5 Indoor Sports for Families to Try This Winter

Got a little one who was scaling counters before they could walk? If your kiddo lives for adrenaline, show them how it’s done: Gear up, strap in and scale some sky-high ‘mountains’ in the comfort of the great indoors — or start with low-key boulders and skip the ropes and harnesses. Climbing and bouldering gyms that accommodate all ages and abilities are plentiful, and though climbing is not totally without risks, it’s a safe way to catch some thrills while working up a sweat and improving strength and coordination. 

Vertical World

With locations in Seattle and Redmond and a recently-opened Lynnwood gym, Vertical World offers drop-ins and classes for kids starting as young as 3 years old. Bring the whole family to the Rock Climbing Experience, a private one-hour intro to climbing session for up to four people. 

Find it: 15036 B N.E. 95th St., Redmond; 2330 W. Commodore Way, Seattle; 12300 Beverly Park Road, Lynnwood

Stone Gardens

This popular gym offers almost 20,000 square feet of climbing terrain at each of its two locations, in Bellevue and Ballard. Youth and adult instruction is available, with the Pro Belay class accommodating groups of up to four. Drop-ins are welcome with adult supervision for those ages 14 and under.

Find it: 15600 N.E. 8th St, Suite C-1 Bellevue; 2839 N.W. Market St., Seattle

Seattle Bouldering Project

This light, roomy space is as close as you can get indoors to climbing out in open nature. Bouldering (climbing on rocks rather than walls) does not require harnesses, and plenty of crash pads make it as safe as it is fun. Fitness and yoga classes, a weightlifting room and a full-menu cafe and bar make it an all-around parent fave.

Find it: 900 Poplar Pl. S., Seattle