Climbing with kids: tips and answers to the most frequently asked questions

Sales employee, Transa store Europaallee Zurich

Published on: 07.06.2024Updated on: 09.09.2024

Small children often climb before they can walk: they pull themselves up on the edge of a table or clamber up a flight of stairs – so there’s nothing stopping kids from going climbing and bouldering, too. Sales advisor Anja shares tips for parents.

They pull themselves up on furniture and later climb up trees like little monkeys: lots of children enjoy climbing from a young age. That means climbing and bouldering, as sports, are also perfect for kids. They’re often better at climbing than adults, learn amazingly quickly and are really in tune with their body.

Climbing for kids: answers to the most important questions

How do children learn how to climb? What do children learn when climbing? Here you will find answers to the most common questions.

How old should children be before they start learning how to climb?

How do children learn to climb?

What skills do children develop when climbing or bouldering?

What equipment do children need to go climbing?

What should you bear in mind when going to a climbing or bouldering gym with kids?

An easy start with bouldering

As with all sports, it’s important that children can learn and practice without feeling under pressure. So, if a child is on the wall and wants to get down right this minute, you should let them. This helps them trust the process. It’s helpful to set small goals rather than wanting to get to the end of the route from the off. Bouldering is a great way for little ones to get started with climbing. It’s often easier for children to feel brave enough to take the first steps when they’re not dealing with a rope, harness or safety device. When they’re older, they can learn to take responsibility when doing sport climbing with a rope.

Heading outdoors to the climbing park or via ferrata

Climbing gyms aren’t the only place for little climbers to practice: you can also take children to outdoor climbing parks. Ensure the access routes are short and that there are shady spots to take a break or play. Plus, you need to make sure the route is easy. The Ibergeregg, Engi (Glarus) or Mettemenalp are all great areas for this.

Via ferratas are also a good choice for children and young people. A helmet and via ferrata set will ensure climbers young and old stay safe.

Via ferratas for families

Choosing age-appropriate routes: climbing routes for children

Picking the right route has a crucial impact on motivation. You don’t want it to be too easy: the feeling of getting to the top is even better if you’ve had to put a bit of effort in. That said, you don’t want it to be too hard, either – coming across an obstacle that seems insurmountable can be overwhelming and may cause motivation to dwindle. In gyms, climbing and bouldering routes are marked with scales or colour-coding, ranging from easy to very challenging.

Ein Kind klettert, eine Frau unterstützt es dabei. — I’ve already made it to the top five times! But I like going down the best. Anna (aged four)
Photo © Ruedi Thomi

Bouldering and climbing courses for children

Climbing is a controlled sport where children are safe: the right equipment minimises the risk of injury. It’s important that children receive professional training by taking the relevant courses; this is recommended even if their parents are experienced climbers.

Most climbing gyms offer specific services for families and children, ranging from taster sessions to children’s courses through to regular training slots for advanced children.

More information can be found here:

Pilatus Indoor

Climbing gym 6a Plus Winterthur