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Best Indoor Rock Climbing In Orange County

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(credit: Thinkstock)

Indoor rock climbing is one of those activities that both kids and adults can do. Not only is it great exercise, but it is also a sport that challenges balance and self-awareness. The best indoor rock climbing facilities in Orange County put safety first, providing introductory classes to teach both first-timers and beginners the basics of climbing gear, terrain, hand and foot placement and belaying. Today's gyms also feature awesome state-of-the-art designs and climbing terrains.

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(photo credit: www.climbhangar18.com)

Hangar18
23812 Via Fabricante
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(949) 454-8043
www.climbhangar18.com

One of the newer indoor climbing gyms in Orange County, Hangar 18 Mission Viejo invites climbers to scale 4,200 square feet of interesting climbing terrain. This gym welcomes every level of climbing including bouldering, aka a no-ropes climb. Its state-of-the-art complex has top-out bouldering, the best new designs and shapes from Climb-It, red-point bouldering competitions and accessibility for both kids and adults. Hangar 18 hosts family nights the first Thursday of each month from 4 to 10 p.m. The intro to climbing package for adults is $30 and $15 for kids, which includes a day pass, rental gear and a belay lesson. Monthly memberships are also available.

Rock Climbing Camp (Rock City Climbing)
(credit: Rock City Climbing)

Rock City Climbing
5100 E. La Palma Ave. #108
Anaheim, CA 92807
(714) 777-4884
www.rockcityclimbing.com

At Rock City Climbing, Orange County adventurers come to push their limits and strength. The facility has bouldering walls ($15 for a day pass) with steep overhangs, straight vertical climbs, a top-out bouldering room and crash pads for safety. Top roping ($20 for the day including harness and shoe rental), where climbers are clipped to ropes and a belayer or another person, is most popular at Rock City Climbing. Its lead walls are ideal for practicing techniques to utilize in the outdoors. These walls are steep and challenging. The gym requires belayers to pass a skilled lead test prior to belaying - keeping safety first.

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(Credit: Agnieszka Stuchlik)

Rockreation Sport Climbing Center
1300 Logan Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-7625
www.rockreation-cm.com

Rockreation Sport Climbing Center is known for its 12,000 square feet of climbing surface designed for every ability and for both kids and adults. Beginners can learn the fundamental elements of climbing at Rockreation through the Fight Gravity class series with trained staff. These classes cover balance, types of holds, body positioning and basic belay skills. Intermediate and advanced climbers can also visit the center to train and learn new techniques and skills. Advanced Movement classes incorporate steeper surfaces and core tension, introduce heel and toe hooks and explore route reading. One-day passes for adults are $17 and for $12 for kids 11 years old and younger. Yoga classes and traditional gym/fitness equipment are also offered for working out.

Related: Best Outdoor Gear Stores In OC

Sender One Climbing
(credit: Leena N./yelp)

Sender One Climbing
1441 S. Village Way
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 881-3456
www.senderoneclimbing.com

Sender One Climbing offers the most comprehensive introductory class to lead climbing. Beginners will learn rope management, clipping, how to fall and lead belay. Before beginning climbers advance, Sender One requires a lead belay test to ensure safety. The intro to climbing classes, which includes one hour of climbing and a belay lesson, are offered every hour on the hour at various times throughout the week and weekend (check schedule for times). Foundations I & II are for the more advanced teaching climbing concepts, technique, balance and footwork and movement. Youth programs are offered too.

rock climbing
(credit: MIGUEL MEDINA/Getty Images)

Funtopia
1441 S. Village Way
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 881-3456
www.senderoneclimbing.com

Funtopia, which is located inside of Sender One Climbing, offers a 25,000-square-foot facility for every age and skill level with an interactive climbing center, weekly terrain changes and classes, too. While kids in general don't tire out easily, Funtopia keeps them on their toes with fun building façade climbs (just like Spiderman), a trembling tower challenge, the trapeze jump catch tower and a drop slide for the brave. Little kids go for it climbing the fun walls which feature building ladders and spinning gears. Funtopia is a super fun day when school is out, it's a rainy day and outdoor sports are cancelled. Open climb is $25 per person (reservations are highly recommended) and a yearly pass is $199 per person.

Related: Best Rainy Day Activities In OC

Sheryl Craig is a writer with a passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. She has a background in journalism and public relations. A mother of two daughters, Sheryl integrates her healthy lifestyle into raising her children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com

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