Rock climbing is a mentally and physically challenging activity that builds strength and confidence for kids and adults. With its many benefits, indoor climbing has become a popular choice for families! Kids are natural climbers, and tackling an indoor rock wall is the perfect activity for kids who are “climbing” the walls at home. Luckily, there are a variety of excellent family-friendly rock climbing gyms in the Boston area.
Bouldering Project :: Somerville
The youth programs at Bouldering Project teach kids skills like resilience, problem solving, and calculated risk taking. They have youth classes and teams, after-school programs, summer camps, and birthday parties. They even have “parents night out,” where you can drop your kids off for a few hours of climbing, pizza, and a movie, while you head out for dinner on your own.
Central Rock Gym :: Watertown
Central Rock Gym provides access to a world-class indoor rock climbing and fitness facility. They create an experience and atmosphere that is welcoming and accessible to all climbers, regardless of ability level. They provide classes and teams for kids ages 9 and up, plus a summer camp for kids ages 6-13.
Exxcel Gymnastics and Climbing :: Newton
Exxel strives to teach technical climbing skills and help kids push their limits in a safe and supportive environment. They have state-of-the-art safety equipment, like a 60’x20′ indoor rock wall with varying difficulty levels, an indoor rock cave with overhang, simulated indoor ice climbing routes, an outdoor adventure high ropes course, and zip lines. Classes start at 4 years old, and trial classes are available.
Metro Rock :: Everett
Metro Rock is an indoor rock climbing facility open to climbers of all levels and kids who are simply interested in exploring the sport. With 30,000 square feet of climbing terrain, they are one of the largest rock gyms in the Boston area, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. They have various kids climbing teams, such as the tot team for ages 3-5 that meets once a week, the junior team for ages 5-10, and the climbing club for ages 10-15.
Rock Spot Climbing :: South Boston
An accessible and inclusive climbing gym, Rock Sport has opportunities for all ages and ability levels. Walk-ins are welcome, and the facility is open seven days a week. Youth classes run from September through June, and after-school and weekend classes are also available. Their small class sizes allow kids to learn skills in a safe and fun atmosphere. There are also toddler classes — and they host birthday parties.
BU Fitness and Recreation Center :: Boston
FitRec’s 30-foot climbing wall is an exciting place for kids to climb and build strength. There are classes for kids ages 5-12, including a parent-child class. This family-friendly rock climbing gym offers a family open climb every Saturday from 3-5 p.m., where you can climb the wall at your own pace. Admission to the wall is for families with a FitRec membership or members of the family climbing class, but there is also an option to purchase a day pass. Climbing gear is available to rent.
Challenge Rocks :: Hingham
A 5,000-square-foot facility, Challenge Rocks features rock climbing, parkour, and more. Youth climbing classes are available for preschool through high school students and are offered from September through June. There are also open climb times and the option to host birthday parties. When enrolled in a youth program, families receive unlimited access to auto belays, bouldering, American Ninja Warrior props, and free harness and shoe rentals. Parents also receive free belay certification and a sibling discount.
