Why We Built an Indoor Rock Climbing Wall (and Basically a Mini Gym) for Our Kids
This project came together for two reasons. Instagram ads kept serving us indoor climbing walls, and Idaho winters are long. Our kids have a lot of energy, and sitting still has never really been their thing.
Tins is almost 7. Indie is 17 months. They’re active, curious, and slightly feral in the best possible way. We needed an indoor space where they could move their bodies, challenge themselves, and burn energy when outside play isn’t an option. Once the idea took hold, it escalated quickly.
Choosing the Space
When we built our house ten years ago, the upstairs loft was left as one big open area. It sits just before the main bonus room and has tall ceilings and a large wall that was basically begging to be used.
As the girls started playing up there more, it became clear the space needed more intention. From a layout standpoint, there wasn’t another place in the house that made sense for a climbing wall and hanging equipment. This was the spot.
From One Idea to a Full Indoor Play Gym
It started with a rock climbing wall. That part was non-negotiable. From there, more Instagram scrolling and a deep dive into ideas led to a bigger vision.
What we ended up building includes:
A full indoor rock climbing wall
A standard swing
A hammock swing
Four hanging gymnastics-style rings
Monkey bars
Two foam pits
A balance beam
And honestly, this probably isn’t the final version. I handled all the research and ordering. Broc took the lead on construction, which is the only reason this actually happened.
The Build (and the Christmas Eve Decision)
The climbing wall panels are birch plywood. If you’ve ever built a climbing wall, you know what comes next. A lot of drilling. On Christmas Eve, with the help of our friend Laura, Broc drilled 168 holes per sheet of plywood. It was ambitious. Maybe slightly unhinged. Thank the Lord for a very handy husband.
Our goal was to have everything done by Christmas morning, but not all the materials arrived in time. Even so, the girls woke up to a foam pit and a rock climbing wall, and that reveal alone was worth it. In hindsight, doing a full install on Christmas Eve was probably a lot. But here we are.
How the Kids Are Using It
We designed the space with both girls in mind.
Indie has her own small climbing wall area and age-appropriate toys. She thinks it’s the coolest thing ever and is already figuring out how to climb with a little help. Watching her confidence grow has been huge.
Tins has the larger wall and more challenging elements. She made it to the top of the wall within the first few days. She’s into sports, so having a place to burn energy in the winter while building balance, strength, and coordination has been a win.
She even convinced her uncle to run and jump into the foam pit with her the other day, which feels like a solid sign we did something right.
Safety and Real Life Use
The rock climbing wall itself was a full DIY. I purchased the climbing holds separately, and they anchor in with T-bolts. We’re still adjusting things as we go. The rings and hammock have already been raised a couple of times as the girls get stronger and more confident.
I have gym mats on the way, but for now the carpet is doing just fine. The biggest safety factor isn’t the equipment. It’s making sure Tins is aware that Indie is nearby before she goes full ninja mode. That’s been the biggest ongoing lesson in shared space and awareness.
This space is already used daily, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. It will grow with them. We’ll adjust heights, add challenges, and probably swap things out over the years.
For us, this isn’t just a playroom. It’s an investment in movement, confidence, and letting kids be kids, especially during the winter months when cabin fever is real.
Everything We Used to Build the Indoor Play Gym
We did all the research so you don’t have to fall down the same internet rabbit hole.
Birch plywood panels from Home Depot
Balance beam
If you’ve been considering an indoor climbing wall or play gym for your kids, this is your sign. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to get them moving.