Climbing with Kids

COVID Gym Updates

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate the roller coaster of the coronavirus pandemic. The information on this page may not be applicable at this time, please contact us if you have any questions.

As of September 6th, 2021 all gym visitors must show proof of vaccination to enter. Children 11 and under, who are ineligible to be vaccinated are exempt.

Please visit our COVID Update Page to get the most current information.

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For safety reasons, we have strict requirements if you’re planning to bring in a group of three or more kids under 14 years old. Please read below for the details and check out our FAQ at the bottom of the page.

Rules for Children

• All children must have a current waiver on file signed by their parent or legal guardian. Family friends, grandparents, siblings, uncles/aunts, or other family members cannot sign your child’s waiver.
• There must always be a 1:1 non-climbing adult-to-child ratio for kids under 6 and a 1:2 ratio for kids 6 to 14. All kids 14 and under must be directly supervised. Direct supervision means keeping children within arm’s reach at all times.
• Children 14 and under are not permitted in the weight room or cardio area unless directly supervised by an adult. Some equipment is totally off limits to kids and is labeled as such.
• Bouldering involves risk. All falls are ground falls. All boulderers must be willing to take personal responsibility for their own safety. Children 14 and under who want to boulder must be closely supervised by an adult (within arms’ reach). Kids who are active members of our Climbing Club or Team Touchstone may boulder without supervision with approval from their Coach.
• Swinging on/playing with ropes or any of our gym equipment is strictly prohibited. Kids should not be touching ropes unless they are being tied in to rope climb.
• Be aware of your surroundings when you have infants and small children in climbing areas. You are responsible for keeping them out of harm’s way and out of the way of other gym users.
• If we need to remind you or your child/ren of the rules multiple times, or if we receive more than two complaints about their behavior, we will ask that you leave the gym for the day.

Gym Etiquette

• Running is never permitted.
• When others are waiting to climb, please step away from the wall and take turns.
• Barefoot climbing is never permitted.
• Never walk directly under climbers on any wall, whether they are rope climbing or bouldering.
• Avoid walking between climbers and belayers.
• Never step on ropes.
• Keep personal items off the mats and out of any fall zones.
• When moving through the gym, keep your head on a swivel and be mindful of your surroundings. Make sure to look above you when walking.
• Do not touch anyone else’s gear and do not allow your children to do so.

Please ask the staff if you are unsure of proper safety or etiquette, or if you see anyone disregarding the rules stated above. We are here to help you!

These rules are not exhaustive. Our staff may have to take additional precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of all gym users.

Is your group self-sufficient?

For groups that include people who are experienced climbers, we offer the option of self-sufficient events. If you are not an experienced group please read below to find out what is necessary in order to become one.

• We do not allow self-sufficient groups with kids under the age of 14 to exceed 15 participants.
• You must meet the following criteria in order to hold a self-sufficient event in our facility:

Bouldering

Due to the high volume of adults taking ground falls in the bouldering area, it’s especially important that adult chaperones keep all children within arm’s reach at all times. We love kids and are excited to welcome them to the world of climbing, but please remember that climbing comes with inherent risks, and the gym is not a playground.

• For every 5 climbers, you must provide at least one experienced boulderer. An experienced boulderer has taken our Intro to Bouldering Class or has been bouldering for more than 6 months.
• For every 3 kids under the age of 14 years old, you must provide 1 adult chaperone.
• Everyone must have a signed WAIVER to enter our facility, it is highly recommended they do so in advance.
  • Anyone under 18, must have a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian.
  • Even spectators must fill out a waiver.
• It is important that you request a safety/falling lesson when you arrive as well as review the kids’ safety brochure that we provide at the front desk.
• All self-sufficient groups must reserve their spot at least one week in advance by calling (408) 998-4000

Top Roping

• For every 5 climbers, you must provide at least one Touchstone-certified belayer over the age of 18. A certified belayer has a permanent TS belay card or can pass our belay test with no assistance. It is recommended that any belayers take the Intro to Climbing Classes prior to the day of your event if a refresher is needed.
• For every 3 kids under the age of 14 years old, you must provide 1 adult chaperone.
• Everyone must have a signed WAIVER to enter our facility, it is highly recommended they do so in advance.
  • Anyone under 18, must have a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian.
  • Even spectators must fill out a waiver.
• All self-sufficient groups must reserve their spot at least one week in advance by calling (408) 998-4000.

If you have any questions about whether you meet these criteria, please call the gym and speak with one of our staff. It is possible that you may not be permitted to hold your event at our facility if you do not fulfill the requirements above. If you are experienced but would like a refresher please take our Intro to Climbing Class.

Price:
Regular day pass and rental rates apply.

FAQ