risky play

CLIMB, FAVORITE GEAR, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
How to Get Started Rock Climbing With Kids
- June 9, 2022
Are you looking for a fun, challenging, and active way to spend time together as a family? Want to help your kids develop problem-solving skills, boost their confidence, and increase their concentration? Then rock climbing might just be your new favorite family activity! Today, youth climbing coach and Washington mom of 4, RyAnn Peverly shares everything you need to know to get started rock climbing with your kids. She’ll go over all the gear you need (or don’t need), rock climbing terminology, the types of climbing you can try, and practical advice (from a mom) for rock climbing with kids.

A climbing adventure

A few years ago, I was perusing a shop in one of our favorite mountain towns and came across a shirt with the quote “Adventure is a Family Value” written across the front. While that shirt has long since been put away (thanks to many kid-caused stains), the quote is something I adopted in my heart and still live by to this day.

Part of adopting that motto meant trying new things and sharing those experiences with my kids. And one of the best new things we started doing as a family was rock climbing. I’m so excited to share this fun activity with you in the hopes of convincing you to give it a try with your kids!

Benefits of rock climbing for kids

Rock climbing is a great activity for families to try together. There are so many great benefits of rock climbing for young kids. It helps teach problem-solving and decision-making skills. It’s great for working on communication and building/establishing trust with one another. Plus, we all know the benefits of staying active, playing together, and spending time OFF screens.

Climbing is also a great sport for both younger kids and older kids. Climbing helps them with eye-hand coordination, gross motor skills, and body awareness. It is an activity that engages every major muscle group and requires the climber to pay attention to how they are moving their body. Rock climbing helps kids build courage, confidence, and self-esteem, as well as increases their concentration, focus, physical fitness, and patience. It helps with agility, endurance, speed, concentration, flexibility, and perseverance.

Best age to start rock climbing for kids

The good news is that there’s no magic age for learning how to rock climb. You can learn at any age (adults included). Most climbing gyms will have a minimum age of 5 years old, but depending on your child and the type of climbing they’re doing, some places allow kids as young as 2 to give it a try. The requirement to be 5 is more about the child being mature enough to listen and follow instructions, more than them being “ready” to climb. Climbing comes a lot more naturally to young children and requires less upper body strength for little bodies, so starting them early gives them a good jump start over starting as an adult.

Types of rock climbing for kids

There are several different types of rock climbing, and understanding the difference can help you know what type of gear you will need and where to start. For kids and adults that have never been rock climbing before, bouldering or top-rope climbing is a great place to begin.

Bouldering

Bouldering is climbing in its simplest form and is great to kick off with. When bouldering, you leave behind ropes and harnesses and just climb (sometimes using climbing shoes, chalk, and safety mats). The point of bouldering is to climb short but tricky routes or sequences using balance, technique, strength, and your brain. You have to problem-solve on the fly. You don’t need experience, much instruction, or lots of expensive gear, making it really easy to get into if you’ve never tried it before. Bouldering climbs are enough to be exciting, but most routes are easy to jump off of or climb down from, so they’re not super intimidating or scary for kids. Many indoor climbing gyms offer a variety of bouldering walls.

Top rope

This type of climbing is the most popular setup for beginners both in climbing gyms and outdoors. Top rope climbing is what most people imagine when they think of climbing. Top roping is when the climbing rope is anchored to a spot at the top of the route. The climber then climbs toward the anchor while their partner keeps the rope taut, known as belaying. Top roping is a great option for beginners because it is safer than other types of climbing and requires a lot less knowledge for beginners. New climbers really only need to know one knot and bring along one person who can belay. It allows new climbers to get a feel for rock climbing without many risks.

Taking your rock climbing skills to the next level

If climbing becomes a sport your family wants to get more involved with, there are always opportunities to progress and advance your skills. Whether that’s in ain indoor rock climbing gym setting or taking your skills outdoors on your own! Beyond bouldering and top-roping, there is sport and traditional climbing, both of which involve lead climbing and setting up routes on your own. For both of these types of rock climbing, you’ll need more advanced training, a bit more gear, and lots of practice.

Sport climbing

The first type of lead climbing that most people learn is sport climbing. Sport climbing is climbing using fixed protection for safety. The climber wears a harness and is tied to a rope which is managed by a belayer below. The climber clips the rope into bolts that are pre-drilled while climbing. For this, we use “quickdraws” to clip into the bolts with hangers as you progress higher on the wall.

Traditional climbing

Traditional climbing, also known as “trad” climbing, is the most advanced of all types of rock climbing. This form requires the climber to use specialized gear that is placed in natural cracks and holes in the rock for protection. Trad climbing requires you to learn how to place this gear in a way that the gear can safely catch a belayed fall, but it can also be removed when done with the climb.

If you are interested in learning these more advanced forms of climbing, I always suggest taking a clinic or hiring a professional to teach you these skills before going out on your own.

Where to get started rocking climbing

After deciding which type of climbing most interests your family, the next step is finding the right location to begin your training. The best ways to get started are either at a local indoor climbing gym or with a certified guide.

Climbing gym

Getting started in a climbing gym is probably the easiest and most economical way to learn how to rock climb. Climbing gyms are a great place to get started from the beginning as they generally have both bouldering and top-rope climbing areas so that you can test out both styles in a controlled environment. Climbing gyms also provide a supportive environment filled with climbers that are willing to help with advice and tips. They also offer gear rentals which makes it a low-cost commitment to try out while you decide if this is something you’d like to continue before investing in gear.

The best way to start in a climbing gym is to take an orientation or an “Intro to Climbing” class. These rocking climbing classes offer new climbers an understanding of how the systems and styles work. Although bouldering is relatively easy to start on your own, top-roping requires learning how to tie into a rope as the climber, and how to manage the rope as a belayer. An Intro class will teach you the various types of climbing skills on the indoor climbing walls so that your family can enjoy all a climbing gym has to offer.

Check out the Indoor Climbing website to find a climbing gym close to you. Many indoor climbing gyms offer youth programs or youth discounts for young climbers. They may also offer day camps, summer camps, birthday parties, open gym time, kids’ activities, games, school programs, themed day events, competitive youth teams, and other ways to make climbing fun and social for kids.

Rock climbing outdoors with a guide

If you want to take the adventure outdoors, the best way to go about this is to hire a certified rock climbing guide. Outdoor climbing can be a risky sport, so learning from an experienced guide is highly recommended to provide for a safer environment. When you hire a rock climbing guide, you will get personalized instruction, and most guides have gear for you to use while out for the day.

When considering a rock climbing guide, look for an AMGA-Accredited guiding business. The American Mountain Guides Association is a nationally recognized organization that provides guides with the training they need to lead others in outdoor pursuits safely. In order for a business to become certified by the AMGA, it must commit to the highest standard of safety and professionalism.

Here is an example of two certified businesses:
- American Alpine Institute
- Pisgah Climbing School
Climbing terms you should know

Whether you get started in a gym or with a guide outside, you will likely hear other climbers and your guide use some words you’re not familiar with. As with most sports, climbing has its own language. Getting a head start on some of the terminology can help in understanding this sport in a better way.
- Belaying: Using a piece of gear, called a belay device, to control the amount of rope going to a climber and to arrest a fall. The person belaying is called the belayer.
- Route: Common term for a particular path to climb, either on a natural rock face or gym wall.
- Boulder problem: Instead of “route,” the word “problem” is often used when referring to bouldering rather than roped climbing.
- Pitch: A segment of a rock climbing route for which one rope length is used. Most outdoor rock climbs are one pitch.
- Multi-pitch: A route of more than one pitch, which requires resetting the rope progressively higher up the wall as climbers ascend. (advanced climbing)
- Anchor: A point (or set of points) where gear is secured to fasten the rope and hold a fall.
- Crag: An outdoor rock climbing destination, typically one that consists of many different single-pitch climbs.
Rock climbing gear for kids

Like with most outdoor adventure sports, climbing gear can come with a hefty price tag. But do not be dismayed! When starting out, rock climbing gyms and guides will have the gear you need to get started. And depending on what type of climbing your family is interested in, one or two key pieces of gear are probably all you need. As your family develops more skills, you can start to invest in what makes the most sense for you.

When people ask me what gear they should invest in first, I always say a good pair of climbing shoes and a harness. Yes, most gyms and guides generally have rentals, but if climbing is a sport your family finds they really love, those rental fees can add up after a while.
- Shoes: A good pair of climbing shoes will fit snugly and provide the friction needed to grip holds while climbing. There are lots of styles, so it is best to go try them on at a retailer to see what shoe fits best.
- Harness: If you are climbing with ropes, you will need a harness. The harness allows you to tie into the climbing system safely. Harnesses consist of two main components; a waist belt and leg loops. This is another piece of gear that is worth trying on before you buy.
- Helmet: When climbing outdoors, a helmet should always be worn. Helmets are designed to protect your head from possible falling debris and if a climber falls. Climbing helmets should fit snugly and comfortably, like a bike helmet.
- Chalk & chalk bag: Climbers use chalk to help with grip while on the wall. The chalk helps to absorb any perspiration on your hands so they’re not slick. Chalk is carried in chalk bags attached to the back of a harness. 8BPLUS makes fun chalk bags my kids love.
- Crash pad: If you are going to take bouldering outside, these are a must-have item. Crash pads are made of dense foam and placed under a climber to protect their fall. Plus, they make a great nap spot for tired little climbers.
- Carabiners: Strong, metal rings with a spring-loaded gate that are used to connect rope and other gear. The first carabiner that you purchase will most likely be for use with a belay device.
- Belay device: The belay device is an essential piece of gear that you will need the more you get into climbing. Most gyms and guides will have some for use, but this may be something to add to the purchase list early on. The belay device is used by the belayer to control the rope. These devices allow the belayer to take in slack created by a climber, and let out rope to safely lower a climber.
- Ropes: There are lots of different ropes on the market, but when just getting started, there is really only one type of rope that is necessary. Rock climbing ropes need to be dynamic, meaning they have enough stretch to absorb the energy of a fall. I always recommend speaking with a professional before purchasing your first rope.
Practical advice for rock climbing with kids

Now that our family has been climbing together for a while now, I’ve learned a few things that keep us successful, whether we are at the gym or spending a weekend camping and climbing at a local crag. Here’s my most practical advice for parents when just getting started rock climbing with kids.

Start small

The first time you go rock climbing may not be the grand adventure you were expecting. Your first few times will be a lot of instruction, outfitting, familiarizing yourself with the gear, and trial and error. Those first few times trying, kids will learn how it feels to be in a harness, the names and usage of equipment and climbing commands, how it feels to tackle different climbing holds, how to rappel with proper form, and trust the belayer and equipment to protect them from falls. That’s a lot! And may not leave a lot of time for the actual climbing.

The first time we all went to the gym together, I thought we would be there for at least two hours. We left a little after 20 minutes. Everyone climbed one route, and then they were tired and done. It was small, but it was a start. Sometimes, that’s enough.

Lower your expectations

Lower your expectations for your rock climbing with kids experience. Now lower them again! While almost all kids climb something in their daily lives (think kitchen cabinets, furniture, trees in the yard, playground jungle gym), that does not always mean they will jump on the wall and climb to the top. As a youth climbing instructor, I have seen many kids freeze as soon as they tie into a rope, and not climb more than three feet off the ground. That’s ok! They are getting comfortable with new gear and a new environment. Go into your rock climbing adventure with zero expectation, and maybe your child will surprise you!

Bring snacks (and entertainment)

As with all of our adventures, I never leave home without an arsenal of favorite snacks. Sometimes taking a break to enjoy a favorite treat or energizing granola bar can be just the motivation they need to try again. Climbing can take a lot out of your kids, so keeping them fed and hydrated is key to keeping them happy and focused. Also, because rock climbing usually requires 2 people working together at a time (one climber and one belayer), if you have more than one kid, bring along entertainment for your younger kids to do while others climb.

Be positive

Sending a route does not have to be the only measurement of a successful climbing day. Work together as a family to choose what you’re going to climb. Let the kids help in any part of the process that is safe. And, if all they want to do is climb a few feet up the wall and swing, then let them swing! Keep your attitude positive and supportive. Encourage your kids to climb, but don’t push them beyond their comfort zone. Let them decide what they feel comfortable with. Every time you go rock climbing with your kids, you increase their exposure to the sport, and they get more experience. But most importantly, you spent time together.

* Thank you to Pisgah Climbing School for providing pictures.

Rock climbing with kids

I hope this post has inspired you to give rock climbing with kids a try! It’s such a great sport for children of all ages (and parents) and a perfect way to spend time together doing something active, challenging, and fun! Next time you’re looking for something fun for the whole family to do, check out the options and availability at your local climbing gym and give it a try! Or sign your little climber up for one of the many climbing camps offered at a climbing gym this summer. We hope your kids will learn to climb to new heights this year!

Have your kids tried rock climbing?

About the author

RyAnn is a mom of four (20, 18, 15, 6) that loves exploring her home in the Pacific Northwest. She works as a youth outdoor program instructor for the Mountaineers Org. in Washington state. RyAnn also loves getting out and adventuring with her family as much as possible. They enjoy traveling around the PNW in their converted Sprinter campervan. On her days off she generally loads up the van and hits the trails for hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or climbing. RyAnn is passionate about instilling love and respect for outdoor spaces in her kids and the youth she is lucky to work with.

You can find more from RyAnn in the following locations:
Instagram: @mountain_mama4
Website: Mountain Mama
RWMC articles: RyAnn
FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TEENS
Healthy Risk Through Outdoor Adventure and Travel
- November 10, 2021
Risk is a part of our everyday lives. Learning to navigate and assess risk is an essential life skill for all kids. But embracing risky play and feeling comfortable in our decision to let kids take risks can be hard for parents. How do we teach our kids about healthy risk while still maintaining a safe and secure environment? Well, you can’t always. However, there are ways to do it with intention. Today, Jen Barnes, South Carolina mom to three teenagers is here to help realize the benefits (and needs) of letting your kids take healthy risks. She shows us that outdoor adventure and travel are the two best ways to embrace healthy risk and their place in the development of our kids.

What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly!”

What is risk?

Risk is most often defined as the possibility of suffering a harmful event or exposure to the chance of injury or loss. Risky play can generally be defined as thrilling and exciting forms of play that involve a risk of physical injury.

But did you know the synonyms of risk are opportunity, venture, fortune, and fortuity?

So, which is it: is risk good or is risk bad? Of course, it’s not that simple. The complexity is in understanding what is the relationship between risk and reward. We can give our kids understanding through experiences to guide them along in assessing risk vs reward and frame the concept of “no risk no reward” with a strong foundation.

Remember, only by taking risks can kids learn to manage risk intelligently, thus creating a habit of healthy risk-taking. Characteristics of kids who are healthy risk-takers include tenacious, persistent, opportunity seekers, and courage. Aren’t those the type of characteristics we are all trying to instill in our kids?

What does risk have to do with the outdoors?

Unlike financial investments, there is no practical risk-reward ratio in nature. Hopefully, this makes risk a little more approachable. There is a simplicity of trial and error as kids play in their natural environment. Soon, healthy risk becomes part of play and an essential part of development.

Many believe that playing it safe is the riskiest choice we can ever make because it stunts development and personal growth. Scott Sampson who wrote How to Raise a Wild Child says, “by preventing our kids from engaging in risky play we are also preventing them from how to navigate risk. A skill they will desperately need as teenagers and the rest of their lives.”

Healthy risk requires play

Children learn through play. Children learn holistically through unstructured free play outdoors. As their imaginations and creativity are sparked into flame outside, they are also problem-solving and engaging in cause and effect. It may seem like a jump to say these things have a part in risk, but as you know, lessons layer upon each other.

Every time your 6-year-old daughter runs across a wobbly log she is enjoying the beauty of her environment while learning her own physical capabilities. She may fall off, or the log may move, demonstrating to her she took a healthy risk she could manage. Even if things didn’t go the way she wanted them to she is learning. Depriving her of this experience by saying “no, that’s not safe” means you are depriving her of learning her capabilities (and limits) and embracing her potential.

The outdoors has a way of testing not just physical acuity, but also mental. The many variables of weather, wildlife, and unstable surroundings give kids a chance to try, fail, try again, and succeed in their endeavors. Learning through play in nature contributes to giving kids a strong foundation.

From a 7-year-old climbing on boulders to a 17-year-old planning a backpacking adventure, healthy risk-taking is involved and growth happens because of it. I love what our friends @laneslesstraveled on Instagram had to say about kids and risk and consequences in a recent post. Check it out for some perspective from a typical family that spends a lot of time outdoors.

Practical ways to invite healthy risk in for young kids

The obvious answer the question about how to find “healthy risks” is straightforward — get outside. But, I wanted to provide ideas for age-appropriate healthy risks and actions you can take with your kids today. While I wholeheartedly believe that any time outside is worthwhile, these ideas will give your kids a chance to grow in confidence and competence outdoors. The benefits of outdoor play will be seen over time as your child develops.

As a personal anecdote, I had an early walker who was climbing playgrounds by age 1. She was tiny and it made me incredibly nervous, but telling her no did nothing. How could I take her to play outdoors but restrain her from play? At that age, kids are impossible to reason with, so my best tactic was to stand underneath her and encourage her to press on. She and I learned together how much she was capable of and I was completely amazed.

We can learn from Linda Akeson McGurk who says, “As parents we need to resist the urge to fall into fear-based approaches that drive parents to hold on to children too tightly and prevent them from growing in healthy ways.” Holding on too tightly would have frustrated both of us.

Risky play activities for kids

Risky play involves kids experimenting with what they can accomplish and pushing themselves to figure out what will happen without knowing the exact outcome. It’s kind of like a science experiment, where kids get to test out their bodies, physical ability, environment, and coordination to determine what they can (and can’t) do and what they’re comfortable with. It’s a way for them to figure out how their bodies work and how the world works around them. Risky play doesn’t mean dangerous play.

Here are the types of “risky play” activities that kids can engage in:
- climbing (trees, towers)
- jumping off things (stairs, rocks, the diving board)
- experiencing speed (swings, ziplines, skiing, skateboarding)
- using tools (hammer, saw)
- rough and tumble play
- balancing activities
Nature fosters healthy risk-taking

Getting young children out into open spaces like the woods or a farm is helpful in introducing natural risk. Without the distractions of toys or screens, kids learn to find and make their own fun. Often you will find young kids creating their own games and contests in these outdoor spaces typically climbing over natural obstacles and jumping and running free through mud and muck. They like to push their bodies to see what they can accomplish and test the limits in a natural environment.

They fall down and get dirty a lot. Sometimes they scrape a knee or get some bruises. They fail, they succeed, they try again, they push their limits, they question their ability. And every time they do, they learn why that happened, what they’re capable of, and how to manage it differently (or the same) next time. Those types of experiences give kids the opportunity to see what produces the results they want or need in a given situation, which is exactly what risk assessment is all about.

Escalating the risk factor for older kids

As kids get older, they need healthy ways to foster independence and confidence. Older kids feel a strong need to prove themselves capable, which becomes apparent in their actions and decision-making. Of course, this plays out differently amongst the many personalities. But, that desire is there in some way.

As parents, it is our job to encourage and facilitate activities that will give our kids an opportunity to test themselves, but still keep them safe. You will notice that older kids will begin to try new things, as well as resist help, which is completely normal development.

When your child starts pushing the limits, instead of a blanket “be careful,” try asking questions like, “How do you think you’ll make it across the creek?” or “Which route are you taking up the tree?” These questions give your older kids the power to make their own decisions but also guide them into thinking through their decisions.

Try new things

Healthy risk-taking often includes charting new territory. There are some wonderful outdoor adventure parks and outdoor adventure camps that provide big fun and big challenges to kids. Floating water parks in lakes and water obstacle courses are summertime activities that give kids some extra adventure. Ziplines and ropes courses give them a thrill and test their abilities in a safe way.

Consider signing up your kids for an adventure camp to let them try new things. They will get a small taste of several activities and one is bound to be a favorite. As a side note, this also gives kids a space to try something before you invest a bunch of money or time into a specific activity.

Listen to what you kids interests are and let them start to take the lead on activities. By age 10 kids are developing pretty strong opinions and are in the beginning stages of sorting out what they like and how they want to spend their time. If you are having a tough time tearing them away from shopping excursions or playing video games, have them invite a friend along.

Healthy risk and teenagers

Risky behavior can seem scary and overwhelming to parents of teenagers. The adolescent stage is a powerful combination of hormone overload (and no idea what to do with those hormones), and an intense need to prove something to themselves and those around them. Much of what we hear in the news is the ways teenagers choose negative risks that have no valuable rewards.

Teenagers are looking for an escape and a boundary-pushing experience. I truly believe both of those needs can be met in the outdoors. We, as parents, can show our teens how to exchange poor risk choices for healthy risk choices.

As a parent of three teenagers, I can tell you with full assurance that kids will push the limits, whether you are involved or not. Therefore, the more you participate in their endeavors, the better, so you can help guide their choices and actions. I don’t mean that becoming a helicopter parent is the answer. That will just backfire and they’ll choose to engage in risky activities away from you, despite your warnings.

When you are with your kids as they adventure, you affirm their choices and actions. You approve their desire for bigger challenges and more independence. It’s not going to be easy (anything involving parenting rarely is). This will require you to push your own limits from time to time as well. It will require you to take a step back and let them lead. It forces you to trust them in new ways. And, it may push you into activities and adventures you never dreamed of!

For example, I never thought I would learn to surf in my 40’s. However, my kids wanted to give it a try. In order to spend time with them and be a part of their risk-taking, I had to get out there with them. It was all new and not a choice I would have made for myself. But, getting out of my comfort zone shows my teens that hard things are doable and it’s ok if you aren’t very good at it!

Healthy risk activities for teens

Next time you are thinking about outdoor activities for teens, consider adding things that provide a bit of a challenge or thrill for them and can help them push boundaries in a healthy way.

Maybe consider renting ATVs as a way to get deeper into backcountry areas. Find a hike that ends with a bang like a waterfall they can swim in or cliff jump nearby. Perhaps instead of pulling up next to a lake to fish, you can hike into a spot with your fishing gear (or kayak there). Sign your kids up for a one-on-one lesson in something wild like kiteboarding or wakeboarding. There are also a host of winter activities that encourage tweens and teens to get outside and keep things just a bit exciting.

Another level of risk: adventure travel

Outdoor adventure travel may sound intimidating to some families, but I’m here to encourage you to give them a try and let you know that adventures come in many shapes and sizes. If travel in general or travel to a specific destination is an adventure to YOU, then it’s an adventure.

Traveling to a new place in and of itself is a healthy risk. The risk factor enters as you introduce your kids to new experiences that are different from your daily life. Don’t underestimate the power of exposing your kids to landscapes that look nothing like your typical surroundings and cultures that are different from your own. Even trying new foods can be a healthy risk. Getting our kids away from distractions plays a big role in their development as their confidence grows.

Outdoor adventure resorts are popping up across the world to provide families a place to spend quality time together while enjoying boundary-pushing experiences. These resorts cater to families and have a wide variety of activities like canyoneering, kayaking, zip-lining, sailing, and more outdoor adventure activities. Think of these resorts like camp for the entire family.

Favorite family adventure travel destinations

Our family loves traveling to new places and exploring. We love cities just as much (if not more) than beaches and mountains. There are so many amazing places out there to explore. And each destination brings on a whole new set of thrills, obstacles, adventures, and explorations. Travel is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and expand you horizons. Here are some family-friendly adventure travel destinations, perfect for finding a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages and interests,

Summer adventure travel destinations (May-September)
- Vail, Colorado
- Big Sky, Montana
- Voyageurs National Park, MN
- Maine
- Canadian Rockies
- Scandinavia
- Alaska
- Japan
- Dolomites, Italy
- Iceland
Winter adventure travel destinations (October-April)
- Costa Rica
- Patagonia (Argentina or Chile)
- Florida Keys
- Snowshoe, West Virginia
- New Mexico
- Big Bend National Park, TX
- Namibia
- Hawaii
- Belize
- Morocco
This is a vast and wide list, but I just wanted to get your wheels turning and give some inspiration. While this list is nowhere near exhaustive, you can see a few patterns. If you have water activity-loving kids, you may find more adventurous activities in the October to April list. You will find that many of the ski resorts transform in the summer months to give kids epic outdoor experiences. It’s a big world with a whole lot of variety.

*Pro tip: I keep a folder in my Instagram that I titled “Teen Destinations.” I save posts to it anytime I come across a destination or activity that looks fun, so I can easily access ideas for adventure planning.

Kids and teens need the outdoors

It would be irresponsible of me not to bring attention to the staggering reality regarding kids and the outdoors as a whole. Many of the statistics we see and hear are downright scary. We have all heard the number of hours that kids and teens are spending on screens is increasing at an alarming rate. And it’s not just video games and Dude Perfect YouTube videos. More of our kids’ education is being conducted on a screen. Their main methods of communication are through a smartphone via text, Snapchat, Tik Tok, and others.

Suffice it to say, kids rarely get a break from the constant noise and distractions. Did you know that our kids’ generation is in danger of a life expectancy lower than the generation before it? This is scary and something has to change.

Here is the good news- we can take action today to do something about it. In my research, I learned some incredible things about the effects of nature on our kids’ well-being. As little as 15 minutes in the woods scientifically shows a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol. When our human senses encounter nature, alpha waves are created in our brain giving us the neural resonance of relaxation.

Nature not only makes us feel better, but it also alters our biology, measurably reducing our fight or flight response. This is the automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening and triggers an acute stress response that prepares the body to fight or flee. Do you see that? Nature helps our kids in risky situations.

Neuroscientists are on the path to proving the positive effects of nature. Healthy interpersonal relationships, increased generosity toward others, as well as a sense of connection to the larger community of life are byproducts. Those positive effects are motivating to give kids more outside moments. In turn, they have ways to demonstrate their ability to manage healthy risk in a productive way.

For more risky play ideas

Included are resources that will help you teach your kids about healthy risks through outdoor adventures and travel.

Check out these books for practical help:
If you are looking for inspiration on family adventure travel check out this post on visiting a Dude Ranch during the winter.

What activities can you plan to introduce
healthy risk into the development of your kids and teenagers?

About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
5 Risky Activities that Help Kids Overcome Fear
- August 2, 2019
Keeping our little ones safe is the number one goal as a parent of young children. However, what happens when our fear of so-called “risky” activities keeps our kids from exploring the world in a safe and healthy manner? As kids grow, they need to learn how to engage in risky activities in a safe way. Their ability to take calculated risks when they’re young will lead them to make better decisions when they’re older. Today, we have Ben Hatfield of River Rascal here with 5 outdoor activities that help kids overcome fear. Learning how to do each of these activities in a safe manner will not only prepare your kid for future decision-making but will build their confidence and help curb anxiety.

Why toddlers need fear

In our early years, fear keeps us alive. When children are small and first starting to learn about the big world around them, everything is potentially dangerous to the risk-oblivious toddler. It’s no wonder parents are all frantically flapping after our kids as they innocently plod about. “Stop licking the plug sockets! Don’t climb out of the window! PUT THE KNIFE DOWN!” Having a toddler is like being on constant death-watch. Everything has the potential to hurt them and they couldn’t care less.

A big part of parenting a toddler is keeping them safe and teaching them how to eventually keep themselves safe. When you’re in the thick of those toddler years, it can seem like an unending task to teach children about the potential dangers that surround them. Eventually, though, kids learn NOT to cuddle open fires, lick carving knives or run enthusiastically off cliffs. They learn to be aware of their abilities (what they can and can’t do) and the risks inherent in their surroundings. This wariness towards potential danger helps keep them safe. It’s essential for toddlers to fear the various risks that surround them.

When fear flips

In early childhood, fear keeps us safe. But soon, the effect of fear reverses. As we grow up, holding onto those same fears becomes detrimental.

Fear leads to avoidance and avoidance breeds anxiety. As parents, if we continue to foster a sense of fear in our children about potentially risky things and actively try to keep kids away from anything remotely dangerous, we can lead them into a minefield of mental health issues.

Unfortunately, this is increasingly the way that we’re parenting. Constantly monitoring children and mitigating any dangers whatsoever prevents kids from learning to assess risks for themselves. The epidemic of risk aversion has kept kids clear of danger, but in so doing, has made them more vulnerable. Bubble-wrapping kids is counterproductive. It doesn’t keep them safe; it keeps them from learning how to evaluate risks and learn when and how to take safe risks. Luckily, there is a better way.

Conquering fear

Not long after we’ve taught our children to avoid fire, knives and heights, we have to reapproach those same dangers with them and demonstrate how to handle risk safely. As children grow and learn, they also must learn to reevaluate potentially risky activities and actions in a new light, based on their developed skills and abilities.

What was once dangerous and off-limits to very young kids can be beneficial and rewarding to older kids that are mature enough to know how to evaluate the risk and understand safety. Continuing to make these activities scary and off-limits could instill an unhealthy fear in your child or keep them from being able to safely evaluate later risk/reward scenarios.

5 activities that help kids overcome fear

Facing those learned fears head-on is the best way to conquer them. This is a natural and absolutely essential part of human development. Luckily, succeeding at this developmental stage is wonderfully simple, accessible and free! Here are 5 simple and accessible outdoor activities that help kids overcome fear and face it head-on by taking simple risks that will grow their resilience, build their confidence and conquer anxiety.

1. Tree climbing
- Conquered fear: Heights
- Recommended equipment: Helmet, tree, ropes and harness if you’re going high
- Ideal age: 4+
- Make it more challenging: Make a rope swing or build a treehouse
- How to make it safe: Teach kids to always have 3 points of contact (two feet, one hand etc) on the tree at all times. Teach them how to identify rotten branches and strong branches. Show them how to checking holds before putting any weight on a branch. Spot your child until they’re comfortable climbing.
Climbing trees and childhood should be synonymous. The beauty of this activity is how profoundly accessible it is. You don’t need to live near a national park or an area of outstanding natural beauty to climb a tree. Literally, all you need is a tree. Risk assessment is intrinsic to tree climbing which grows a child’s risk-assessing muscle very quickly. This is just one of many very simple and essential activities that help kids overcome fear.

2. Wild swimming
- Conquered fear: Open/deep water
- Recommended equipment: Life jacket, 360 snorkel mask and wetsuit (if cold)
- Ideal age: From when they can swim or use a suitably-sized life jacket
- Make it more challenging: Introduce them to jumping off rocks/riverbanks into the water
- How to make it safe: Make sure you know the tide and currents of the water that you’re planning to swim in. Know the depth of any water you’re jumping into. Provide constant supervision at all times while kids are swimming in open water, even in your kids are good swimmers.
Whether it’s the sea, a river or a lake, conquering the fear of open water unlocks a world of fun and adventure. Although, parents must still be extremely cautious with water as the risk of drowning is extremely serious. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, open swimming can become one of the most exhilarating ways to spend time in the wild with your kid. Paddleboarding is also a great way to explore deep and open water with your kid.

3. Fire building
- Conquered fear: Fire
- Recommended equipment: Firebox or firepit
- Ideal age: 4+
- Make it more challenging: Try to start a fire without matches or a lighter
- How to make it safe: Make sure there’s no risk of the fire spreading. This includes making sure you don’t have a fire directly on the ground as fire can spread through the ground. Teach kids how to properly light matches/lighter and dispose of them properly. Demonstrate proper fire etiquette rules, fire safety precautions and show how items around the fire can become dangerous when hot. Teach kids how to properly extinguish a fire and the importance of doing so properly.
Learning how to handle fire is a great skill for kids to learn. What’s better than huddling around a warm campfire, watching the flames? I like to call it Caveman’s TV.

4. Rope swing
- Conquered fear: High speed
- Recommended equipment: Rope
- Ideal age: 2+
- Make it more challenging: Set up your own rope swing in a tree
- How to make it safe: Make sure the rope and the branch can safely hold the child’s weight. Teach kids how to hold on tightly and securely. Make sure they aren’t swinging straight into a tree or over anything sharp/dangerous!
Who can resist a well-positioned rope swing? Taking a length of rope and setting up your own provides a great focus for time outdoors with your kids. If you can find somewhere to set it up safely into water then you’re in for a full-blown day’s worth of entertainment.

5. Whittling
- Conquered fear: Sharp objects
- Recommended equipment: Anti-cut gloves and first aid kit
- Ideal age: 4+
- Make it more challenging: There are a number of different whittling tools and items to create with whittling so once you have conquered one tool or item, simply move onto the next!
- How to make it safe: Constant 1-on-1 supervision is necessary for this activity at the beginning to ensure that it is safe. Teach kids properly knife handling skills, how to carry a knife and how to sheath it when not in use.
Learning how to handle a knife is a better way of keeping kids from injury than trying to put everything pointy out of their reach. It’s a standard activity in Scandinavian Forest Schools, whose kids start learning to handle a knife at 3 years of age!

What “risky” activities do you do with your kids?
How have you helped your kids overcome their fears?

About the author

Ben Hatfield runs River Rascal, a family-run clothing and lifestyle brand based in Canterbury, UK. River Rascal is all about exploring the wild, taking risks and enjoying the outdoors with our children. If you’d like some fun adventurous ideas, check out River Rascal’s free download The Adventure Combination Game. It provides over 4,000 potential adventure ideas and overcomes some of the barriers to getting outdoors.

You can find more from Ben & River Rascal in the following locations:
Website: riverrascal.com
Instagram: @river.rascal