There are a surprising number of places you can take the kids for drop-in climbing in Calgary. Kids usually have to be at least 4 years old. Waivers are usually required – sometimes you can save yourself some time by filling them out online before you go.
Remember to wear comfortable clothing and shoes such as runners.
Calgary Climbing Centre
Location: multiple Calgary locations, two with ClimbParks
http://www.calgaryclimbing.com/
Minimum age: 6 for Drop-in climbing, 6 recommended for ClimbPark (some exceptions for 5 year olds), 4 for Kids Climb.
Style: climbing, ropeless bouldering, auto-belays, climbpark funzones
Equipment: rentals available. May be included depending on activity.
Vivo
Location: 11950 Country Village Link NE
https://www.vivo.ca/
Minimum age: not stated. Children under 14 must be accompanied.
Style: 30 ft tall climbing wall, auto-belay and 9 ft bouldering area
Equipment: Provided
Worth noting: climbing is included with facility admission.
YMCA – Calgary
Locations: Shawnessy, Saddletowne and South Health Campus
https://www.ymcacalgary.org/climbing/
Minimum age: 4+
Style: auto-belay available at all locations
Equipment: Provided
Southland Leisure Centre
Location: 2000 Southland Dr. S.W.
http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Recreation/Pages/Leisure-centres/Southland.aspx
Minimum age: 4+
Style: Climbing wall, sport wall with overhang, bouldering. no auto-belay.
Equipment: provided
Beltline Aquatic & Fitness Centre
Location: 221 12 Ave. S.W.
http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Recreation/Pages/Pools/Beltline.aspx h
Minimum age: 4+
Style: auto-belay and top rope available
Equipment: provided
Mount Royal University
Location: 4825 Mt Royal Gate SW
https://www.mtroyal.ca/CampusServices/Recreation/Climbing/index.htm
Minimum age: 4+
Style: auto-belay, bouldering, lead climbing and top rope available
Equipment: rentals available, may be included depending on activity
University of Calgary
Location:
2500 University Dr NW
https://www.ucalgary.ca/outdoorcentre/climbing-wall
Minimum age: 4+
Style: climbing and bouldering walls
Equipment: rentals available
Worth noting: An orientation and belay test are required on your first visit
Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre
Location: 800 Griffin Rd E, Cochrane, AB
https://www.slsfamilysportscentre.com/
Minimum age: 4+
Style: auto-belay climbing only
Equipment: included
Worth noting: Climbing is included in your day pass or you can purchase a single activity admission.
See our review of Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sports Centre
Big Rock Bouldering
Location: 64062 393 Ave E Unit 28, Okotoks
http://bigrockbouldering.com/
Minimum age: 3+
Style: bouldering only – no ropes
Equipment: chalk bag and shoe rentals available.
Other Centres with Climbing Walls
Flying Squirrel
Location: North and South Calgary locations
https://flyingsquirrelsports.ca/
Minimum age: 2+
Style: bouldering wall that drops into foam pit
Equipment: none
Worth noting: Climbing is included with regular admission to Flying Squirrel
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