Kids' Climbing Fest

Kids Climbing Festival at The Gravity Vault Indoor Rock Gyms – Saturday, May 24th, 10am–2pm

Kids Climbing Festival Event Overview

The Kids Climbing Festival is a special family-friendly event designed for kids ages 5–14 who are curious about rock climbing, want to stay active, or are just looking for a fun and affordable way to spend time on a Saturday. For only $10, each child will receive one hour of climbing time on our 35-foot tall top rope walls under the supervision and support of trained Gravity Vault staff. Climbing sessions start every 30 minutes beginning at 10am. The last session begins at 1:30pm.

In addition to climbing, kids will participate in climbing-themed games and activities to help build confidence and introduce them to basic climbing skills. All activities will take place in our designated kids area—known as the Party Wall—featuring colorful climbing holds shaped like animals, letters, and other kid-friendly designs that make the experience both engaging and playful.

No experience is necessary, and all climbing equipment is included. Our trained staff members will be on hand to ensure each child climbs safely while having as much fun as possible. It’s the ideal way for families to try climbing without the full cost of a private session or long-term commitment.

No reservations required

Kids Climbing Festival - Activities Included

Our instructors hand picked our Kids Class and Summer Camp favorite activities to host during our Kids' Climbing Festival. During your child’s one-hour session at the Fest, they’ll be guided through a range of fun and skill-building activities. Here’s what’s included in the $10 event pass:

• Top Rope Climbing on 35-Foot Walls: With the support of certified Gravity Vault staff belayers, kids will climb on our designated kids climbing walls. Top rope climbing introduces them to the ropes, harnesses, and teamwork that make indoor climbing such a unique sport.

• Climbing Games: Fun, movement-based games in our climbing area are designed to keep kids engaged, laughing, and learning without even realizing it. These games help build balance, coordination, and trust.

• Intro to Climbing Skills: Our instructors will introduce foundational climbing techniques, including types of holds, how to move feet efficiently, and how to climb laterally (traverse) along the wall. These skills form the building blocks for anyone interested in climbing more regularly.

• Specialized Kids’ Climbing Area: All activities take place on our Party Wall, an area specifically designed for young climbers. It’s full of creative climbing holds and color-coded routes that encourage exploration and creativity while staying age-appropriate.

If you’ve ever wondered whether rock climbing might be a good fit for your child, this event offers a fun, no-pressure way to find out.

Know Before You Go

We want your experience at the Kids Climbing Festival to be smooth and stress-free. To help with that, here are a few things to know before you arrive:

• Fill Out Your Waiver: All climbers and spectators are required to have a waiver on file. To save time at check-in, please visit our website and complete the waiver before you arrive. It only takes a few minutes and helps us get your child climbing faster. Click Here to fill out the waivers.

• Wear the Right Clothes: Kids should wear comfortable, athletic-style clothing they can easily move around in. Climbing shoes and harnesses will be provided as part of the $10 fee.

• Supervision Required: Parents must remain on site during the event. You’ll be able to watch your child climb, cheer them on, and ask our staff any questions about future programs.

Location - Just off Route 9 in Poughkeepsie, NY 

The Gravity Vault Poughkeepsie is located at 6 Neptune Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. We're conveniently situated just two minutes from the Poughkeepsie Galleria and close to Vassar Brothers Medical Center, making it easy to plan a fun day around the festival. With plenty of nearby food options and shopping, it’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday with your family.

We're a short drive from Poughkeepsie, Arlington, Hyde Park, Spackenkill, Wappinger Falls and Beacon.

If you're searching for "fun things for kids near me" or "weekend kids activities in the Hudson Valley," our location makes The Gravity Vault an easy and accessible destination for families and kids to have a fun day!

We offer ample free parking and air conditioning, so no matter the weather, your child can have a blast climbing safely and comfortably.

More Climbing Options for Kids

Most Popular - 1 Hour Staff Belay Private Climbing Lesson

Best for Beginner Skill Development - 6 Weeks Kids Rock Climbing Class

Best for Advanced Skill Development - Youth Rock Climbing Team Competitive and Recreational

Best for Groups of Kids (5 or more)  -Introduction to Rock Climbing

Best Birthday Parties in the Hudson Valley -Kids Birthday Parties

Great Summer Activities - Summer Rocks Rock Climbing Summer Camp

Homeschool Options - Homeschool Meetup

The Benefits of Rock Climbing for Kids

Indoor rock climbing is more than just a fun way to burn off energy—it’s also packed with developmental benefits that can positively impact your child’s physical, mental, and social well-being. At The Gravity Vault, we see firsthand how climbing helps kids build resilience, focus, and confidence in themselves, all while having a blast.

• Physical Benefits: Climbing builds strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Because it’s a full-body activity that uses both large and small muscle groups, kids work on coordination and body awareness in every session.

• Mental Benefits: Climbing is often compared to solving a puzzle. Each move requires thought, planning, and the ability to stay calm and focused. Kids quickly learn to think ahead, try new strategies, and not give up when something feels hard.

• Social Skills: Group climbing activities encourage teamwork, patience, and communication. Whether they’re waiting their turn or cheering on a friend, climbers become part of a supportive community from their very first day.

• Goal Setting: Climbing offers tangible milestones and achievements. Reaching the top of a route or mastering a new hold teaches kids the value of effort and perseverance.

This event is especially helpful for families who are considering our 6-week youth climbing classes or summer camp programs. Normally, a private climbing session for one child starts at $65, so this $10 festival is an ideal way to test the waters and see if your child loves climbing as much as much as we do!