Climbing with Kids
What to Know Before You Visit
Climbing is an inherently risky sport-and safety is our top priority. Please take a few minutes to read this page before your visit so you know what to expect and can make the most of your time at the gym.
Important Info
- Everyone needs a waiver. That includes participants and spectators.
- We don't provide staff supervision for kids during general gym hours.
- We have many kid-friendly options. Read more about those below!
Ways to Climb with Kids at Diablo Rock
If Your Kids Want to Boulder
- You can boulder with your child! Check in with the front desk for an orientation on the bouldering area rules and falling techniques.
- Children 12 and under must be closely supervised at all times-think helicopter parent!
- Adults must stay within arm's reach in the bouldering area.
- Day passes and gear rentals are available at the front desk.
If Your Kids Want to Top Rope
- Send your 5- to 12-year-old(s) to our Kids Belay program.
- You or another adult must either:
- Take an Intro to Climbing Class, or
- Already be Touchstone belay certified or able to pass our belay check.
- Classes must be booked in advance and are open to participants 13 and older.
- Kids under 13 can learn to belay through our Youth Programs.
Check out our Youth Programs!
- Enroll your child in one of our After-School or Summer Camps
- Schedule a private lesson with our staff.
- If your child has prior climbing experience, check out our Youth Teams
Rules, Etiquette,
and Community Love
We love kids and are excited to introduce them to climbing! But our gyms aren't playgrounds. We ask that families help maintain a safe, respectful environment for everyone.
Be a Helicopter Parent
Actively supervise your child-not from the lounge, not while climbing yourself. Keep them within arm's reach, especially in bouldering areas. Kids are often unaware of their surroundings, so your close attention helps keep them and everyone safe.
Set a Good Example
Model safe, courteous behavior-your child will follow your lead.
Our YouTube Has More Tips
Kid Rules
- All kids 12 and under must be directly supervised (within arm's reach) at all times.
- Exceptions: Kids in our Climbing Club or Team Touchstone may boulder unsupervised with coach approval.
- Supervision Ratios:
- Ages 7 and under: 1:1 non-climbing adult to child
- Ages 8-12 bouldering: 1:2 ratio
- Kids 12 and under are not permitted in the weight or cardio areas unless directly supervised. Some equipment is off-limits and labeled accordingly.
- No swinging, tugging, or playing with ropes or gym equipment.
- Keep infants and small children out of climbing areas and away from fall zones.
Gym Rules & Etiquette
- No running.
- Step away from the wall between climbs.
- No barefoot climbing.
- Never walk under climbers.
- Keep an eye on your surroundings-and above you.
- Don't touch other people's gear.
- Keep bags, bottles, and snacks off the mats.
This is a shared communal space. If we have to remind you or your child about safety or etiquette multiple times, or if we receive more than two complaints, we may ask you to leave for the day.