Winter has been particularly harsh here in Lake County so far and like many people, I am sure your kids are literally climbing the walls due to cabin fever. Even if your kids are school-age, sitting still for over seven hours a day (most likely without recess because of the bitter cold) does not get the wiggles out. We have a guide for you and your family that will get you out of the house, get the kids moving and save your sanity in the process.
Rock Climbing Walls in Lake County
Libertyville Sports Complex
1950 N. Highway 45, (corner of Peterson Road & Rt. 45), Libertyville | (847) 367-1502
Climbing Mountain is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on the weekends from 11:00 a.m until 3:00 p.m.. Children must be 40-inches tall and have a guardian present to sign a waiver. Tennis shoes must be worn. Admission is $10 (multiple visit passes available). Mondays and Wednesdays they offer half off to scouts who come in uniform from 4:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m. Head to the website for more information.
Round Lake Sports Center
2004 Municipal Way, Round Lake Beach | (847) 740-1111
The sports center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on weekends between the hours of 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Call before heading out to see the exact times for the indoor wall as indoor soccer games are held in the same space and might get crowded.
Rainbow Play Systems
300 Corporate Woods Pkwy., Vernon Hills | (847) 955-9300
If you have smaller kids, this place might be the perfect idea for your climbers in training. Rainbow Play Systems, the same company that makes all of those wooden play systems you see in backyards, has a corporate office in Vernon Hills. Every weekday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., they offer Pay to Play. For $10 for two hours of play, your kids can play in a safe (and warm) environment on all the systems they offer (mini-rock climbing walls included).
Rockin’ Jump Buffalo Grove
950 Busch Pkwy., Buffalo Grove | (224) 676-0660
Coming February 2018 is the new climbing net. You can race to the top of our new Vertical Ops Climbing Wall!
Hot Ground Gym
960 Woodlands Pkwy., Vernon Hills | (847) 239-5697
Looking for a more committed program? Hot Ground Gym might be the answer. You can read Alli’s review of Hot Ground Gym to see if it is a good fit for your child.
Waukegan Park District Field House
800 Baldwin Ave., Waukegan | (847) 360-4700
In the Waukegan Park District Field House, you’ll find a three-story climbing wall. Open climb hours are Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The cost is $5 per visit (free for members). You must wear tennis shoes and sign a waiver. Children must be at least six years old and weigh a minimum of 70-pounds to use the auto-belay.
Worth the trip
North Wall Rock Climbing Gym
824 S. Main St., Crystal Lake | (815) 356-6855
If you’re looking for more climbing options and a more of a challenge, North Wall is a climbing gym where you’ll find walls of varying heights, arrangements, and levels. Daily passes are $14 for adults, $10 for youth ages 10-17, and $7 for children age 9 and younger. Every Wednesday night is community night! Day passes are $10 after 7:00 p.m., and rental shoes are only $2. Lessons, camps, after school clubs, and birthday parties are available.
Courtesy of North Wall Rock Climbing Gym Facebook PageVertical Endeavors
246 Windy Point Dr., Glendale Heights | (630) 784-9000
A full service climbing gym, Vertical Endeavors is open every day of the week 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Sundays hours are from 10:00 a.m until 6:00 p.m. Here you will find classes even climbing clubs, as well as outdoor climbing when the weather warms up.
First Ascent Climbing and Fitness
Avondale - 3516 N. Spaulding, Chicago | (773) 564-9815
Uptown - 4718 N. Broadway, Chicago | (773) 275-1212
Loralie wrote a great review of First Ascent here, so read it before you go. If you are hesitant about driving to the city for a climbing gym, trust us — this one is worth the trip.
Are there any indoor rock climbing places we may have missed? Let us know in the comments!
Milwaukee has a great climbing gym - Adventure Rock. Locations just north of downtown and Brookfield.
I just read that First Ascent is building a huge new climbing gym in Arlington Heights in the old Coco Key Water Resort. Should open later this year!