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Why Climbing Is Great for Kids | Physical, Mental & Social Benefits

Climbing offers physical, mental and social benefits for children and young people. If you are thinking of taking your child climbing, there are many reasons why this is one of the best sports you can choose. From increasing strength, endurance and flexibility to building confident and self esteem, climbing can benefit your child in many ways.

1. Increase strength, endurance and flexibility

Climbing is a total body workout as the motion of climbing works every part of the body. Regular climbing will strengthen a child's arm, leg and core, developing strong supple muscles.

2. Teach hand, feet and eye coordination

In order to successfully complete their climb, children have to look, plan and coordinate their hands and feet to a chosen spot.

These enhanced coordination skills developed through climbing can be transferred to many aspects of life and learning. In the simplest terms knowing colours, shapes and left/right.

3. Build confidence and self esteem

Climbing offers children a chance to go outside their comfort zone and by overcoming any fear, step by step on the climbing wall, this can significantly boost their self esteem. Building belief in themselves can improve a child's confidence in their own ability to handle other problems in life.

4. Increase problem solving, planning and decision making abilities

There is always more than one way to conquer a mountain. This is the same with our climbing walls. Children need to plan and decide their next moves at every stage.

Over time a child will be able to problem solve and visualise a route on the wall prior to starting.

5. Stress relief

A fast paced life and constant pressures to achieve can be a lot of stress on little shoulders. Rock climbing requires children to be fully focussed and concentrate on the immediate task. This mindfulness, by living in the present moment, can reenergise children and they can leave being able to face their situations with a clear head.

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Monthly Membership at Summit Up

Climb more, save more with a Summit Up membership!

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Plus! These monthly prices are guaranteed until April 2027.

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Boulder Fest at Summit Up | 19–21 September

Summit Up is turning four, and we are celebrating with a special three-day climbing event. From 19 to 21 September, our entire bouldering area will be stripped back and reset with fresh, competition-style problems designed to challenge every level of climber. Whether you are new to climbing or an experienced competitor, there will be something to test your technique, power, and problem-solving skills.

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Spotlight on Mini Summiteers: What to Expect from Our Youngest Climbing Class

At Summit Up, we’re passionate about introducing children to the joys of climbing in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. Our Mini Summiteers is for children aged 3 to 7 years. This blog gives parents a detailed look at what their little climbers will be doing during sessions, how we support their development, and how you can get involved.

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