Rock Climbing with Kids: Must-Have Gear for Little Adventurers

Introduction
Essential Gear for Kids Rock Climbing
Other Kids Climbing Gear Ideas

Introduction

“A day spent with you is my favorite day. So today is my new favorite day.” Winnie the Pooh

As parents, spending quality time with our kids becomes one of the most cherished parts of life. Whether it’s exploring nature or discovering new adventures together, those moments are priceless. For our family, rock climbing has become a way to bond and share our love for the outdoors with our children. But like any outdoor pursuit, making it enjoyable for little ones requires the right gear and a thoughtful approach.

When our daughter turned three, we introduced her to climbing by getting her a harness and climbing shoes, and since then the kids have grown to 8 & 10, it’s been a fun adventure for all of us. In this post, we’ll share tips, gear recommendations, and ways to ensure your little adventurers can safely join in the fun. Rock climbing with kids may not always be easy, but it’s always worth it.

Geared Up and Ready to Climb

Little girl rock climbing.

Essential Gear for Kids Rock Climbing

There are 3 main pieces of climbing gear harness, shoes and helmet. There are additional items that may make life easier or more enjoyable, below are the must haves.

Children’s Climbing Harness

Kids climbing harnesses are full body so if they flip upside down they won’t fall out. For a 3 year old we got a XXS size which fit them until about 6.
We bought our kids harnesses from MEC in Canada, we got the Edelrid Fraggle III Harness
For USA, REI carries harnesses
You can also check out local climbing shops
If you buy used do a really good check to ensure there is no wear or tear on the harness - they don’t last forever

Climbing Harness Roped Up and Ready To Go

Toddler taking a break from climbing

Children’s Climbing Helmets

Our kids wear helmets all the time if playing at the base of a narrow crag and while on the wall. We are very cautious for rock fall.
The first time out with our kids they wore their bike helmets, they are not rated for rock fall. Since then we realized our old climbing helmets fit them! The turn dial tightens enough for their little heads so we have been using our helmets.
You can purchase kids sized climbing helmets too. Leaving links for MEC (Canada) and REI (USA) for your convenience.

Chillin’ at the Crag

Take the kids rock climbing

Children’s Climbing Shoes

Climbing shoes are not required, you can use runners. Our daughter could have climbed in running shoes but they are harder to try to keep tiny feet on a wall than climbing shoes.
There aren’t that many small kids climbing shoe options. We have Evolv Venga Rock Shoes. This climbing shoe fits small compared to running shoe sizes. I recommend either try on in a store or going a few sizes up. We got a larger size and she wears socks comfortably in them. The velcro and wide mouth of the shoe makes them easy to slip on and off. The shoes seem quality made and are working well.

3 Year Old Sized Climbing Harness and Shoes

Toddler climbing harness and climbing shoes

Other Kids Climbing Gear Ideas

Chalk Bag

Our daughter liked to wear my chalk bag for fun but doesn’t use it. As she got older she actually wanted chaulk for grip.

Picnic Blanket

If the crag or bouldering is a short approach we often bring a picnic blanket. We have a rubber bottom blanket but are planning to bring a old tarp next time because the blanket and our dog bed got covered in tree sap, which is crazy hard to clean.

Bags, Baby Carriers and Coolers

Prior to kids we could carry one 30L backpack each for our climbing gear. We now use 50+L bags to carry the extra gear, food, toys, diapers, etc. We enjoy short approach climbs because our 3 year old can hike it herself but it’s a lot easier with a heavy bag and a baby to carry as well.

Pop Up Baby Tents

If you have a baby coming with you a pop up baby tent / play pen that has a full mesh cover is super helpful for naps, stop them from eating dirt and a place to entertain the kid.

Super Mom Ready For a Day at the Crag

Climbing with Kids - Gear Tips and Tricks