19 November 2025
From what age can children climb in a climbing forest? At Klimbos Nederland, the specially designed junior routes are accessible to children from 6 years of age (and a minimum height of 1.20 metres). These orange routes differ from the regular routes due to a lower height of the safety rope. The transitions and zip lines are similar to regular routes. This makes the junior routes also extremely suitable for adults/ novice climbers.
What are junior routes and how do they work?
Features of orange junior routes:
- Average height of 2 to 7 metres above the ground
- Similar obstacles to regular routes: beams, nets, zip lines and bridges
- Lower certainty level
- Visible from the ground for parents watching along
Length requirements and age limits:
- From 6 years of age: minimum 1.20 metres, junior routes only
- From 1.40 metres, including regular routes
- From 1.40 metres and a minimum age of 11, you may also climb the grey route (bungee and free fall)
Parental guidance and climbing along
Up to 15 years, the presence of an accompanying adult (18+) is mandatory. This adult does not necessarily have to climb with you, but must remain on site.
Many parents choose to:
Option 1: Watching from the ground
- Ideal for parents who don't want (or dare) to climb
- You stay in sight and can encourage
- Do give children their own space to learn
Option 2: Self-climbing
- Creates a shared experience
- Shows children that parents also face challenges
- Note: let children keep their own pace, do not push!
Pedagogical value of climbing for children:
- Develops self-confidence and independence
- Teaches coping with anxiety and pushing boundaries
- Stimulates motor skills and coordination
- Strengthens problem-solving ability
- Promotes concentration and perseverance
Frequently asked questions
For children from 6 years old, the orange (junior) routes are most suitable. These routes have a lower fuse wire. Children must be at least 1.20 metres tall.
No, climbing along is not compulsory. However, up to 15 years of age, an accompanying adult (18+) must be present at the site. So you can also watch and encourage from the ground. Many children actually enjoy doing it independently, while parents feel free to watch from the paths.
A climbing route takes 20-40 minutes on average, depending on the child's pace. Children get 3 hours of climbing time, so they can do multiple routes. Most children do 2-4 routes during a visit, with rest breaks in between. Above all, let children set their own pace.
