Backyard Rock Climbing for Kids

If you're planning or already have a playground in your backyard, consider adding a rock-climbing element to it. An engaging and stimulating activity, rock climbing teaches children to use their hands and feet simultaneously to perform complex movements requiring balance, coordination, strength and stamina. Plus, a rock-climbing wall or boulder might make your child fall in love with a physical activity, leading to long-term fitness and better lifelong health.

  1. Types

    • You can purchase a prefabricated backyard rock-climbing structure for children ages 3 to 10 as a part of a play structure, such as the Sunview II Complete Gym Set, or as a separate structure just for climbing, such as the Discovery Mountain Climbing Wall. Another option is to build a rock-climbing element yourself using safety-approved, climbing-wall building plans such as those offered by Jack's Backyard.

    Size

    • Adding a small rock-climbing wall to your backyard does not require a huge space. On the smaller end, the Discovery Mountain Climbing Wall stands 5 feet tall and only about 2.5 feet wide. The Sunview II Complete Gym Set is 8 feet by 10 feet. The do-it-yourself plans from Jack's Backyard offer climbing wall designs for walls standing 4 feet, 5 feet and 7 feet tall.

    Benefits

    • Placing a rock-climbing element in a backyard playground challenges children beyond the normal boundaries of basic playground activities. Instead of simply moving hand-over-hand up ladders and across bars, rock climbing pushes children to move each body part separately without losing their balance. Rock climbing engages a child's problem-solving capabilities while also pushing him physically. The activity can also encourage communication, as children share information and ideas about how to ascend the rock-climbing wall.

    Time Frame

    • Backyard rock-climbing playground equipment is generally suited for children ages 3 to 10. Older children will require adult-sized rock-climbing walls to challenge them both in terms of wall height and difficulty of movement. By the time they reach this age and stage of rock-climbing prowess, regular visits to an indoor climbing gym or the construction of an adult-sized home climbing wall can help keep children stimulated and interested in continuing to rock climb.

    Warning

    • Even on backyard rock-climbing equipment designed for use by children, rock climbing can be dangerous. Be sure to provide adequate padding in the landing area to help prevent injuries in the event of a fall. Supervise children when rock climbing at all times. The safest course of action involves an adult spotter standing behind the climbing child, ready to catch her in the event of a slip or fall.