Whether you’re stuck for something to do in school holiday or looking for a great new weekend activity for the kids, you should consider indoor climbing! As parents, of course safety is the highest priority for our children, and there’s really no better place than Ilkley Clip ‘n Climb for a safe, controlled environment where kids can really get a sense of adventure. But there’s also a tonne of benefits from a mental and physical health perspective as well. Let’s dive in!
Climbing is a confidence and self-esteem booster
Regardless of your child’s age, nothing boosts your confidence like an obstacle overcome. Appeal to your kid’s courage with 21 wall challenges at our centre in Ilkley. Kids can take comfort from our 100% secure and tamper proof system for kids with wandering hands. All climbers young and old are connected to the belay line, meaning you know your child is safe. If your child needs that initial boost, our staff are experienced and passionate about climbing which will have the kids progressing through our indoor challenges in no time. Trust us, the feeling of leaning back and abseiling after you’ve completed your first challenge will stay with you or your child for quite some time.
Climbing improves physical strength
From tots to teens, and adults too, our walls are designed to help develop different muscle sets. For example for Skyscraper, you can strengthen your biceps because the hand holds are upside down.
Climbing has many similarities to gymnastics and dance and amalgamates elements of movement, balance, control and stamina in equal measure. By climbing our walls, children will exercise their core, legs and arms. Our ‘Tots’ sessions for kids aged 2½ to 6 are specially designed for younger climbers, who will need to reach and stretch their arms and legs. If your kids show up raring to go you can be assured they’ll sleep well for you later on, after working their little muscles. Regardless of their age, you can watch their confidence and physical strength grow as a result.
Climbing develops hand to eye and foot to eye coordination!
As they will be using their hands, feet and body to lift themselves and work their way around the challenges, kids can learn how to use different parts of their body in tandem with each other. This can benefit them in a number of other areas in life, which is perfect for any child struggling to find their feet. They will also improve their blood flow and circulation which has numerous other health benefits!
Climbing is a great way to relieve stress
As adults, we all know the feeling of stress, but it’s prevalent in children as well. Stress doesn’t manifest itself in quite the same way in children as in adults. It often comes out as tantrums, withdrawing from activities or being overly clingy. Physical exercise releases endorphins, the chemical in your brain which produces a happy feeling, thus relieving feelings of stress.
Climbing cultivates problem solving skills
The climbing wall experience enables children to think both logically and creatively and can enhance learning. To reach the top of any of our challenges here at Ilkley Clip ‘n Climb, your child will need to use their problem-solving skills to map out their way to the top. If your kid loves puzzles, then they’ll love mentally putting the pieces together to plan their route. For younger children who might not be confident with heights, we often place a teddy (either their own or one of ours), just out of reach, to give them a goal to aim for. We call it ‘rescue the teddy!’.
Climbing encourages children who aren’t maybe good in a team
If your kid is somewhat of a lone wolf, climbing can foster an environment where your child can achieve their goals of reaching the top. Not everyone is good at football, or netball, so if being part of a team is not your thing, then climbing is the perfect solution. Every wall allows you to achieve something more each time you come and where the main person to beat is yourself,
Climbing encourages social skills
We have some first-time climbers who are relatively quiet and withdrawn and really don’t want to climb. Even putting on the harnesses can be a tricky first step. Our staff are used to this and have many tricks up their sleeves to encourage them. Sometimes this first session just gets children used to the colourful environment and the feeling of the harness, and they may only get up to the first panel of the wall. This is all part of the process. We are always astounded when these children come back for their second climb, and see that somehow they have gone away and processed the experience and this time they are so much more confident. As humans we all need to interact with others and if your kids struggle at school or have more complex needs, our staff are friendly, welcoming, and trained to interact with kids with complex behavioural needs.
Climbing is fun!
Of course, with all the benefits to your kids physical and mental health, with the extra bonus of getting your children off their screens, it all returns to one thing. Climbing is fun! To start planning your first or next indoor climbing adventure in Ilkley, you can contact us on 01943 603829 or book your sessions here. We hope to see you soon!
Thanks for reading!
