Can kids go bouldering in Bendigo?
Yes. Climbing starts at 5 years old at The Hold. Children aged 5 to 12 need close adult supervision at all times, 13 to 15 year olds need supervision or Hold Academy accreditation, and from 16 they can climb unsupervised. A parent or guardian signs the waiver for anyone under 18. Supervising adults who are not climbing themselves do not pay entry.
How old does a child have to be to climb?
Climbing starts at 5 years old. Below that, babies and young children are welcome in the building - supervised, and kept off the matting, which is a working landing area rather than a play space.
- Prams are fine in the cafe seating area.
- The age bands are 5 to 12 with close adult supervision, 13 to 15 with supervision or Hold Academy accreditation, and 16 and over unsupervised.
Do I have to climb with my child?
You have to supervise closely if they are 5 to 12, which means being with them on the mats, not watching from the cafe. You do not have to climb yourself, and if you are not climbing you do not pay entry.
- A parent or guardian must sign the waiver for any under-18, online at thehold.studio/waivers-code-of-conduct.
- From 13, a child can climb with Hold Academy accreditation instead of direct supervision.
Is bouldering safe for children?
Falling off is designed into the sport. The walls are 3 to 4 metres high over deep padded flooring, and the induction covers how to land and where not to stand. The rule that matters most is not standing or walking underneath somebody who is on the wall, and that is the one to teach a child first.
- Staff are on the floor and will show a child how to come off the wall before they go up it.
- First-timers sign an induction form after the in-gym safety run-through.
What should my child wear?
Comfortable clothes they can move in, and socks for hire shoes. Climbing shoes are available in kids sizes. Nothing else is needed - no helmet, no harness, no equipment to buy.
- Kids shoe hire is listed on thehold.studio/pricing.
- Long hair is best tied back.
Is there a class for kids, or do we just turn up?
You can just turn up - no booking is needed for a family. Hold Academy is our coached program for young climbers, and accreditation through it is also what lets a 13 to 15 year old climb without an adult beside them.
- Email hello@thehold.studio to ask about Hold Academy.
- Groups of 10 or more, including school and birthday groups, do need to book ahead.
Can we come at a quiet time?
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are the quietest, roughly 8:30am to 2pm Monday to Friday. That suits a child who needs to see and understand the space before joining in, including children with additional needs, and it is easy to arrange a look around first.
- Call 0431 440 985 or email hello@thehold.studio to arrange a pre-visit.
- An Auslan safety induction is available on request if you give us some notice.
First visit? Walk straight in.
No booking needed for you and a few mates. Fill in your waiver online, wear something comfortable, bring socks if you are hiring shoes. We will take it from there.