A rock climbing party can be an exciting way for kids to celebrate. This adventurous activity no longer requires an actual mountainside thanks to the indoor rock climbing wall that has become a feature at many party centers and gyms. Select a location that can accommodate the ability level and safety considerations of your age group, and incorporate the rock climbing theme into the design of party elements such as invitations, games and party favors.
Location
While actual outdoor rock climbing can be an exciting adventure, it is probably best to hold your kids party at an indoor rock climbing facility. These facilities are designed with safety features such as cushioned floor mats and rubber climbing steps. Many rock climbing facilities offer party packages that include the benefit of staff members on hand to assist young climbers. These features reduce the risk of injury and avoid the prospect of cancellation due to weather. When you book the rock climbing party, inquire about the time frame, activities included and whether the facility will provide food. Many party packages include pizza and drinks, while you are responsible to bring your own cake.
Invitations
When you visit the rock climbing facility to arrange your party, take a photo of your child on the rock wall. Print this photograph on the front side of postcard paper, and on the text side write something in the rock climbing theme such as, "Join Jimmy as he climbs to the age of 10!" Include the date, time and party address, as well as important information, such as recommended rock climbing attire.
Games
The rock climbing facility will likely have staff members engage the kids in age-appropriate games and activities. Some ideas to incorporate into the party are one-on-one races or relay races to the top of a climbing wall. Party guests also might enjoy the forbidden word game. For this game, give each child a collection of glow bracelets to wear during the party. Explain to the guests that they are forbidden to use the word "rock" or "climb." When one player catches another player using the forbidden word, the offender has to surrender one of his bracelets to the player who caught him. The player with the most glow bracelets at the end of the party is the winner.
This game is often played for the duration of a party, but since guests will need to concentrate on the wall while climbing, it may be better to set a designated time to play, like when the kids are sitting down to eat.
Favors
Plastic, sports-style water bottles often can be found in the dollar store. Fill these with rock candy and give to guests as party favors. Other rock climbing party favors include pop rocks, pet rocks and rock climbing T-shirts -- make your own or purchase through the facility. You also might take a photo of each child on the rock climbing wall. After you return home, print each picture and matte it on decorative paper with a rock-style print. Place in a silver or gray picture frame. This favor would have to wait until after the party, but can be hand delivered along with your thank you notes.
Considerations
Some rock climbing facilities require parents of party guests to sign a release form. You can send these along with the invitations and request that they are brought to the party. There also might be a parent or guardian presence requirement. Inquire if this is so and indicate to the parents that an adult must attend as well. Even if the party place doesn't require each child to have a parent present, you might want to do so anyway, in case of the event of even a minor injury.
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