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Find rock climbing lessons near you

OurKids.net lists camps and programs in dozens of cities across the country. Find your city in the list below and find rock climbing classes near you.

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More than just after-school programs

Kids and teens can also learn more about rock climbing through camp options like those in lists linked to below:

Search ALL ROCK CLIMBING CAMPS AND PROGRAMS   

What kids learn in rock climbing lessons

Rock climbing fundamentals. From climbing terminology to technical skills, and use of safety equipment, rock climbing lessons teach kids all the fundamentals of this sport. Instructors take kids through various drills and practices to develop climbing tactics and improve physical strength. Kids learn how to analyze a wall, and climb it efficiently. As students progress to more advanced levels, they gain more confidence. With time and practice, young rock climbers prepare for bigger climbs. 

Rock climbing safety. Rock climbers have a personal responsibility to follow the safety rules of the climbing gym. This keeps themselves, and other climbers, safe and free from injury. Instructors will teach kids all of the safety equipment and protocols, and the importance of giving these attention. Kids in rock climbing lessons are supervised by certified instructors at all times, but the goal is for kids to become independent of supervision, so that they can climb on their own. Safety is the most important aspect of rock climbing, and crucial to understand if your child wishes to continue rock climbing competitively, or as a hobby.

Resilience. Rock climbing requires muscles that don’t often get a work out. First time climbers won’t conquer a climb on the first try. Climbing teaches them to face tasks that seem daunting. It may take a few tries before they reach the top. Kids get progressively better with practice. Certified rock climbing instructors work with kids to develop the strength and skills necessary, so eventually they “beat that wall”! Kids gain lessons in patience and resilience they take forward in life.

Cooperation. Rock climbing lessons are a fantastic after school activity in a fun, structured setting. They share the facility and instruction time with other children. Kids take turns climbing the wall, using harnesses, and receiving one-on-one coaching from their instructor. They also “spot” other kids as they climb, working together and encouraging each other. Rock climbing teaches kids how to cooperate and work with other climbers, so everyone can have the best experience possible.

Five benefits of rock climbing classes

Get engaged in a fun after-school activity. As after-school care for your child, rock climbing lessons may be the perfect choice for your family. They provide a great place for your child to pass time, while learning a fun new sport. Kids will have the opportunity to make new friends, get their energy out, and climb to their heart’s content. All rock climbing lessons are supervised and guided by a certified instructor, so kids will be able to enjoy themselves in a structured setting.

Improve body awareness and stability. Rock climbing is a strenuous activity, and students must always be aware of their body position and move with intention. Climbing requires a great deal of stability and balance. Drills and exercises in class help kids develop their mind-body connection. They improve their sense of awareness, agility, and physical nimbleness. A successful climb is done with patience, purpose and swift movement. These traits are foundational to other sports as well. 

Improve muscle strength. Rock climbing is a fantastic full-body workout. With regular visits to the rock climbing gym, you’ll gain muscle and tone your body⁠—and have a blast while doing it! Kids in rock climbing lessons essentially have an adult-sized jungle gym at their fingertips. Not only will your child build the muscles of an athlete, they’ll arrive home tired at the end of each class!

Improve focus. Both before and during a climb, rock climbers must focus their mind and body on the present moment. Before a climb, the student must decide on a line they want to try and ascend, and analyze exactly how they’ll move their body in order to do so. During the climb, climbers must focus on their body, always thinking about the next move. They must also focus on their breathing. Since climbing is taxing on the body, climbers develop a sense of mental fortitude. Their body may be telling them to give up, but with a focus on their goal, kids will learn to persevere. Rock climbing helps students understand the phrase mind over matter. 

Use the facility outside of class time. Many rock climbing lessons offer extra perks to students that include a complimentary membership to the rock climbing gym. Kids can practice outside of class. Some facilities also offer complimentary harness and shoe rentals both during, and outside of class time. Kids who excel at rock climbing will have a fun-filled after-school activity, they can turn into a new hobby for P.A days and weekends, too!

What to look for in rock climbing lessons

Rock climbing is a unique sport. While it is a super-fun way to pass time after school, it may not be for everybody. There are a few factors you may want to discuss with your child to decide if rock climbing lessons are the right fit for them. This might include questions like:

• Has your child ever rock climbed before?
• Do they have existing athletic ability or physical strength?
• How are they with heights?
• How does your child do with repetition? Sometimes, kids may have to repeatedly try to climb the same line until they beat it. Also, some gyms only have a few lines classified as “beginner”, meaning they will only have a few options until they progress to higher levels.

Different rock climbing gyms also have different programming. Here are a few additional questions you may ask the gym prior to enrolling your child:

• Do you offer complimentary memberships and harness/shoe rentals for outside of class time?
• Are private lessons available?
• What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
• Is there any equipment my child needs to bring with them?
• What should my child wear to rock climbing lessons?
• Do you provide transportation from school to the rock climbing gym?
• Do you provide any after-school snacks?

Other camps and programs you’ll be interested in 

Across OurKids.net you'll find hundreds of activities for kids and teens. We encourage kids to take part in kids' camps, especially, where they engage in a variety of activities that help them grow personally, academically, and athletically. Consider these options:

Sports camps are a logical next step for many kids who love physical exercise. On our site, you'll find a wide variety, allowing kids and teens to develop their love of athletics or of specific sports. For example, there's soccer camp, hockey school, and horseback riding camp, just to name a few.

Nature camp is a type of camp that get kids outdoors, often hiking or engaged in other activities where rock climbing skills may be put tot use. These camps encourage kids to think about their local ecology and develop a deeper appreciation for nature.

Overnight camp gifts kids with time outdoors for a week or longer. It’s an ideal experience for kids who rise to meet physical challenges. There are climbing activities here, but also hiking, ziplining, and other activities that will stretch them. Learn more about what overnight camp is like  and how overnight camp helps kids grow.

Combine this with more advice from OurKids.net

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Rock climbing lessons are there?
There are 3 programs specializing in Rock Climbing. In addition, there are 8 programs offering rock climbing as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Rock climbing lessons?
Fees for Rock climbing lessons range from $495 to $585 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Rock climbing lessons start at?
There are programs available for children aged 4 through 14.

Where can parents meet with Rock climbing lessons?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.