Climbing with Children
Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport; please read our guidelines and policies below to keep you, your children, and other guests safe. Benchmark welcomes responsible climbers of all ages.
What to know before coming to the gym:
Everyone entering the facility must have a valid customer account and fill out a waiver (whether you are climbing or spectating). Minors must have their waiver filled out by their parent or legal guardian.
Our official policy is that children 13 and under must be closely supervised by an adult at all times. The climbing gym is not a playground, and Benchmark does not provide on-demand staff to supervise children.
For children 10 and under, we require a 1:2 adult to child ratio. For children 11-13, we require a 1:3 ratio.
Children 16 and under are not permitted in the weight training room.
General Guidelines, Etiquette and Facility Rules:
You are responsible for your child’s safety while inside the gym; please review the following expectations with them before coming to the gym.
No running.
Climbing specific shoes are required (no bare feet or street shoes).
When others are climbing, please step away from the wall, off the mats, and onto the concrete while waiting your turn.
Be aware of other climbers in the gym and their fall zones; do not walk underneath anyone who is climbing and be sure to look up while walking through the space.
Keep personal items off the mats and stored in cubbies or lockers.
Membership Options for Children & Families:
If a parent or guardian holds an $130/month Unlimited Membership, then up to two of their children aged 10 and under may climb for free under their membership. Additional children must purchase a Student Membership at $85/month.
Children 11 and over must have their own membership.
Parents who do not wish to purchase their own membership may purchase an $85/month Student Membership for their children and spectate/supervise for free.
Day Passes:
Parents who purchase a $30 Day Pass may also purchase a discounted $20 Day Pass for their children 10 and under. If you do not wish to climb, you may purchase a $30 Day Pass for your child (regardless of age), and spectate/supervise for free.
Children 11 and over must purchase a full price $30 Day Pass.
FAQ:
Do you host birthday parties for children?
No, Benchmark does not host birthday parties for children. However, parents are more than welcome to organize a group of children on their own, provided there is a 1:1 ratio of parents to children. We cannot guarantee that there will be open tables or rental shoes available.
My child wants to climb but I am not able to come with them, what are my options?
If your child is 14 or older, they may come in and climb by themselves. They must have a waiver filled out by a parent or guardian. Children 13 and under must always be closely supervised by an adult.
Do you offer kids classes?
Benchmark does not currently offer kids classes, however we hope to have more coaches in the future available for 1:1 private lessons.
Do you have rental shoes available for children?
Yes! We have a wide range of rental shoe sizes available, including options for children.