If you’re looking for somewhere to entertain your tweens and teens, be sure to check out Pulse Climbing at West Gosford. Opened in April 2017, this indoor bouldering gym and rockclimbing facility provides a fun space for kids to hang, to get active and to test themselves – mentally and physically.
When we visited this week the place was full of young teens – each enjoying pushing their bravery to new heights and challenging their body to stretch that bit further; their fingers to grip that bit tighter. It was really lovely to see the team work and camaraderie between them as they each supported each others efforts and joked about their mishaps.
You don’t need to worry about ropes, harnesses and belay equipment here: this is freestyle climbing. Don’t stress, you’re not climbing to huge heights and the walls are surrounded by soft-fall mats to cushion any tumbles. There are some 90 climbing routes available, and these are changed regularly to keep regular climbers challenged.
Children as young as five are able to take to the walls, and the climbs range from basic beginner to “super-hard climbs for the hard-core”. Staff provide first timers with a safety induction on the first visit.
One of the fabulous things about Pulse Climbing is that there are no session times. You can rock up at open and climb until close! We bet the kids get knackered far earlier, though. Children aged 12-18 can attend on their own, but parents are asked to sign a waiver.
It’s a great activity for families as everyone can get involved and have a laugh. Given that it’s indoors, it’s on no matter the weather, so keep it in mind for rainy days, too. During school holidays they’re open for extended hours – open every day at 10am.
Youth Clinics
They also run youth clinics for both beginner and more experienced climbers aged 5 to 16 years. The clinics are held after school on Monday and Wednesday afternoons (4pm-5.30pm) and include basic climbing skills, games and teamwork, strength development, mental preparation and goal setting – all good things we reckon.
Kids can attend casually for just $20 a session (includes all gear hire) or you can sign them up to a full term of classes for $150 (child under 12) or $170 (concession/student).
Positions are limited, so it’s best to call or email in advance to ensure you get a spot.
Outdoor climbing
Love climbing, but want to do it in the great outdoors? Pulse Climbing does that too. Click here to read about their outdoor climbs.
Kids birthday parties
Pulse Climbing’s gym in Adamstown, Newcastle, hosts kids birthday parties. It’s hassle-free and all-weather, which means much happiness for kids and parents. They’re in our Party Venue section. Click here to read all about their packages.
Pulse Climbing West Gosford
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 12pm-10pm (in School Holidays they open at 10am Mon-Fri); Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-4pm.
Cost: Casual Entry adults $16; concession $14; child (5-12 year olds) $13. They also offer 10-visit passes, group discounts and membership.
Address: 8 Grieve Road, West Gosford.
Phone: 4339 2487
Email: [email protected]
If you’re at the northern end of the Coast you might like to check out their other climbing centre, which is located in Adamstown (10/122 Garden Grove Parade Adamstown; 0240 234 743).
