Kids Rules

Children are natural climbers who love to explore and discover new activities. CityROCK is a climbing gym and safety is our number one priority. Our gym was not designed for children and as such, special care needs to be taken when using our facilities. Please follow the rules below to ensure a fun and safe visit for you and our other users.

  • The parent or legal guardian must sign a minor waiver for each child entering CityROCK. CityROCK reserves the right to verify that the details provided are correct. If the parent or guardian will not be present, please bring a photocopy of the adult’s government-issued ID or Drivers licence for verification. Legal guardians must present proof of guardianship to sign a child’s waiver.
  • Children must be 5 years or older to climb.
  • Parent and kid(s) will need to complete the standard safety orientation briefing on their first visit.
  • Groups larger than 6 kids should email the branch they are visiting to make a booking.
  • Children aged 5 to 12 are only allowed to climb in the children’s area.
  • Children under 16 must be under constant adult supervision, regardless of their climbing ability. Supervision rules:
  • Adult supervisors must have the appropriate lead or top rope tag to supervise a child who is lead or top rope belaying.

Kids under 5 years old:

  • No climbing
  • Must be within arm’s reach at all times, unless secured in a baby holder, in which case they must be within sight.
  • If one sibling is younger than 5yrs, separate adult supervision is required for that child even though they will not be climbing.

Kids 5 to 6 years old:

  • 1 child per adult.
  • Can only climb in the children’s area.

Kids 7 to 12 years old:

  • Can only climb in the children’s area.
  • 2 children per adult.

ALL kids 12 years old and under:

  • Must be within sight when not climbing, regardless of tag or ability
  • Must be within arm’s reach when bouldering and spotted
  • Must be watched and checked when attaching to auto-belays

Kids between 13 and 16 years old:

  • Can climb anywhere in the gym
  • 3 children per adult
  • Must be within sight when not climbing
  • Under 18yrs who want to belay must be in possession of a belay tag.

Kids Bouldering

  • Kids under 13 may not climb in the adult bouldering section

CityROCK offers kids courses which will provide them with the necessary skills to climb safely. After completion of these courses, kids will have the opportunity to be tested and obtain kids climbing tags allowing them access to the adult high climbing and bouldering sections.

Birthday Parties

Let’s Celebrate

Book your child’s next birthday party with us.

Our parties consist of two hours of climbing, fun games and activities, and (of course) ample time for cake. Safety is our top priority, and proper instruction and supervision will be given to the kids before and during each activity.

Activities include blindfolded ladder climbing, team races on the automatic belay wall, top rope climbing and bouldering in a fun, high-energy atmosphere!

The party is self-catered but we do have a selection of snacks and drinks available for purchase. Parents can sit back and enjoy a coffee while watching the kids have fun!

Kids Birthday Party
Kids Birthday Party Area at CityROCK

The Details

Party Duration:
2 hours

When:
Saturdays and Sundays only

Cape Town Birthday Times
11:00 – 13:00 or
15:30 – 17:30

Johannesburg Birthday Times
11:00 – 13:00  or
15:30 – 17:30

Pretoria Birthday Times
11:00 – 13:00  or
11:30 – 13:30  or
15:30 – 17:30

Group Sizes:
4 – 10 kids per party booking

Ages:
Our gym age restriction of 5 years and older applies to parties with no exceptions to this rule being made.

Cost:
R320 per child
A deposit of R1280 is required once booking is made to secure your slot. This covers the first 4 kids of the party. You will receive a confirmation email following the party booking with all additional information included.

Includes:
Gear and instructors. We provide 1 instructor per every 5 kids.

Find out more by emailing johannesburg@cityrock.co.za / capetown@cityrock.co.za / pretoria@cityrock.co.za

Everyone entering the gym will be asked to sign the appropriate Electronic Waiver Form, whether participating or watching.

For children under 18 years of age, the waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian*. If the parent or guardian will not be present, please bring a photocopy of the adult’s government-issued ID or Drivers licence for verification. 

*Please note: legal guardians must present proof of guardianship to sign a child’s waiver. It is recommended that you do this prior to the party to avoid delays.

Bookings and deposits must be made at least 7 working days prior to the party. If the deposit is not paid within 7 working days of the booking being made, the booking will be reopened to the public.

Testimonials from Happy Parents

Birthday Party FAQs

Yes in Cape Town, sadly not in Johannesburg (yet).

No. The gym gets super busy on public holidays, which require our staff’s full attention.

Yes, while we do have an in-house restaurant available you may also bring in your own food, drinks and party packs. Just no alcohol please.

We work on an average of 1 instructor to every 5 Children.

Yes, everyone who enters CityROCK must sign a waivers, even if they are not climbing.

Yes, but only if you have made a booking for the slot after the party. Children must be supervised by their parent or guardian at all times.

No, the waivers are all digital.

Guaranteed to hold a lot of weight, even on heavy falls.

No, this is an alcohol free zone.

There is a strict no climbing policy for children under the age of 5 years as they are unaware of the dangers of climbing. Children under 5 years may only spectate under the supervision of their parent. It is recommended that children under 5 do not attend, if possible.