Rock Climbing for Kids in Chicago
We've built a Rock Climbing For Kids Guide to help Chicago reach new heights! Climbing is a fun and unique kid-friendly sport to practice problem solving, all the while further developing mental and core physical strength. It also happens to be really satisfying to conquer! Rock out for a day, or sign up for a weekly camp. You can even host a rock climbing birthday party. Either way, enjoy the sweet view from the top!
Climb On
Shila: Climb On welcomes the experienced climbing community and beginners of all ages to their facility. The wall is an Eldorado climbing wall, which has the texture of real rock. They have 20 top ropes on 11 walls, plus bouldering and more. To get started, novice climbers under the age of 14 can take an family orientation lesson alongside 2 adults. Additionally, there are features of the wall that are age-appropriate for many children.
Cost: family orientation is $70, day passes are $13 - $15
Climbing Wall at Maggie Daley Park
Shila: There is a seasonal outdoor climbing wall at Maggie Daley Park. The highest point is over 40 feet. The climbing wall, which is divided into sections (beginner to advanced), is managed by Lakeshore Sport & Fitness and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Start by checking in at the field house to complete a waiver, and pick up safety equipment.
Ages: generally 4 years +, so long as they fit comfortably into one of the harnesses
Cost: 15 min kids climb is $19
First Ascent
Shila: Youth rock climbing programs at First Ascent includes recreational classes, summer camps, climbing teams, and birthday parties. Classes focus on safety, strength, goal setting and strategic thinking! Each class is segmented by age group starting at Spider Monkeys onward to Stone Masters. The state-of-the-art facility includes walls as tall as 60 feet, and each location has some unique elements.
Ages: 4+ years
Cost: classes are $149 - $259 for an 8 week session, Rock Block Drop In (Humboldt Park and Uptown) $25 per hour.
Brooklyn Boulders
Shila: Brooklyn Boulders' two Chicago facilities offer climbing lessons, summer camps, and more. There's a Kids Academy where young climbers enjoy 2 hours of climbing, games, and encouragement. Additional opportunities to learn are found in the Teen Academy (ages 12+). The BKBeasts Climbing Teams are fun and competitive clubs for youth. Adventure Summer Camps are offered during school break and holidays.
Lakeshore Academy Chicago - Hidden Peak
Shila: Hidden Peak is mainly a bouldering gym (with around 150 problems up) but there are also few top-ropes that reach the full 20 feet. They offer recreational programs for kids, as well as advanced opportunities like Jr. Team and Competitive Team (ages 8-18). As far as open gym, it's for older teens and adults only.
Ages: classes start at 5 years +, open gym is for kids 16 years +
Cost: create an account to see class pricing, open gym is $10
Chicago Athletic Clubs
Shila: Chicago Athletic Clubs’ climbing walls are only located at the Evanston, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview locations. They range from 40-65 feet tall, and offer top-rope and lead climbing on either indoor or outdoor walls, as well as 3 bouldering caves. Kids are given opportunities to take weekly classes, enjoy summer camps, join a Jr. Team (ages 7+), or just drop in and climb! In Evanston kids (5-14) can be dropped off while parents work out!
Ages: 5 years +
Cost: non-member classes are $120 - $145 per 4 week session. Evanston drop off is $30 (includes 1 adult)
ClimbZone Chicago
Kids can scale Mount Rushmore and over 60 more uniquely-themed art walls at ClimbZone Chicago. The family entertainment center also has a high-ropes course, laser tag, bumper cars, a full arcade, a motion simulator, a leap-of-faith attraction and a softplay structure.
Funtopia
Shila: Funtopia Glenview features over 50 individual climbing elements. There are fun climbing walls, ropes, obstacles, cave system, giant slide and a 20 foot free fall. The adventure invites all ages, but designates certain areas to just older ones. Climbing sessions are 1, 1.5, or 2 hours long. Drop-ins are welcomed, however, online registration is recommended.
Ages: over 52" tall for the high ropes and over 35 lbs for the fun walls
Cost: $9 - $24 per person depending on length of stay
Annerino Community Center
Shila: Bolingbrook Park District's Annerino Community Center is the home of a 23-foot custom climbing wall. You and your child can enjoy the "vertical challenge" anytime during open drop-in hours, or consider taking a class together (your child can also enroll independently). Youth classes (Parent/Tot Monkeys or Little Geckos) begin at age 6. Ages 12 years and up can also obtain a manual belay certification here.
Ages: 6 years +
Cost: drop in for $4 - $6 per person
Vertical Endeavors
Shila: Vertical Endeavors offers numerous top rope climbs, auto belays, 3 bouldering areas, a crack tower, plus lessons, yoga and more. Simply drop in and climb, all levels are welcome. Youth programs include summer camps, climbing teams, and general lessons. In camp, kids are broken into groups to learn the basics of indoor rock climbing with the goal of eventually taking their climbing skills to the next level. It's a fun and encouraging experience!
Ages: no firm minimum age for drop-in climb, camps start at 6 years +
Cost: day passes are $18
Prairie Stone Sports & Wellness Center
Shila: As a member of Prairie Stone Sports & Wellness Center, you will have access to a 40 foot indoor climbing wall with several routes and an auto belay. Supervised and guided open climb times are held weekly and non members are welcome. In addition, there are youth classes and certifications.
Ages: 4 years +
Cost: non-members can drop in for $5 per person
The Centre of Elgin
Shila: The 1165 sq. ft.climbing wall at The Centre of Elgin is 32 feet tall, consisting of two vertical sides, one slab, and one slight overhang. There are 5 climbing ropes and the routes are designed for all levels beginner to advanced. Open climb hours are posted online.
Ages: 5 years +
Cost: drop in for $5 - $ 10 per person
North Wall Rock Climbing Gym
Shila: Open gym occurs all day at North Wall. Climbers will find a 1,300 sq. ft. bouldering room, a 600 sq.ft. auto-belay, yoga, much more. Drop in! A formal lesson is not required to start climbing. Youth Climbing Club is a safe and fun after-school experience for kids to develop their skills as they enter into the world of climbing. Additional youth programs include camps and birthday parties.
Ages: no firm age minimum, Youth Climbing Club is for kids 5 - 12 years
Cost: drop in for $10 - $15 per person, Youth Climbing Club is $69 - $79 per session
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