I took my kids last Saturday to the new High Point Climbing and Fitness in Huntsville. My boys, ages 8 and 5, spent two and a half hours climbing and wearing themselves out. The 8-year-old has climbed at the Space and Rocket Center before, but this was the 5-year old’s first time. They had an absolute blast. They’ve already told me I’m bringing them back!

High Point Climbing for Kids

The gym is designed for kids and adults. It has a children’s room, which offers interactive walls; such as a volcano you can make erupt, a fire to put out, or even a race wall with a timer.

My 5-year-old loved the building climbers, they started at the ground and then went around in a square until you were high off the ground. He then would jump and the ropes would guide him to the floor. He probably did it at least 20 times.

My oldest was determined to make it to the top before we left. The pride when he did was really worth the whole experience. He practiced on the rocket climber – because of course we need a rocket in Rocket City – but the volcano turned out to be his favorite.

There is a bouldering wall in the back that kids can climb on without ropes. The idea is to only use one color to practice different routes. I saw several big kids trying and the littles were just happy to grab whatever color was nearby. There were also walls that looked like the ‘adult’ climbing walls, a pirate ship that had three routes you could use to get the treasure, and even one with a castle. They could pretend to scale the walls or rescue the princess.

We did see a birthday party while there. High Point provided a staff assistant and the group played for a while before going up to one of the two party rooms. It looked like the first time a lot of the kids had climbed and they had a blast racing their parents to the top.

Great for Grownups Too!

A friend and I went by ourselves a few days before I took the kids. We climbed for two hours and then were sore for two days. My boys felt no such soreness, the joys of youth! We did enjoy it, however, and plan to go back to climb with the kids as a group.

The adult section had a bouldering room and then a room with walls reaching up to 44 feet high. You can use the auto belays, like the kids’ room, or belay with a partner. High Point requires you to take a class to use the belays and you must be at least 13 to take the test. The belay is the rope system that keeps you safe when climbing. There are 23 auto belays in the building that you can hook right into without needing a partner or a class.

High Point Fitness

We explored the building and saw the onsite gym with weight and cardio equipment, as well as a room designed to help you become a better climber. There is also a locker room with a shower and the birthday party rooms also are used for yoga classes for members. The membership lets you climb when you like, attend free clinics, and discounted climbing classes also.

Overall, this was a great way to spend a Saturday. It is very different from other indoor play places for kids. My boys were thrilled at the end and really proud of how much they had done. My friend decided to have her soon to be 6-year-old daughter’s birthday party there next month, as well. I would say go and check it out and climb with your kids. Racing them to the top really is fun!

High Point Climbing and Fitness Huntsville

Where: 1020 Nunnahsae, N Park Dr NW, Huntsville, AL (map)
Phone: 938-200-8330

Cost: DAY PASS: Adult $17.50 | Child 10 & Under $15.50
GEAR PACKAGE: $6

Hours:
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM: Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Sundays

View Website | High Point Huntsville Facebook and Instagram

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tracey Tylman is an Illinois native who moved to Huntsville in 2007. She has been a freelance writer and a historical tour guide both here and in Illinois. She loves to read and hike. She is a mom of two boys, ages 8 and almost 5, and enjoys taking them to museums and local parks.

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