Youth beginners/tasters
There are loads of easy ways for kids to start climbing at The Arc – whether you’re looking for a one-off visit or a regular activity for your child. We welcome young climbers of all ages and there are options for both supervised drop-in climbing and structured courses, see Youth pages.
Join a Class or Course
We offer a range of fun and structured sessions for young climbers of all ages and experience levels. For a full list of classes, times and availability, visit our Youth page.
Youth Roped Beginners (12-15yrs)
We offer Roped Beginners’ courses for 12-15yrs. No previous experience is needed – just a sense of adventure! Led by friendly, experienced instructors, Participants will learn essential techniques including how to tie in, belay safely and move efficiently on the wall. This course is a pre-requisite for 12-15yrs looking to join our Youth Climbing classes for beginners. It runs over two sessions and you must attend both.
Book Youth Roped Beginners (12-15yrs)
Weekly term-time classes
Our progressive courses are the best way for kids to build climbing skills and confidence. We offer age-specific groups designed to keep things fun and appropriately challenging.
Holiday climbing
Active, engaging climbing sessions during school holidays – ideal for beginners or regulars looking for extra climbs.
Climbing clubs for teens
For young people who want to climb regularly and start developing more advanced skills in a social setting.
Tiny Academy
A fun and friendly introduction to climbing for parents and under 5s.
Book a Taster
These fun ‘have-a-go’ taster sessions are designed to introduce you to the world of indoor climbing without committing to a formal course. Family and Kids-Only Tasters are available on select weekends and during school holidays. See calendar for dates. See Course prices. We also run adult tasters.
Drop-In Climbing
To save time before your visit, you can complete our online forms in advance – these include a short safety video that covers the basics.
Bouldering
You don’t need to book or take a course to start bouldering – just turn up, sign in, and give it a go. Bouldering is climbing at low height over mats (no ropes) – a brilliant way to start climbing. At The Arc:
- Our upstairs bouldering wall in the South Block has lots of child-friendly boulder problems.
- There are some restrictions on access to downstairs bouldering in the North Block for the over 8s.
Roped Climbing
Roped climbing includes auto belay, top-rope or lead climbing.
- Children of any age can use the auto belays at The Arc, once their supervising adult has completed a free auto belay induction (available at reception – no booking needed).
- Kids of any age can also climb with a supervising adult who has been signed off to use ropes. See adult Roped Beginners’ courses.
Supervision: All climbers under 16 must be supervised by a registered adult for bouldering and auto belay and all under 18s must be supervised for roped climbing. One adult can supervise up to two children per visit.
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’re unsure whether to book a course or just drop in, feel free to contact us or chat with one of our friendly team when you arrive – we’re always happy to help.
Do you live closer to Bristol? We also run courses and classes at The Mothership and The Church.
