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  • Raising Outdoor Kids
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      How to Make Birdseed Ornaments for Wild…

      November 27, 2020

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      Beautiful Spring Picture Books for Children

      March 28, 2020

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    • All Alberta British Columbia Lower Mainland Northern Interior Okanagan
      British Columbia

      Hiking and Camping with Kids at Kokanee…

      July 30, 2018

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      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

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      Family-Friendly Adventures on BC’s Sunshine Coast

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      A National Park Reserve in the South…

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      Rock Climbing with Kids in Jasper National…

      August 8, 2017

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      Family Adventures in Jasper National Park: 10…

      July 26, 2017

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      Shaw’s Point Resort

      August 6, 2015

      Alberta

      Apiaries in Northern Alberta

      August 5, 2015

      Alberta

      St. Isidore, Alberta

      August 4, 2015

      Alberta

      The Hoodoos

      July 29, 2015

      Alberta

      Royal Tyrrell Museum

      July 28, 2015

      Alberta

      Bow Valley Campground

      July 27, 2015

      British Columbia

      Hiking and Camping with Kids at Kokanee…

      July 30, 2018

      British Columbia

      More to Explore in the Okanagan Valley:…

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      A National Park Reserve in the South…

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      July 18, 2016

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      April 19, 2014

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      October 8, 2015

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      Eskers Provincial Park

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      June 6, 2015

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Backwoods Mama

Raising Outdoor Kids

The Ultimate Guide to Bouldering Outside with Kids

September 6, 2017

What is bouldering? Is it different than rock climbing?

Bouldering is a type of rock climbing where climbers scale boulders (large rocks) without a harness or rope. Some say bouldering is rock climbing in it’s simplest form, but simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy. While the routes are short, they can be very technical and fun! Bouldering is also great to do with a group of people.

Should I go bouldering outside with kids?

Yes! Because bouldering requires very little gear it can be a good way to ease into family rock climbing. The biggest challenge can be finding a boulder that’s appropriate for kids to climb. It’s also a good idea to bring along a couple extra adults to help with spotting (a technique used to keep bouldering climbers safe).

What do I need to go bouldering outside with kids?

Here are the must-have items for bouldering with kids:

  • bouldering crash pad (two pads are better than one, sometimes they can be rented or borrowed from a friend/relative/stranger)
  • climbing shoes
  • bouldering chalk bag
  • helmets for kids
  • food, water and a first aid kit
  • climbing brush (optional)
  • a guidebook (optional)

Where should I go bouldering with my kids?

When choosing a place to bring your kids bouldering outside, find a location that is relatively easy and safe to access. Also, find a boulder that has a wide and safe landing (base at the boulder). Choose boulders that aren’t too tall and choose routes that are easy to climb. The trickiest part of bouldering with kids is finding the right place to go. Tip: If aren’t sure where to go, ask around a your local indoor climbing gym.

Interesting in rock climbing with your kids? Hop over and read Why You Should Take Your Kids Rock Climbing by The Adventure Lab.

The Ultimate Guide to Bouldering Outside with Kids was last modified: January 18th, 2019 by Josée
BoulderingFamily FriendlyFamily Rock ClimbingHow-ToInstructional Videokids climbingRock Climbing
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7 comments

Annette, Four Acorns / Quatre graines de chêne September 8, 2017 at 5:01 am

I would love to go bouldering with my kids here in Ireland. But I don’t think there are many bouldering spots/routes here. Also the often wet weather makes rock climbing difficult at the best of times. Still… Great photos!
#ExplorerKids

Reply
Josée September 11, 2017 at 7:21 am

Wet rocks definitely make for tricky rock climbing! You’ll have to let me know if you ever come across a place for rock climbing in Ireland. We’d love to visit someday and I’m sure we’ll be bringing our climbing shoes along. 🙂

Reply
Su September 9, 2017 at 11:12 am

What a fabulous idea. I had no idea you could do this with children! The video was great too, thank you for sharing.

and Thanks for linking up to #ExplorerKids

Reply
Josée September 11, 2017 at 7:22 am

Bouldering with kids is a lot of fun! I’m hoping to get the word out there so parents can raise #ExplorerKids!

Reply
Sarah Stockley September 11, 2017 at 3:09 am

I would love to go bouldering – my kids have scaled a climbing wall before but this looks like great fun. Sarah #ExplorerKids

Reply
Josée September 11, 2017 at 7:24 am

It’s a great way to make the transition from indoor climbing to outdoor climbing because there isn’t a lot of gear or safety skills to acquire. I hope you have the chance to get your #ExplorerKids trying it out soon!

Reply
Robyn Hatfield December 1, 2017 at 8:39 am

Hello Josee! I run a summer camp in McCall, Idaho (paradisepointcamp.org) and this summer we will be starting a bouldering program for our campers. Since we’ve never done this before, we don’t have any pictures of kids doing this to show parents what it is all about! I’m wondering if you would be okay with us using the top left picture (the purple shirt/yellow helmet) from this page as a part of our website for this particular camp?

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