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Kids Climbing Wall
Kids Climbing Wall: Kids and climbing were made for each other. Even when they are toddlers kids are always climbing up things and down things to fully explore their wonderful world. If your kids are really energetic you may wish to get them a climbing wall to provide them with an outlet to burn off their energy. A climbing wall is made for either indoors or outside and has climbing holds allowing the child to navigate the wall. A Kids climbing wall is usually more colorful and the climbing holds are shaped in various designs than the adult versions.
Climbing has gained in popularity especially in the last 30 years which is why you will see climbing schools and build your own kits popping up everywhere. You may want to build one yourself especially if you consider yourself to be handy. You will want to have a good plan to follow, which you should be able to find on the internet or at your local library. When you construct the frame you will want to use heavy, sturdy wood such as two by four, or two by six studs, which will then be nailed or screwed together. Screws are more expensive but they are less likely to move and pop up causing a potential obstruction or hand injury.
You will want to coat your wall in either a special wall coating or you can use a porch coating if you want to save on money. Next you will need wall hooks for the climbing holds, again if you screw these in they can easily be moved and repositioned as your child grows. A good fall mat at the base of the climbing wall will provide adequate protection for your child. Make sure it is made of heavy duty foam and has a non-slip cover.
As you have built this structure yourself you should be aware of any liability issues that could arise should a friend's child use the wall and get injured. Advise their parents ahead of time that you built the wall and even get them to sign a release to prevent any recourse. Of course if you supervise and only allow one or two children to climb at a time you should not run into any problems.
If you don't have the space for a kids climbing wall you have other choices to encourage your child's new hobby. With climbing becoming so popular there are climbing clubs springing up everywhere. These clubs will have walls suitable for all age groups and have trained instructors to teach your child how to climb safely. They will provide safety harnesses and fall mats on all their climbing structures.
Climbing frames for kids can provide great exercise and encourages self confidence and responsibility.
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