Visit: Randolph Climbing Center {Randolph, New Jersey}

Looking for a fun rainy day activity or something to do just because? The Randolph Climbing Center might be the perfect spot to visit.

“So I don’t have to do it if I don’t want to, right?” Madeline asked as we pulled into the parking lot.

No, of course not. You can check it out and see what it’s all about, and if you’re not comfortable, you can just sit with me.

And minutes later, there she was, hanging from a rope some ten feet in the air.

Fears, she’s got few. And clearly not enough.

This afternoon excursion a few months back was brought to us courtesy of another Groupon. Because that’s pretty much where all our adventuring comes from. The deal was too good to pass up: $25 for four people to go rock wall climbing for an hour. Splitting it with a friend made it even better. And with my adrenaline junkie son (higher! faster! bigger!), he was pretty much in seventh heaven.

Ample parking in front of the establishment, the Randolph Climbing Center in located in an industrial section of town, and very easy to find. When we arrived, we signed the necessary you’re-risking-your-life reminders waivers, stashed our coats and valuables, and the kids met with the instructor to go over some basics. A few minutes later, she helped them get their equipment on and secured, and led them to a spot on the floor.

The place is small and although there was enough space for the kids to do their rock wall climbing, as more groups came in, we definitely had to be mindful of not bumping into each other while we were on the floor and really had to pay attention. Which means, the more off-hours you can choose for your climbing adventure, the better off you are (and reservations are strongly recommended).

The instructor was great with the kids, guiding them when they needed it, and stepping back, figuratively and literally, to give them space to have a little freedom. Once she saw they had the hang of the concept, the equipment, and the rules, she let them do their thing.

They were, after all, pretty tethered in and there is a limit to how much trouble they could actually get in.

The hour time period gave them each a chance, taking turns, to climb the wall several times, which ended up being perfectly aligned with when their energy level started to dip. For those that don’t climb, there is a small seating area where you can sit in full view of everything.

Each of the staff members that we interacted with were friendly, outgoing, and great with the kids. The entire establishment was clean, and there is a vending machine in the lobby area in case you need to fuel up for more climbing adventures.

Whether you have a Groupon deal or not, it’s reasonably priced and a fun spot to visit, kids or no kids.

Randolph Climbing Center
3 Middlebury Boulevard
Randolph, NJ 07869
Telephone: (973) 598-8555

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