Rock climbing for kids and toddlers is surging worldwide...
In some countries, there will be about 2-3 gyms in each capital, but just in the tiny island city of Singapore alone, it has almost 20 rock climbing and bouldering gyms for both adults and kids, a lot more compared to what was available just a good 3 years ago when I first started rock climbing as a young working adult.

And it is not surprising – it is to cater to the growing demand and interest in climbing as a recreational sport, from 20,000 about 6 years ago to 50,000+ till date, according to the Singapore Mountaineering Federation (SMF).
With the influx of climbing available, rock climbing gyms are also aware of the necessary precautions needed to ensure the safety of their rock climbers, from female school students, young toddlers to beginner climbers just coming to give this activity a go.
But one trend we see growing is – more kids and toddlers starting rock climbing. And why is it so?
Perhaps we should dive deeper into why this is a healthy andd perfect outdoor activity for the inactive ipad addicted Singaporean kid these days.
Benefits of Rock Climbing for Kids and Adults Beginners:
1. Work that Body + Brain
Rock climbing is one of the most holistic outdoor sports/ activities you can find around Singapore and Asia. Being such a good workout, it engages not just the limbs movements, stronger core as well as..sharper brain development as you have to think and work your way up the rock wall.

So if you do not have the luxury of a weekend to bring your kids on outdoor activities around Singapore, drop them off in the climbing gym and let them play. Kids at a toddler age can usually just climb in their own shoes, if not you can likely rent kids size climbing shoes and kids climbing harness for them to wear.
2. Rid the gadgets, get active
Playground for the monkey within all of us. Have we forgotten how we use to be fearless and curious as kids.

Well, the best way to enhance that part of your child but pulling him/ her away from their iPad videos, Pokemon Go, and get that young body moving. If they ain’t moving when they are young, what would they be like when they hit your age?!

Where are the Climbing gyms in Singapore to do your rock climbing certification?
3. Mental Growth and determination
YES..Everyone needs to train this aspect of their mind, and it should start young! Mental capacity/ strength and health is very helpful to overcome many challenges/ mental blocks as you get older. While you climb, you are forced to focus and clear all distractions from your head to reach your next step.


So forget those tuition classes, bring them out to scale some rocks too!
And once your children/ kids grow older, they can decide if they want to explore the great outdoors and bring climbing to a whole new level beyond what we envision ourselves to do when we were young. Some of the places I have gone climbing are like Long Dong in Taiwan and Siurana in Spain.

Once your child is ready, they can move from indoor rock climbing to outdoor climbing as they get older.
To read more about the best climbing gyms in Malaysia and where to get the cheapest rock climbing courses/ take your level 1 belay certification, leave a comment below!

Start your kids young! It will change their lives!
More articles/ tips about the benefits of bouldering:
– 10 Reasons to start bouldering
– Is bouldering a cheap or expensive sport?
– Top bouldering gyms in all of Asia
– Kickstart outdoor bouldering as a sport
13 Comments
Sandy
April 24, 2018 at 9:00 amHi Lydia
Love your write-ups. My 8 year old loves rock climbing & has been going to Clip n Climb. Is there any summer holiday programme or certificaton that she can pursue?
Lydia Yang
April 25, 2018 at 6:52 amHi Sandy!
So nice to hear from you and glad that your kid is enjoying the sport. There are quite a few gyms in Singapore that have courses for kids, but one I would recommend would be at Climb Central Singapore. They are very kids friendly and your child with maybe be able to make some climbing friends as well;).
Hope this was useful!
Rosa
November 10, 2018 at 9:04 amAmazing! Kids like to climbing. I think it’s a great way to keep kids busy at home. Its really good fun for kids and also good for kids health and physical and mental growth. Thanks for such a lovely ideas.
Marria
December 20, 2018 at 10:36 amSuch a nice idea! really amazing thought. Kids really loved to climb. It’s a great idea to keep kids busy with fun at home.
Lydia Yang
December 21, 2018 at 6:55 amHi Marria,
Indeed it’s one of the best things kids can try! I would strongly everyone to consider this activity for their children at a young age to build their mind and body.
Anthony
September 8, 2019 at 10:19 pmHi there,
Do you happen to know of any places that conduct or have courses for toddler rock climbing? My kid is around 18 months and he simply love climbing! I think he can climb better than he can walk. Thanks in advance.
Lydia Yang
September 10, 2019 at 11:06 amHi Anthony,
Great that your kid is loving climbing! Don’t we all wish we started young too.
From what I see, most gyms only offer rock climbing classes from 24 months onwards, and I can recommend you a gym that offers a great todder’s programme at a special rate, but you just need to give your kiddo 6 more months to get stronger!:D
Let me know if you are keen:)
Olivia
November 26, 2019 at 12:43 pmI’m keen! Could you send me the info pls?
Lydia Yang
November 27, 2019 at 12:13 pmThat sounds great Olivia. Your child will definitely love it so much! Have dropped you an email with more details about a great course you can enroll him:)
Joan
July 13, 2020 at 11:45 pmHi Lydia
Thanks for your post. My 5 yo and 3 yo boys are interested in rock climbing, me as well. I wonder if you can recommend good program for kids, even better, if whole family can go together in a private session.
Thank you!
Lydia Yang
August 14, 2020 at 5:22 pmHi Joan,
Look forward to having you check out climbing one day with your boys. Its a great family bonding activity!
Regina
December 13, 2019 at 5:58 pmHi Lydia,
I am looking for rock climbing lessons for my kid who is going to p3 next year and he is new to rock climbing. He has some issue in bilateral coordination, visual motor integration and midline crossing.
Lydia Yang
December 18, 2019 at 5:32 pmHi Regina!
I just dropped you an email about a new exciting kids programme that’s up:)
You can also read more about it at lydiascapes.com/rock-climbing-classes-best-gift-for-children/
Let me know if you have any more questions:)