October 2007

As kids grow up, so too do their ideas of what makes a great birthday party. Skating parties, pool parties and treasure hunts can only be done so many years before there needs to be a change. Why not consider going to a place that has a rock climbing wall? They are very safe and can provide countless hours of fun for both the children and adults.

Many kids centers now feature a section of the floor space designated as a climbing wall. The area is covered by thick mats and the children’s area may have a variety of indoor rock climbing walls in varying heights. The hand and foot holds are designed so that the children do not have to reach very far and the grips are made well to suit a child’s hand. The place also has a variety of different electronic arcade games as well as a maze in which the other kids, those who are not interested in climbing, can enjoy hours of fun.

As the children get older, they are going to want a rock climbing wall that is more challenging than the one found in kid arenas. A great party idea is to take them to an indoor climbing gym where they can try out different grades of climbs. The establishment often offers parties and classes that focus on teaching the teens the necessary skills that can help them ascend in a safe manner. Do not worry, there are protective harnesses.

The idea behind these older versions of ‘kiddie climbs’ is to challenge the teens or young adults. Even older adults visit an indoor rock climbing gym to improve their skills or even to learn how to climb. The protective flooring is still in place, but instead of an eight foot wall, the wall may be over twenty-five feet and include overhangs. To up the ante on difficulty, many walls do away with the oversized hand holds and instead focus on making the wall more realistic. Cracks and slight ledges are built into the wall. Do not worry though, these gyms have safety equipment in place and the climbers are harnessed to prevent falls, as well as to help lower the climber down, should he or she hold back from trying a descent.

Studies have shown that families that exercise together are more likely to stay healthy. A rock climbing wall is a great party idea, but it can be an exciting activity for everyone in the family. After you learn the basics, you can begin going outdoors and venturing on vacations that center around rockclimbing. It can be a great bonding experience and give everyone something to look forward to.

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