Rocky Top Gym has a special place in our hearts. We’ve had birthday parties here, been part of the kids climbing club, and on rainy days, snowy days or hot days (really, just about most of the year), we’ve gone here to burn some energy and move.
Rocky Top Climbing Gym isn’t huge. But it is big on fun. There is one big room for climbing, and even those not tied in or being belayed can climb fairly high (belaying was removed as an option during COVID for safety protocols).
Given the way the room is set up, Rocky Top is clear that it is a “bouldering” gym – not necessarily a climbing gym. The walls are, though, still 13 feet high, with high tech crash pads underneath. And yes, we have seen folks “crash” and shake it off, walking away totally fine.
What our youngest son really enjoys is that they are frequently changing the lines and holds – meaning that every few weeks it is a completely new experience for him.
Upstairs is a smaller bouldering room or half-wall that our oldest son particularly enjoys (he doesn’t love heights, but does love a good puzzle and challenge). It is hard to watch the kids when they are up here, there aren’t any chairs for viewers, but it is pretty safe.
Our recommendation is to go early in the day with kids, and don’t plan to have them belayed. Parents: you can climb, too! I’ve done it twice now and it is a great workout, and a lot of fun.
But honestly, these days, I am sitting on one of the chairs watching my kids climb as they shout at me to watch them – their abilities and confidence growing with each trip up the wall.
My kids won’t last over an hour – their arms get tired and they are pretty exhausted by then (MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!).
Be sure to bring water bottles with you. There is hand sanitizer around the gym, and while they do rent chalk, we recommend bringing your own if you go often enough. Special shoes are required, and are available for rent.
This is such a creative way for kids to move their bodies, while gaining strength and confidence. The Youth Climbing Club offers regular lessons to kids over 8, and the birthday party experience we had pre-COVID at Rocky Top was a blast.
So get on that athletic gear, pack a water bottle, and get bouldering!
Visit Rocking Top Climbing Gym:
- Official website
- Rocky Top is located at 1729 Allied Street
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