5 Safety Tips for Kid Rock Climbing

Many kids have been “climbers” since they first learned to pull-up and walk. So it only seems natural that when they are confronted with a rock wall they feel the need to conquer it! Rock climbing is a fantastic activity for children and they often show their competitive nature when climbing with others. It is also a popular activity for play dates, birthday activities, or family outings. If your kid hasn’t tried it, take them to a park, gym or other venue and watch them have a blast with this activity. Below are a few safety tips to keep in mind for kid rock climbing.

Orientation

It’s quite possible you could end up some place with a rock wall and your kid wants to climb, having never tried it before. However, if you anticipate your child climbing, you might consider introducing them to a few safety tips before their initial attempt. Videos are available online.

Safety Harness

A safety harness is a must. Some rock walls can be as high as 30 feet or more. Attendants at the venue should ensure children are properly fitted and harnessed. This provides protection in case they accidentally slip while climbing. A harness will also help ensure kids don’t flip over in the event they slip.

Closed Toe Shoes

Closed toes shoes should always be worn during climbing. This helps prevent scrapes or injuries to the feet and toes. It also provides a more stabilized footing for climbers.

Avoid Loose Fitting Clothing

Skirts, dresses, or other loose fitting clothing are an obstruction to climbing. Climbers typically wear clothing that allows them to move up and down walls without hindering mobility.

Helmet

Indoor climbing venues often do not require climbers to wear helmets; however, outdoor climbers should always wear a protective helmet.

Click here to learn more about kid rock climbing.

5 Fun and Easy Things Military Families Can Do Together

Many times military moms and dads want go on vacations, outings or other activities that involve the entire family but find they may be too costly. Depending on where families live, the opportunities can vary. However, with a little imagination and forethought, there are a number of things that they can do together. Check out a few ideas below for military family fun.

Movie Night

Host a movie night and invite other families--especially those in your military community! They will

undoubtedly appreciate the thought and your kids will love the camaraderie. Allow kids to operate a concession booth. Distribute “play money” to everyone for purchases of hot dogs, popcorn, and inexpensive boxes of candy from the dollar store. Rent a few family movies--especially old classics that everyone may not have seen in a long time. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in some military family fun and not break the bank.

Gardening

Kids love to play in the dirt--so make it worth the while by introducing them to gardening! If you have a small area of land, let kids plan a garden with their favorite veggies. Another alternative is to plant flowers. Most people love to monitor the progress of their gardening labor. Those living on a military base may consider a community garden that can benefit multiple families by providing fresh produce.

Amusement Parks

Families can enjoy a variety of activities at amusement parks. Rides, arcade games, miniature golf,

go-karts, etc. all provide great fun and activities for the whole family. Many parks host events or offer discounts designed for military family fun. This is especially true around holidays, like Memorial Day or the 4^th of July. Military families can get a lot of bang for their buck visiting area amusement parks.

Fishing

A fishing trip does not have to be an extravagant venture and it’s a great activity that the entire family

can participate in. Many lakes, ponds and parks have areas where you can fish for only the cost of a license. Fishing can be an excellent family activity. Aspects of fishing such as handing live bait and fish, and even cooking the catch, can be fascinating for kids. While some locations require that fish be returned after being caught others allow you to keep some of your catch or a portion of it. For many kids, just a picture of their catch is worth a thousand words and is great for bragging rights!

To learn more about activities for military family fun, visit www.austinspark.com.