As outdoor enthusiasts, we love the freedom, connection to nature, and tranquility that climbing provides. However, becoming parents often meant putting our climbing gear aside due to the challenges of organizing it without support. When our son turned 2, we decided it was time to introduce him to climbing and embark on a family climbing adventure.

Bouldering: A Family-Friendly Approach

We transitioned from traditional roped climbing to bouldering, which seemed more suitable for our family. Thanks to the bouldering mattresses kindly provided by our climbing friend Sony, we were all able to participate. One person climbed, while another watched the child, who safely explored the environment and even tried climbing. While our initial idea was for our son to climb, he quickly discovered the joy of using the bouldering mattress to build a little house. Fortunately, we had three mattresses with us, so climbing continued to be a part of our adventure.

At the top of our list is the renowned and picturesque Val Daone. We spent two days on a family holiday at the Boulder Park La Plana, escaping the summer crowds. This location is ideal for families, offering a large, free parking lot where you can park your van and stay overnight. It’s just a five-minute walk from the climbing stones. The parking area also has a chemical toilet and a fountain.

Within a three-minute walk, you’ll find a small river perfect for swimming if you don’t mind the cool water, like our little one. The bouldering routes in Val Daone are virtually endless, with options for all skill levels, including smaller sections for kids to try their first roped climbing.

While there’s no map on-site, you can either ask other climbers about the difficulty levels or purchase a guidebook in advance (we didn’t). 

One of the best things about Val Daone for families is that most of the climbing stones are in the shade, making it a great escape from the heat. Even in August, we always had our own stone and plenty of space to enjoy and explore. In the same area, there are two other famous bouldering spots (Nudole and Dos dei Aser) that we plan to visit in the future.

If you’re looking to introduce climbing to your little one, we highly recommend Val Daone. We met other families with young children there, and the place still maintains its wild and authentic charm.

Another place we explored for family bouldering is the Montalbano Boulder Park in Mori. While it doesn’t compare to Val Daone in terms of the number of stones and routes, it’s still a truly enjoyable destination. There isn’t much shade, so we recommend visiting during the cooler parts of the day.

The park features a large field with barbecue facilities and stunning city views. We’ve often dreamed of organizing a family bouldering event there. The stones are smaller and the routes are shorter, but the natural beauty is incredible. You can also appreciate the sight of an ancient monastery.

Trentino offers countless opportunities for bouldering, and we’re eager to explore more. Stay connected for future updates on family hiking trips and climbing adventures!