ABC | Boulder
Our Mission
Empower kids through the sport of climbing
World’s First Youth Focused Climbing gym
ABC Kids Climbing is the only climbing gym in the world with over 7,200 square feet built specially to foster growth, development, amazing climbing and athletic skills in kids. All kids from age 2.5 to 19 have access to ABC’s state-of-the-art climbing facility, through classes, teams, clubs, camps, and birthdays. Our ABC Room is designed and equipped specially for kids ages 2.5-5 to foster physical and mental development through movement. Adults may enjoy climbing our amazing routes during our All Ages open gym slots. This includes bouldering, top-roping, and the training area. While this facility will produce a lot of fun and games for kids of all ages and abilities, it is also the home and training grounds of ABC’s elite team, which includes international champions and Olympic climbers.
The Raboutou Family
Robyn Erbesfield and Didier Raboutou were both world class climbers and competitors on the International Competition Circuit. They retired from competing, married, and had two children–son Shawn and daughter Brooke. The whole family are avid rock climbers and spend part of each summer in St. Antonin, France. For the rest of the year they live in Boulder, Colorado, where they run ABC Kids climbing and the elite Team ABC Boulder team and take as many trips as possible to places like Hueco Tanks, Texas; Joe’s Valley, Utah; and The Red River Gorge, Kentucky.
Our Facilities
The gym has youth specific areas as well as high level training areas with everything a world class athlete needs.
Climbing Zone
We use pole vaulting mats which are over 2 feet thick making for soft landings
Bouldering walls up to 12 ft tall
Wall angles from slab to fully horizontal
5 auto belay routes and top roping zone
Training Zone
Everything an elite climber needs to train hard and prepare for competitions
Two tread walls (think tread mill but for climbing. angle and speed adjustable climb for as long as you want without stopping
A dozen hang boards and multiple campus rung walls
Grasshopper Board
Moon board
Multiple spray walls
Kids Zone
Our kids zone is engaging and versatile with equipment and props focused on improving proprioception, kinesthesia and movement exploration.
ABC Teams
Community, Development and Excellence
The Team ABC program focuses on the long-term development of climbers, starting from a young age through young adulthood. We emphasize values of Community, Development and Excellence through everything we do and all the decisions we make, big and small. While Team ABC is a highly decorated program, with more Olympian alumni than any other climbing team in the country, we are also a deeply committed team who values growth, character, and love of sport. Success and accomplishments are the byproduct of our mission to empower kids through the sport of climbing.
ABC Summer Camps
Beginner to advanced climbing camps
Camps are designed for beginner through intermediate climbers. Kids can develop a variety of skills and have a blast! Campers work on body awareness, footwork and route reading to develop efficiency and confidence in both bouldering and roped climbing. We offer a wide array of outdoor experiences from introductory summer camps, afterschool classes, to team camps and overnight trips. Join us on our next adventure!
ABC Kids
Perfect blend of fun, climbing and learning
ABC Kids Climbing offers a unique birthday party experience! Our skilled instructors will lead children through an hour and a half of climbing, games, and activities. Children are encouraged to explore the different areas of our gym, including the top rope walls. Children will play in our specially designed ABC room, where they can climb, zip line, and slide. After climbing, the group will move into the Party Room for half an hour, to enjoy food, cake, and gifts. With our low student to instructor ratio, climbers get a personalized experience.
Birthdays at ABC
Unforgettable Birthday Parties!
ABC Kids Climbing offers a unique birthday party experience! Our skilled instructors will lead children through an hour and a half of climbing, games, and activities. Children are encouraged to explore the different areas of our gym, including the top rope walls. Children will play in our specially designed ABC room, where they can climb, zip line, and slide. After climbing, the group will move into the Party Room for half an hour, to enjoy food, cake, and gifts. With our low student to instructor ratio, climbers get a personalized experience.
Guests: All party packages have a maximum of 12 or 18 climbing guests (including birthday child)
Ages: Birthday parties at ABC Kids Climbing are appropriate for kids ages 5 and up. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, beginning at 12:30pm and 3pm
Private Lessons
Customize your approach!
At ABC we offer personalized programs just for you! Together we will set your goals, and work on the skills you need to get there. Our instructors will work with you in a private or semi-private lesson. Call or email us today to get started!
Gym Rules
Climbing is inherently dangerous, but our gym rules will help you mitigate that risk.
Rules for Adults
All climbers and guests must check in at the front desk prior to climbing.
All children under 12 must have active adult supervision for the duration of the visit
All children under 14 must have an adult on premises for the duration of the visit.
Any adult who wants to belay must first pass a Belay Test, and may be required to re-certify annually.
Adults wishing to operate the Auto Belays must sign the release and be able to demonstrate correct use of the Auto Belays.
Only trained adults, trained children over age 14, and ABC staff members are allowed to operate the Auto Belays.
Immediately report all hazards to a ABC staff member. This includes, but is not limited to, climber misconduct, spinning holds, equipment misuse, spills on floor, etc.
No bouldering on top rope or auto belay walls.
Please come to the front desk if you have any further questions or concerns.
Rules for Kids
All climbers and guests must check in at the front desk prior to climbing.
No running
Do not walk under or climb over other climbers, and always be mindful of climbers.
Anyone over the age of 14 who wants to belay must first pass a Belay Test. Once certified as a ‘Junior Certified Belayer’, 14-18 year olds belayers are still required to have active adult supervision.
Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to operate the Auto Belays. Please have an adult clip you in and out.
Anyone climbing in the gym must be able to properly demonstrate and utilize a controlled fall. If you do not know how to do one, please ask an ABC staff member.
Please return all equipment and toys to their proper location.
No bouldering on top rope or auto belay walls.
No topping out anywhere in the gym.
Please come to the front desk if you have any further questions or concerns.