If the kids were inspired by watching the amazing rock climbers on the Olympics (especially during the speed drills), they can try their hands at scaling walls at some of these awesome places around the state. Even if they don’t have gold medal ambitions, climbing can teach them strategy, strength and just burn off some of that endless energy and give them something fun to do on a rainy day.
Kids often need a belayer, meaning someone to control the ropes. Most gyms don’t let guests 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. It just might be the activity that propels her to new heights!
Atlantic County
- Rock wall at the Milton and Betty Katz JCC, Margate; 609-822-1167; contact the front desk for a reservation.
Bergen County
- The Gravity Vault, Upper Saddle River; 201-934-7625, ages five and up
- High Exposure Rock Climbing, Northvale; 201-768-8600, all three and up
Burlington County
- Elite Climbing, Maple Shade; 856-273-1370, ages 6 and up
Camden County
- The Gravity Vault, Voorhees; (856) 888-2814, ages five and up
Essex County
- The Gravity Vault, Montclair; 973-928-7675, ages five and up
- New Jersey Rock Gym, Fairfield; 973-439-9860, ages 5 and up
Hudson County
- The Gravity Vault, Hoboken; 201-740-1423, ages five and up
- Liberty Science Center, Jersey City; 201-200-1000, call for age requirements
Hunterdon County
- The Gravity Vault, Flemington; 908-237-3249, ages 5 and up
Mercer County
- Rockville Climbing Center, Hamilton; 609-631-7625, ages 7 and up; reservations required
Monmouth County
- The Gravity Vault, Middletown; 732.856.9599, ages five and up; climbing by appointment only
- Garden State Rocks, Morganville; 732-972-3003, ages 5 and up
Morris County
- Diamond Rock Gym, East Hanover; 973-560-0414, call ahead for ages
- The Gravity Vault, Chatham; 973-701-7625, ages five and up
- Randolph Climbing Center, Randolph; 973-598-8555, call ahead for ages
Ocean County
- The Gravity Vault, Brick; 848-241-3523, ages five and up
Passaic County
- Elite Gymnastics, Hawthorne; 973-423-4040, ages 3 and up
Somerset County
- Somerset Hills YMCA, Basking Ridge; 908-766-7898, open to all ages
Union County
- Summit YMCA, Summit; 908-273-3330 ext. 1196, programs for kids ages five and up