These cute yoga mats are just the perfect size for your little yoginis and they come with fun designs.  We tested out the one with the octopus design.  My daughter takes it out on a daily basis to do different stretches and interpretive moves.  She also uses it to play dolls and construct towers.  I think it would have been great if the Boulder Mat company would have figured out a way to incorporate feet placement markers within the design.  It is hard at times to get kids to place their feet in the correct place on the mat.  Regardless, this mat is a great fit for kids. They can easily roll it up, carry it and manage it on their own.

The Petzl Elios is a very comfortable and fitting helmet. On the downside it gets very, very hot.  It adjusts well with the spiny thingies, but the pads are not removable.  If you worry about coolness (fashion) just customize it to your style.  Use stickers, sharpies and duck tape, if your parents let you.

Note:  Sean consulted with his friend Michael Kennedy for editorial support.  Michael explained that a good review will cover: adaptability, style and comfort.

There many accommodations available from cute little cottages on lakes and great secluded camping to luxury hotels.  If you head to the Adirondacks for climbing, you can also plan to do some wonderful canoeing, hiking, or backpacking.  There are also some great Ice climbing areas.

Map

Here are three spots where your family would enjoy climbing:

Chapel Pond Slab:  Nine routes from 5.3 to 5.11.  The most popular are Bob’s Knob 5.3 and Regular route 5.5 which has six pitches.  This beautiful slanted slab over looks Chapel Pond.  It’s a great long climb, with many opportunities to sit and eat a lunch while looking at the pine forest and mountains below.  The descent is a bit hard to find at times and overgrown. Ask locals for specific beta.

Roger’s Rock

With the approach being by touring kayak or canoe, this four hundred foot slab rises directly out of Lake George and offers numerous climbs at moderate levels. While not wilderness in nature, offers a spectacular setting nonetheless. Bathing suits are a must! 5.5 to 5.8

Trap Dyke

More of a scramble than a technical climb, yet challenging all the same. This rock fissure up Mt. Colden involves a minimal amount of rope work yet a good deal of steep, open slab hiking. Truly an Adirondack classic in every sense of the word, open to anyone in good physical condition. For a complete adventure, a descent down the new slide on the backside of Colden.  Class 4.

Climb rating: 4th class (non-technical)

Here is a link to Adirondack Rock, a local guide book. It explains how to get to 242 cliffs and 6 bouldering areas with  details on each route, including those I call out above.

Or stop by  The Mountaineer  for amazing advice on where to play and where to camp.  I worked at this store in Keene for a few months and believe me you are glad I am not there. I provided the worst customer service on the planet, but the guys and girls that work in this store have been there for years, know their stuff and are committed to their work and the promotion of outdoor experiences in the Adirondacks.

Heidi

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After reading Outdoorbaby.net for tips on things to buy for outdoor adventure with kids, I thought buying an inexpensive boulder crash pad would give me and my son more options when venturing to nearby rivers, alpine lakes, any rocky beach, every local crag, any place off the beaten path, my deck for breakfast, local baseball games, any place where there’s no padded area for an eleven month old to play, and my sister’s house (my sister who has hard wood floors).  I found this pad at an on-line outlet store for about $65 (I also look for used pads, but could not find any).  This pad is nothing fancy, but it’s light to carry, not bulky, and fits right in my car where it stays for last minute outdoor trips.  I do get a few odd looks from the non-climber moms we hang out with, but when they find out what I use it for, they love the idea.  I give this boulder crash pad turned “baby sitter” a 5 star rating.

Although not typically an outdoor sport, Yoga is practiced by much outdoor enthusiast families.  It is a great way to spend some down time with your children when on a trip.  I find yoga to be a portable sport that helps parents stay supple, alert, and healthy and focused while raising little ones.  Both mats were tested by myself (pregnant), my child (age three), and a certified yoga teacher (seven years of teaching experience). The yoga teacher used both extensively for a month.

Neo Natural Yoga Mat

The biodegradable mat is s very cushiony, and has a rubber tree scent.  I call it a

"teacher’s" mat because I would leave it at the studio as it is heavy and large to

carry around.  I am proud to tell students I am using a biodegradable mat, it inspires

them to integrate their yoga into conscious living.  I would recommend it for teachers

or for a person who needs a lot of cushion and could store it in the studio. It features double scrim for a strong, stable practice surface. It also uses the process of vulcanization to increase strength, resiliency and durability in the natural rubber; there are no glues in this mat!

Boulder Mat Company:

This mat has moderate cushion and is adorned with a beautiful print/ design. It's also easy to carry.   It was still sticky even after getting sweat on it, so it could be used for a hot yoga class too. I would use this for a Vinyasa, Iyengar or hot yoga class.  Comes in five designs and is toxin free, but when I received it had a very strong chemical odor.  This is a woman-owned and Colorado based company. They will refurbish and clean your old mat and give it to someone who  is in need of a mat but cannot afford one.

You may walk around a park or a local college campus and see young athletic twenty-somethings walking on a tight rope and doing tricks.  Well, this is called slacklining and your children can really benefit from this fun outdoor activity.

The Gibbon slack line comes with all parts necessary (except two trees).  It is very easy to install because of its crank system.  Children as young as 3 years old can really get into this.  It teaches them balance, control, and concentration.  It also helps them to keep focused and probably improves their eyesight.

Regular slack lines are made out of webbing and are kind of narrower.  This one is quite broad which enables a steadier foot on the line.  We tested out this Gibbon slack line with children and very able teenagers and adults.

It seemed to be a great line for children or beginners.  The experts felt that it did not enable them to do as much tricks because it was so taught. But they did like the ease of installation and that they could loosen the grip on the trees.

My husband and I live near the base of the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. We are intermediate-level climbers and have been climbing for about ten years, mostly pre-baby. It’s a 10 minute ride up, from 2500 ft to 8500 ft elevation. Our family has a Tram Year-Round Pass which is $150/year/adult and approx. $90/child over 3 years. It is about a 15-20 min easy hike to our climbs, even a kid can do it.  We’ve found two main climbing areas, and of course, named them after our kids or major events i.e., 10 Good Years was red-pointed on our tenth wedding anniversary. The best time of year is between March to Fall. The climbs range from 5.6 to 5.10. (For the tougher, challenging/lead climbs, we opt for the babysitter and leave the kids at home.) The kid-friendly climbs we do are quite short. We pack a bunch of sand toys, lunch, water, then off we go. I carry the rope bag. Husband carries the gear and our two-year old. Luckily, he’s part pack horse. When we get to the base of the climb, my husband climbs the backside to set up a top rope and I watch the kids. We take turns belaying and the kids play in the flat sandy soil about 30 ft from us. The climbs feel like a gym-wall, but there’s no one around. The walls are clean and have no/little detritus. We can do a whole climbing foray, in a few hours, leave the house about 9 am and be back by nap hour (for both parents and kids).

If we can only get our five-year old to try climbing, that would be just terrific – we’d make her help carry the gear, if so. Another nice feature, the Tram Station has a bar, which has a decent selection of reasonably priced draft beers. Cheers!

Before child, my husband and I climbed most weekends, mountain biked and X country skied in the winter. We had no idea what to expect when our daughter was born almost four years ago. I am glad to find the experience most rewarding, though challenging, and has taken us into new directions and experiences.

For us, babysitting was never a viable option.  So Annalee has joined us climbing most weekends March - November since she was three weeks old. Before having a child we mainly projected sport routes at New River Gorge with occasional forays into bouldering and trad climbing in wonderful places like Europe and Yosemite. Here’s what’s changed since having a child:

·         My husband and I now rely on a tight circle of friends to climb with that we never had before. It never ceases to amaze us how generous our friends have been with belays and including us in climbing plans and trips. Additionally, none of them have children!

·         My climbing focus changed. I no longer spend weeks (or months) working climbs. Instead, I climb closer to my onsite levels and got a lot more solid.

·         I’ve bouldered more and got a lot more stronger than before child.

·         I have a lot more concentration. Since my time on the rock is limited, I turn my complete focus to the climb at hand. Workouts are a lot more focused.

·         My fear is now under control. I can now decipher between warranted fear vs. my nerves. Having others belay has helped since my husband isn’t the most attentive when belaying me, too!

·         I’ve had to retain some energy when climbing particularly during the first year for the hike out with the child, tiredness from breastfeeding and enduring long sleepless nights.

·         Just getting outside is wonderful. Whether I sent that project or not is not so important (though nice!) to having a good climbing day. Finding weird bugs, creating “gardens”, playing on rocks and water with my daughter between climbs has provided another fun dimension.

From a parenting standpoint, sport, one-pitch trad and bouldering are the easiest. Through our experiences and observations from others to make it all work, here are some suggestions:

• Get your kids out early and frequently. They will enjoy the wonders of nature and find it so entertaining. There have been some days that we are ready to leave before our daughter.
• Get  your infants sleeping outside. Lynn Hill showed me how to make a soft cradle between two boulders (or packs) and got my usually non-napping daughter to sleep. Lynn knows more than just climbing!
•  Find a supportive group of climbing friends, but, don’t expect them to babysit. A few of ours do get brave every once in awhile and watch Annalee during some climbs.
•  Be diligent in keeping kids safe. Climbing is dangerous. Always keep them out of the fall zone and away from the bottom of climbs. Make your kids wear helmets if the rock is loose. If it is too difficult managing the hazards find another area.
•  Don’t leave your kids under 5 unattended at the crag. There’s a lot of hazards out there (ie. venomous snakes). They don’t have the judgement to be alone even while you are belaying. Potty trained kids always seem to have to go when you are at the crux. They can also be a nuisance to others.
•  Be polite. Most climbers aren’t expecting screaming, crying or whining kids when they work their projects. If you think you are going to make lots of noise find another place to climb if another party is nearby and camped out for the day.
• The most essential items at the crag include: crazy creek to be used as chair & bed, lightweight blanket and a golf umbrella for the sunny or rainy approaches and napping. 1^st year: infant pop-up tent (pack n’ plays are too heavy and don’t protect from the sun), 2^nd year & on: a small bucket for collecting things, thermos , sippee cup, bag of toys, a 6-8 foot length of rope--you’d be amazed where imagination can take a piece of rope.
• Remember you’re out as a family. You shouldn’t be as self-indulgent as the old days; take time out for your kids. Make it fun and give them lots of attention. Making a child sit still and stay out of the way the whole day is not a good way to get them excited about climbing and the outdoor experience. If your kids are old enough to climb, remember most kids don’t see climbing as a way to challenge themselves as we do, they want to have fun.
• If you climb as a couple, stagger your climbing times if possible. Have one walk in with the kid(s) and the other go ahead to climb. This shortens the time you have to be at the crag to get a full day in. It works well if you and your spouse have different climbing levels, too. This lets kids that walk, go at their own pace and take occasional detours to jumping in puddles, chasing butterflies, etc.

So far this might sound easy and straight forward. Like everything I’ve found with being a mom, it is most challenging. My husband and I have had to work through a lot to make this work and it is well worth it. I can’t think of any other activity that would have allowed us this valuable parent-child time and helped our daughter develop emotionally, physically and mentally as well as she has.

For those thinking about having kids or feeling constrained, read Kids in the Wild by Cindy Ross. She and her husband have done lots backpacking and other adventures including backpacking the Continental Divide with two toddlers! She provides lots of tips and perspective.

We got into climbing shortly after moving to Palm Springs, California. Given the great climbing opportunities within a short distance, such as Joshua Tree and Tahquitz, it is certainly an awesome way to enjoy the great outdoors, meet nice folk, and stay in shape. Then we had a baby! So, what to do, especially with two little ones? We managed to keep up with climbing, intermediate level that we are, by climbing when babysitting could be had. We've brought our kids to climbing spots but of course,  don't feel comfortable with the idea of climbing, with one of us on belay, and our small kids traipsing unsupervised about. Thank you grandparents, to the rescue! While our kids are small and it's just us two climbing, our solution is to leave the kids behind. We are about 1/2 hour from the nearest climbing area, as we live just below the Aerial Tram in Palm Springs, and, after a 10 minute tram ride from the desert floor, we  go to  a "secret", flat spot for short climbs  at a hidden wall, we've named after our first one, called "Sasha's Playground". But, babysitting opps occur  few and far between. So, we built a wall along the side of our house in the backyard for bouldering/training. It's grown now to three sides, and we've added better holds when we can afford them. Now, we boulder whenever we can. My eldest still needs to be coaxed into her new climbing harness purchased at Christmas. (Sasha hasn't taken to climbing like Shreya apparently has. ) So, we still offer to put her on belay, but don't push too much. Occasionally, Sasha will ask to be held up to the holds on our wall, but she won't do it without us actually carrying  her to the wall. Maybe that's a blessing and better for my insurance. :) My youngest, Maarit at 1.5 years, pictured here in front of our "wall", however, seems more adventurous, but the jury's still out whether she'd actually go for it. Whatever she's got going, it's clear she's enjoying watching the wall grow. Now, if only we can find local/fellow climbers with young kids, willing to get out there more often ....that's the crux!

I also asked the same questions Heather did before I got pregnant.  My favorite sports are all the independent ones: kayaking, mountain biking, trad climbing, peak skiing or backcountry skiing and ice climbing.  My baby now is only 4 months.  I want to be honest to say that these sports are not possible with my baby.  I have to curb my expectations on getting out now.  I wish I would have realized it more.  I still grieve my easy, pre-baby life!  Life is indeed different however Much More purposeful.

Basically you can indeed 1) get babysitters ($$$$) or 2) take turns with your husband on days to climb or 3) find a friend who is willing to take turns sport climbing on easy approach climbs.

The super great news about your post is that your other sports: hiking, backpacking, and skiing (assuming downhill/lift skiing) are much more baby friendly! 

You can still continue to rock climb, but yes - you will have to search high & low for someone besides husband to climb with.  You  will have to climb and he watches baby and vice versa.  And if you decide to breastfeed, it adds a bit more challenge.  I bought a mini travel electric pump which I have used on the trail or route.  You can definately bring a baby/toddler/kid sport climbing and bring a third to take turns.  We brought our baby climbing with us while he slept in his car seat on the ground for one route sport pitches (using a GriGri). Now he sleeps less and prefers to be more interactive so at 4 months we can't do that anymore (not that it is summer). We do climb with a friend who has two 18 month twins. A pack and play will not contain them. Basically we choose easy approach sport routes and take turns chasing kids.

On a postive note, when I do go out to do the things I love - without the baby - I appreciate my time so much more and love my son even more when I get back. Too bad you don't live in colorado - we could take turns climbing.

 Hello Heather,

I don’t live in Seattle, so it is hard for me to give you specific advice. I have written to a few friends in the area and they may write advice for you here in the near future. I know that one person already wrote to you.

I did some research and I found these links about children friendly hikes in the Seattle area.  I hope they inspire you to pursue all of your dreams.  I feel like this website is ideal for you.  All the stories can give you a clear picture of how it is to share your love for the outdoors with children.

Hikes in Seattle – REI

Hikes in Seattle -  NW Source

Any outdoor store has a bulletin board.  I recommend that you look at them for mommy groups or maybe you should start your own.  Connect before you have children.  This helps a lot.  Here is a link to a group in Colorado,  Colorado Mountain Mamas, maybe they have information for you. I know that MEC in Canada has an on-line message board ( looking for partners, etc) , with family oriented postings, or at least gear for families.

As for Sport Climbing: I do boulder and encourage my two year old to indoor climb.   I have contacted an avid climber that will also reply to you soon and shed some light on your question. There are a few climbing posts on this website that you should read ( Shreya and Thank You).   A friend of mine is five months pregnant and still climbing strong. Anything is possible.

Here is a link to an article about climbing and children in the news:  Rock and Ice.

Also, Hiking Lite has has featured a few articles on backpacking light with children: Article 1 and Article 2.

Keep your eye out at nation publications that promote outdoor sports, maybe they have old articles or will publish some in the near future.

Good luck and don't forget to browse the site.  As you get closer to making a decision about adding another member to your family, you may find that gear reviews and advice on www.outdoorbaby.net will help you make wise choices.

Heidi

Most people who view this blog probably already have a family, but I came here to find out if the life I love -lots of hiking, backpacking, climbing, and skiing- is possible with children.  I know that I want children.  I know that I want to continue to do the activities that I love, that connect me to nature and simplicity.  Here's the difficulty...I don't have anyone around me who has children and also does the activities that I do.  I live in a community of soccer moms and football dads, where the TV and video games take up a lot of many families' time.  I often find myself having trouble relating to their lives, and then I begin to panic that I cannot continue the life that I love with children.

So, I have read your stories and tips...and they have given me much inspiration and courage.  Thank you for showing me the life that I knew was possible.  I look forward to many great adventures with children in the near future...we're hoping to get pregnant soon!

I have a couple questions though:

1) Is there anyone out there who can talk about continuing to sport climb when you have a baby or toddler?  I imagine that leaving baby behind with a babysitter is the best option.  And I have heard some people say that if you climb with another couple, then two can always be on the ground playing with baby(ies)...like in a Pack & Play or something?  I just would love to hear the basic logistics of sport climbing with baby/toddler.  Is it an idiot idea?!  I really don't know...

2) Does anyone know of an outdoor community in the Seattle area for families or women with children?  This seems like a critical point -hooking up with other outdoor families- from reading other peoples' posts.  Given that my husband and I have not managed to make this happen as a couple (in 8 years time), I am predicting it will be even more difficult with children.  Most people we know look at us like we're crazy when we talk about our weekend adventures, and I'm sure they will even further question our sanity if we say we had children in tow.  It seems like major outdoor hub cities have an outdoor community, a way of connecting with other like-minded folks.  I'm just not finding it here in Seattle...the Mountaineers appears to be our only offering, and it is 90% single males.

Thanks again for the inspiration and courage...even if we don't find other peeps around here, it helps just to be connected to all of you via the internet, hearing your tales and tips about an outdoor life with kids!