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ROCKVILLE CLIMBING CENTER
If winter is giving the kids a case of cabin fever, indoor climbing gyms are the perfect way to be active and burn some serious energy. They’ll also learn lessons in strategy, strength and stamina while having some fun.
Kids often need a belayer, meaning someone to control the ropes. Most gyms don’t let visitors belay until they’re teenagers. You can take a one-time lesson at some facilities and belay for them, or a staff member can do it. Call at least 24 hours in advance to check belayer availability.
If your child falls in love with rock climbing, find out about the facility’s membership packages, monthly passes, classes, camps and teams.
Multiple Locations
The Gravity Vault
There are eight franchises located throughout New Jersey. There are top rope and bouldering climbing for all levels and abilities. Some locations offer camps, competitions, yoga classes and birthday parties.
Bergen County
HAPIK
American Dream, East Rutherford
The brand-new facility, which is opening its first location in New Jersey, has 50 different climbing walls that each have 3 routes. You’ll get to climb as high as 24 feet in the air.
High Exposure Rock Climbing
Northvale
201-768-8600
Experience 26,000 square feet of rock climbing, Ninja Warrior obstacles, a NERF Zone and a Family Fun Center. Where else can you sit on a toilet 38 feet in the air or walk the plank and jump into the abyss below? Ninjas enjoy the warped walls, salmon ladders, vaults, swings and ropes.
Burlington County
Elite Climbing
Maple Shade
856-273-1370
Your first visit will key in on mental focus and “moving meditation.” After that, if you need more training, you can join a youth class or a group session. Then, plan your next birthday party or take part in a camp.
Essex County
New Jersey Rock Gym
Fairfield
973-439-9860
This rocking climbing facility is also a fitness center. Make your way through the innovative top rope and lead climbing walls, giant lead roof, a spectacular bouldering island, bouldering cave, several auto belays and a full fitness area.
Method Climbing
Newark
201-414-9274
From beginners to “crushers,” this facility has it all! Take an intro to climbing class, get your zen on during yoga, or even try capoeira!
Gloucester County
Kinetic Climbing
Williamstown
856-404-9117
This bouldering-specific gym offers beginners and experts a premium climbing experience with 80 routes that are updated weekly.
Hudson County
Liberty Science Center
Jersey City
201-200-1000
“Wonder Why” is filled with activities that celebrate the joy and wonder of science. Explore endurance and test your strength by hanging onto a bar as long as possible. Try out different pathways on the Rock Wall. Make fluorescent rocks glow at the mineral display. Test your reaction time or explore the range of your mind’s eye with intriguing optical illusions. There’s another cool feature at LSC: The Infinity Climber. Although it’s not a rock wall, it does let you pull your way through the pathways while suspended in the air 35 feet above the atrium.
Mercer County
Rockville Climbing Center
Hamilton
609-631-7625
With a total of 20 auto-belays, 27 top-ropes, a lead-climbing area, as well as a bouldering cave, this place caters to pros and beginners alike.
Middlesex County
Rock N Air
East Brunswick
732-390-0300
This immersive experience offers 70,000 square feet of a climbing wall, jumping area, Adventure Zone and Stunt Zone. Little ones have a separate Rock N Tots area. Work up an appetite and eat at the Cliffhangers Cafe or Rocker’s Candy Co.
Monmouth County
ClimbZone
Howell
732-813-8300
Stimulate your senses with 68 differently themed climbing walls, a ropes course, soft play, virtual reality and arcade games. You and your children can help Jack fight the Giant at the top of his beanstalk; rescue Rapunzel by climbing her rope hair to the top of her tower; soar into outer space; or battle knights, sharks, bees and falling fruit!
Garden State Rocks
Morganville
732-972-3003
The rope walls are 25-30 feet high so if height is not your thing you may want to consider trying bouldering first. There also are two auto-belay stations that can be used without a belay-certified partner.
Morris County
Diamond Rock Gym
East Hanover
973-560-0414
Diamond Rock makes its home inside Diamond City Sports, where you can get an auto-belay pass or sign up for an instructor-led session. Note: appointments are required.
Randolph Climbing Center
Randolph
973-598-8555
The top rope walls are between 30 and 35 feet tall as well as bouldering walls between 11 and 16 feet tall.
Passaic County
Elite Gymnastics
Hawthorne
973-423-4040
In addition to rock climbing, there are weekly classes in gymnastics, swimming, cheerleading and the NinjaZone for boys and girls ages 3-11. Join a Mommy & Me class, or try one of the combo classes.
Somerset County
Somerset Hills YMCA
Basking Ridge
908-766-7898
The climbing wall is open to all ages, where you can build strength and body awareness while improving your concentration, focus and problem-solving skills.
Sussex County
Crystal Springs Resort
Minerals Hotel, Vernon Twp.
877-705-2286
Using catch-and-hold technology, you can safely and slowly scale down the wall after you scale up. Instructors lead the session and will give you all the tips you need to make it to the top. It’s open to kids and up, and adults can participate. Reservations are required and there is a 24-hour cancellation policy.
- Jennifer Amato contributed to this story.
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