Kids Climbing & Coaching

book a climb or family intro

For safety, we require 1 adult supervisor to every 2 children climbing.

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Private family introduction to climbing

The perfect introduction to families wanting to learn how to boulder safely and confidently. This 30 minute introduction to climbing includes entry, free shoe hire and chalk for the whole family.

30 minutes, perfect for beginners
£50 for up-to 6 people

CLIMBING day pass

From
£12.50
per climb

To book, simply select your time and checkout! Under 18s pay concession pricing. We require 1 adult supervisor for every 2 children.

Climbers aged 14 - 17 must complete an assessment to climb without parental supervision.

5yrs and lower day pass + shoes

from
£8
per climb

Day pass for little 5 and under includes free shoe hire. Kids must be supervised by one adult to every two children at all times.

Supervising adults needn't pay unless they want to enjoy the walls, too.

KIDS COACHING

SUBCLUBS & NICAS
1 HOUR SESSIONS RUN DURING TERM TIME.
Subclubs are fun, informal coaching sessions where children learn to climb through play. NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme) is a structured course that develops climbers from novice to expert as they advance through levels 1-5.  

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NICAS WILD CLIMBERS

for kids aged 5–6 years

NICAS Wild Climbing is a fun game-orientated program that introduces young children to the indoor climbing environment! This is our most junior course and is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all children aged 5–6 years old.

Friday 4–5pm

NICAS Level 1

for kids aged 7–16 years

NICAS level 1 is a 6 week course that builds the foundational skills for novice climbers to climb safely with supervision. Once complete, climbers can advance to Level 2.

Available as single sessions or as a 6x multi-pack

Monday & Friday 7–8pm

NICAS Level 2 & 3 Course

for kids aged 7–16 years

NICAS level 2 course is 12 weeks and builds on the foundation skills learned in Level 1.
NICAS level 3 course is 20 weeks, this is our most advanced course, for Level 2 graduates only.

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Subclub Koalas

for kids aged 7–9 years

Available in a 6x multi-pack or as 12x multi-pack

Koalas is our beginner group where you'll learn what climbing is all about and build your confidence on the wall through games, fun and friendship.

Monday, Thursday & Friday, 5–6pm

Subclub Gibbons

for kids aged 10–13 years

Available in a 6x multi-pack or as 12x multi-pack

Gibbons is our intermediate/advanced group, where problem solving and climbing skills become second nature.

Monday, Thursday & Friday 6–7pm

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Contact the team: 01625 440144 macclesfield@substation.co.uk

SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUBS

Mixed ability sessions perfect for weekend warriors! Each session is fully supervised so you can drop the kids off or hangout and have a coffee.

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SUMMER Holiday BOULDERING CLUB

for kids aged 7–11 years

Run by an experienced instructor, this 90 minute session is packed with climbing games and challenges suitable for kids of all abilities. Kids get 75 minutes of climb time with a 15 minute snack break. You get 90 minutes of rest and relaxation.

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Contact the team: 01625 440144 macclesfield@substation.co.uk

Why Families love it here

INSTRUCTORS WERE amazing

Took a big youth group and the instructors were amazing with the kids and everyone came away having had a great time.

— Philip A
★★★★★

Amazing Centre

Great climbing centre with passionate staff. The cafe offers a great selection of food and drink, either for a mid climb refresh or as a destination in its own right. Substation seems to do a good job as there's a refreshing mix of familiar & fresh faces that keeps the energy high.

— Doug C
★★★★★

A fave

I've been here 6 times in the last year with family and friends and it gives me a real buzz. The climbing routes are varied for ability which make for interesting challenges. Resets often enough make each visit a bit different and the space is big enough that you don't get bored. Highly recommend!

— Michelle
★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

I’VE CLIMBED BEFORE, DO I STILL HAVE TO FILL IN A SAFETY WAIVER?

If it’s your first visit to Substation then yes, you will need to complete a waiver. However, you only need to do a Substation facility waiver once every 2 years and we’ll send you an automatic reminder when your waiver is about to expire.

WHAT ACCESS DO I GET WITH MY DAY PASS?

Your day pass gives you access to Substation climbing facilities and cafe during opening hours. Arrive anytime and stay as long as you like!

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE?

No, anyone can climb with us. Under 18s need one adult supervisor to every two children. 14-17 year olds can climb without a supervisor once they have completed an assessment to climb unsupervised with a parent or guardian present.

DO YOU HAVE LOCKERS AVAILABLE?

Yes, there are a limited number of coded lockers in the Male & Female changing rooms and a lot of lockers in the main climbing space that require you to bring a lock.

DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?

No, you can always purchase passes at reception but we do have a capacity so during peak times we recommend booking to guarantee access.

IS MY SESSION TRANSFERABLE OR REFUNDABLE IF I CANNOT MAKE THE SESSION?

Please email macclesfield@substation.co.uk and we will do our best to accommodate any change requests.

I LEFT MY THINGS AT SUBSTATION, WILL THEY STILL BE THERE?

Each night we collect all items left behind and store them in our lost and found. Please ask reception for your belongings next time you’re in.

Do you offer wheelchair access?

There is access into the cafe and toliets but the rest of the building is not wheelchair accessible.

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