University of Calgary Outdoor Centre — Climbing

My son, who is 9 and quite active, recently attended the climbing program at the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre. He had a great time learning to climb and boulder, and I was impressed by the engaged staff who really made an effort to connect with each child. They kept the group sizes small, which allowed for more individualized attention. However, the lines for the climbing walls could be a bit long, especially during peak times, which sometimes tested his patience. He loved building up his skills and even made a new friend who shared the same enthusiasm for climbing. Overall, it’s a solid program, and I’d recommend it to other parents with active kids looking for a fun outdoor activity. Just be prepared for some waiting time!

My son attended the climbing program at the University of Calgary Outdoor Centre last weekend, and while it was mostly a solid experience, there were a few hiccups worth noting. The instructor, Sarah, was very engaging and made sure all the kids felt comfortable on the wall. My son, who is quite active, was thrilled to learn how to boulder and even completed a few routes on his first try. The small group size really helped him get personalized attention, which I appreciated. However, we did encounter long lines, especially when waiting for the more popular climbing walls, which frustrated some of the kids. This wait could be tough for active ones who don't like to sit still. Overall, I think this program is a great choice for kids looking to explore climbing in an outdoor setting, but I recommend arriving early to mitigate the wait times.