Clip n’ Climb is Reading’s brand new indoor climbing centre. It has the WOW factor from the moment you get in. With three monkeys … oops I mean three boys who love to climb and fans of Clip n’ Climb in Bicester we were really excited to check it out.
First up – let’s talk safety. There’s a short safety briefing before you start your session and the friendly staff then get everyone into their harnesses. My youngest is 5 so he had an extra shoulder/body piece too. The climbing works with an auto belay system which is great. It means you don’t have to have someone on the ground holding a rope. The system takes up slack as you climb and then when you let go, it just gently lowers you back down.
This makes it really easy as a parent as your kids just clip into the wall they want to climb and then off they go. Coming down is half the fun!
The climbing centre is bright, colourful and exciting with each challenge wall varying in difficulty. Some sections will be perfect for younger kids, others like the ice pick wall will be much tougher, competitive kids and parents will enjoy the double climbing challenges or timers.
There are challenges on each wall too and my kids tried out everything, even the youngest. With 3 kids aged 5, 10 and 12, it’s not always easy finding an an activity that they’ll all enjoy especially as my eldest really isn’t into soft play anymore.
Clip n’ Climb Reading is the perfect all round family day out, as much fun for the grown up as the kids and definitely something that will appeal to a wide age range.
Mini mountaineers have their own toddler sessions (2-4 years) but siblings can join them and be booked on at the same time.
Other sessions are then available for ages 5 upwards and it’s a great climbing workout for adults too.
As well as the climbing walls, there are a number of unusual other challenges too. I was amazed at the number of kids who were able to get to the top of the Stairway to Heaven. These are bright green poles that you need to step up along and then you drop back down into the centre.
My 10 and 12 year old also built up the nerve to try out the Vertical Drop Slide (there’s no way I’d manage). You put on a special suit and helmet, hold on and you’re slowly winched up the slide. There’s a little extra charge for this.
You can release at any point and I noticed the dads giving it a go didn’t make it all the way to the top! My kids both made it to number 10 at the top and they said it was the most exhilarating thing they’d done.
Is There a Cafe?
There’s a cafe serving drinks, snacks and even pizza and it’s right next to the climbing arena. If you’re not climbing yourself then you can easily chill here and keep an eye on your kids. There’s free wifi too if you’re multi tasking and trying to squeeze in a little bit of work too.
How Long is a Climbing Session?
The session lasts for 90 minutes in total with a 30 minute safety briefing and harness fitting, followed by 55 minutes in the indoor climbing arena and 5 mins to debrief and remove your harnesses at the end.
This is definitely enough time to tire everyone out as it’s quite full on with your arms and legs!
Clip n’ Climb Reading Parking
There’s plenty of free parking at the front and behind the indoor climbing centre including disabled spaces and two Electrical Vehicle Charging Points.
If you’re looking for a great indoor activity in Berkshire with kids, then I’d highly recommend a trip to Clip n’ Climb.
