Outdoors Rock Climbing Number #50things 46 to do Before 11 3/4 National Trust

Over at The National Trust you can find 50 things to do before you are 11 3/4s  – here is Number 46 = Outdoors Rock Climbing. There are many benefits to getting children outdoors rock climbing – and these days you can get them lessons from as young as three years old, with harnesses to ensure safety. Here are some of the reasons you should consider getting your children outdoors rock climbing. My sons first got their opportunities to rock through parties, school open days and National Play Days, etc – here my 6 year old son first got all the way to the top.

Outdoor Rock Climbing Number 46 – National Trust

When I was younger I was always climbing – most likely places I wasn’t meant to be. I broke my arm after climbing an apple tree – and did I go back up again? You bet I did! That’s what childhood was about wasn’t it. Going outdoors, getting dirty, and having fun. The National Trust aims to help children get back outdoors and that is why they have compiled a list of 50 things that they feel children should have experienced by the time they are 11 3/4s. Outdoors rock climbing has many advantages, and you can start on special walls (indoors or outdoors) and then move onto real rocks.

Rock Climbing No 46 50 things to do before 11 3/4s by the National Trust

Of course it helps hand eye coordination and concentration, it is good exercise for children (and adults) plus it can help tone their bodies (making them more flexible and building their muscles), as well as burning calories. After talking to the Occupational Therapist it was decided that it would be fantastic for helping our youngest to help to develop his hands as he is hyper-mobile (unfortunately our local indoor rock climbing centre does not allow children under the age of 5 to have lessons though).

Rock Climbing No 46 50 things to do before 11 3/4s by the National Trust

I like the way that it helps give them confidence in being high up – so they will not have a fear of heights (not likely with my thrill seeker but always and added advantage). It helps them develop trust in the equipment and the adults around them – especially if they get stuck. It is good for problem solving – because sometime they need to think about what to do – such as moving over a bit, or whether to move their hands or their feet. It helps them listen and respond too if they cannot work out the solution and need guidance.

Rock Climbing No 46 50 things to do before 11 3/4s by the National Trust

It is fun to do and the feel good factor can help boost their mood which in turn may help them sleep better and enhance their immune system. It can be competitive – with children racing against each other to get to the top. Or there are walls where you put out lights, and so they can see how can do this the fastest, or get the most out in a certain time period. My son attended a party like this and had a great time.

Rock Climbing No 46 50 things to do before 11 3/4s by the National Trust

Other 50 things posts of interest

Internally

Fly a Kite

Climb a tree/Make a daisy chain

Build a den (cheat)

Play in the snow

Visit a farm

Hunt for bugs

Geocaching

Externally

Kite Flying – Hello its Gemma

Justphotosbyme

Musinghousewife

MeandMyShadow

Herecomethegirls Wild Art

Herecomethegirls Mud Mud Glorius Mud

Do visit The Boy and Me who first introduced me to 50things and see how she is getting on – and do join in and add your post/picture to TheBoyandMe linky and there is also one at ThisDayILove who is compiling a video too. You can find further inspiration for getting children outdoors in all-weathers over at the #Countrykids @ Coombe Mill linky

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

This is not a sponsored post.

19 thoughts on “Outdoors Rock Climbing Number #50things 46 to do Before 11 3/4 National Trust”

  1. Love this, as someone who loves national trust and 50 things, but also who loves climbing, less as a participant these days. What I love most about climbing is that it takes you to very beautiful places.

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  2. Looks brilliant and lots of fun, i would love to give it a go but get a bit funny when it comes to heights 🙂
    I know my boys would love to rock climb though

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  3. We toted up our list of #50 things and we’ve only got 8 more to do, which I was quite surprised about-we’ve ticked off loads! My eldest loves rock climbing-she was introduced to it with her Beaver’s group. Such a great way to build self esteem too.

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  4. The boys did really well and obviously enjoyed their experience! What a great activity for both their physical and mental health.

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  5. The #50 things list is great.
    Rock climbing is a great activity, I did a bit with guiding years ago, not sure I’d do it now though (too high!), but children never seem to worry about heights/fears.
    Your boys look like they must have had fun.
    Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids

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  6. That does look fun and it’s quite an achievement too. I did this last year and really liked it – just need to persuade H to try it too.

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  7. Absolutely brilliant, I love that you’ve had a such a successful rock climbing expedition! The Boy is still a bit young for a wall so high but he does love having a go at the 6ft wall at our local play centre.

    Nipping over from Country Kids but also spotted you’ve linked to me so thanks very much!

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  8. Eldest does climbing lessons, but they are inside. She loves it and is learning loads. Not sure how long till she starts asking me about outside rock climbing. Eek!

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  9. Awesome, Good for the kids who are always climbing things. High energy kids need this kind of activity to flex some muscle. Nice tips!

    Reply

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