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.
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).
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.
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.
Other 50 things posts of interest
Internally
Climb a tree/Make a daisy chain
Build a den (cheat)
Externally
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
This is not a sponsored post.
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.
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
This looks loads of fun! I have never even tried it myself let alone the kids
We love the 50 things list and started to tick off ours about a year or so ago but have yet to do the rock climbing
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.
Looks like great fun! I used to go rock climbing many years ago! Enjoy the rest of 50 things to do before 11 3/4
Love this!! I would love to do this myself one day. I think I need to add this to my “things to do before I’m 40” list!
Looks amazing! My children are still a little young to get involved in this #50 things list, but we will get there one day!
Love it Joy, it sums up childrens fearless bravery!
Thanks for joining in with the Parenting Pin It Party my dear x
Love this post! You get out and about so much, 🙂
The boys did really well and obviously enjoyed their experience! What a great activity for both their physical and mental health.
sounds like so much fun, when my boys are older i would love them to rock climb and be adventurous
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
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.
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!
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!
Thank you for taking part.
ooooh, that outdoor wall looks fantastic!
Awesome, Good for the kids who are always climbing things. High energy kids need this kind of activity to flex some muscle. Nice tips!