The Experience: My son and I were just finishing up a hike at Latourell Falls in the Gorge the other day when he spotted a rock wall that looked perfect for climbing.

Perfect to him means terrifying to me. I let him scamper up about four feet before I called him back down.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” I said, trying to sound calm while scanning the vertical wall above me.

Thanks goodness for The Circuit Bouldering Gym in Southwest Portland, where Sam can clamber to his heart’s content, and I can breathe easy.

With thickly-padded floors and “routes” for all skill levels, The Circuit (not to be confused with the Portland Rock Gym) offers a safe place for kids to practice their free-climbing skills on their own, with a friend or adult, or in a class or camp. No special equipment is required.

The Circuit also offer the Short Circuits club for young climbers, and the Circuit Breakers team for older kids who want to take bouldering to the next level.

Insider information: Kids 17 and under must have a waiver, downloadable from the web site, signed by a parent or guardian. In addition, parents may be tempted to give bouldering a try as well. Wear comfortable pants or shorts so you can join in the fun!

The 411
Recommended ages: Five and up.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: A child’s day pass costs $10; adult day passes are $12.
Location/Directions: 6050 S.W. Macadam, on the east side of the street, near Starbucks. Look for a second location to open on the east side of Portland in the fall of 2010.
Contact information: 503-246-5111, www.thecircuitgym.com

August 11th, 2010 | Category: Family Fun Home, Family Fun Reviews