need to know, they are also introduced to the subject in a playful way and together with their peers.

Another tip: Visit a via ferrata with children. Children's via ferratas are artificial climbing systems in the mountains that are prepared in such a way that the young ones can follow a route that is particularly well secured and by professionals.

Climbing with children? With a little preparation it's a safe bet.

Climbing with Children: Preparation and Equipment

The most important rule first: If your child absolutely does not want to climb, you should not do it. If they are interested and willing, you can start preparing. The best tip here is a climbing or bouldering course for children , where they will learn everything they need to know. In particular, you should never try climbing with a rope on your own without expert instruction or prior knowledge.

When it comes to preparation and equipment, the following points are particularly important:

• Getting children used to heights: Start with low climbing walls or bouldering blocks to overcome the fear of heights. Children's courses are ideal here, where the young ones are introduced to the world of climbing or bouldering by professionals.
• Correct equipment: Adjust the climbing harness, helmet and shoes to the children's height. You can use professional rental options here, so you don't have to buy the expensive equipment yourself.
• Motivation and fun: The idea of ​​performance has no place with children. Instead, invent climbing or bouldering games that allow children to get to know the sports in a fun way. Very important: celebrate every success together, no matter how small.
• Be a role model: Even if you don't want to climb or are afraid of heights, you should go ahead with curiosity and a good mood. If your child notices that you think the hobby is rather stupid or that you are afraid of heights, this can have a negative effect on their motivation.
• Think about food: On the mountain and in many climbing parks, it is sometimes not possible to buy food and drinks. So pack a small backpack with high-quality food. Our energy gums* and our muesli bars are a really good idea here. As is our delicious iso drink , which supplies the body with important minerals.
• Pack weather protection: This is not important for indoor climbing facilities, but essential in nature. When climbing with children, make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat and a rain jacket in your bag or backpack - depending on the weather and season.
• Comfortable sportswear is important : Indoor sportswear for children is sufficient, as it allows freedom of movement and is as light as possible. Footwear is particularly important both indoors and outdoors: your child can climb barefoot or in socks, but special bouldering or climbing shoes offer more support and are gentle on delicate feet - and are mandatory once the difficulty reaches a certain level.
• Find the right place: Before your first adventure, research where you can find the best climbing areas for children. It doesn't really matter whether these are high ropes courses, climbing parks or climbing forests. What's much more important is that these climbing facilities are child-friendly and especially prepared for small children.

Perfect for a child's birthday party: Build your own climbing course

How about having a climbing forest for small children right in the garden ? Or spending a short climbing holiday with children in the hobby room? You can easily build a climbing course yourself - and make it a highlight at a child's birthday party or for a longer period of time. Here are a few tips on how to best go about it:

planning phase

1. Space requirement:

Measure the available space and sketch a scale plan for the course. Make sure there is enough room to move around and take into account the obstacles that will be added later. If you don't have much space available, you can build upwards rather than outwards. A climbing tower is a good option here.

2. Difficulty level:

What age groups will use the course? Take this into account when planning the obstacles to accommodate beginners and advanced riders, toddlers, children or even teenagers.

3. Material selection:

Weatherproof and stable materials such as wood, ropes, carabiners and sturdy nets form the basis for a long-lasting course. Pay attention to quality and choose the materials carefully. Indoors, you can also use materials such as foam or simple cushions.

4. Safety first:

The most important aspect! Ensure that there is sufficient fall protection by using thick mats or sand at all climbing stations. Anchor all elements securely and secure them against slipping or tipping over. Regular checks for damage and wear are essential.

Obstacles for every taste

1. Climbing elements:

Integrate varied climbing elements such as walls, nets, ropes and ladders of varying difficulty levels. This way the course never gets boring and offers challenges for everyone.

2. Balancing and coordinating:

Balancing elements such as beams, slacklines or tree trunks promote balance and body control. Integrate them cleverly into the course to train motor skills.

3. Fun and excitement:

Variety is key! Design the course with different levels of difficulty and creative elements to offer the children a varied and exciting experience.

tips for implementation

1. Start small:

Start with a simple course and gradually expand it with new elements and challenges. This way the fun factor is maintained and the course grows with the abilities of the children or young people.

2. Involve children:

Let the children help with planning and building the course. This way, the course becomes a joint project that is even more fun and a source of pride.

3. Safety first:

Make sure that all climbing elements are securely and firmly anchored. All climbers should always be secured and wear a helmet to avoid accidents.

4. Fun and joy:

The course should primarily be fun and enjoyable. Promote team spirit and support each other while climbing. Don't forget to praise and acknowledge!

Further inspiration

You can find numerous instructions and construction plans for climbing courses on the Internet. You can also get expert advice in hardware stores and climbing halls.

With a little planning, manual skills and the right equipment, you can create a unique climbing course in your own garden or forest (please check beforehand whether you are allowed to set up a temporary climbing garden there), which will ensure unforgettable moments and varied climbing fun.

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* contains carbohydrates

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.

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