Indoor rock climbing in Spokane Valley: a thrilling mix of fear and fun

Have you ever felt that creeping realization that your fitness routine—the same weights, the same machines, the same tired stretches—has lost its spark? Like each workout is more a chore than a challenge?

I was feeling this way on my 40th birthday and decided I wanted to challenge myself to try something new. Heavier weights at the gym? Sure. More intense home workouts? Why not. An ice plunge tub in the garage? Yes, I was ready to go all in.

I also noticed that Flying Squirrel, my kids’ favorite trampoline park, had an indoor rock climbing gym, and since we already spend a lot of time there, I figured I might as well harness up and set a good example for my kids about setting goals and trying new things.

Here’s why your family will love this indoor rock climbing facility: 

Indoor rock climbing: What you need to know

As much as I’d like to go into the wilderness to scale a rock face someday, at this point in my life, with three kids under the age of 10, I decided to try indoor rock climbing in a more safe and controlled environment. This wasn’t some wild cliff in the wilderness or a sheer granite face looming over a canyon. Nope; this was a safe, structured, foam-padded adventure designed with both thrill-seekers and cautious climbers in mind. Flying Squirrel doesn’t just toss you a harness and point you at the wall; they go full-in on preparation, ensuring that every climber is set up for success—and safety. Here’s how they do it:

• Strict turn-taking is enforced so you never feel crowded or like you’re going to crash into another climber: you have space to yourself
• The harness is checked and double-checked to make sure you are fully supported on your indoor rock climbing journey
• You’re given instructions on what to do if you get to the top (or let’s face it, half way up) and want to get back down
• Your kids can enjoy the entire trampoline park facility and ages six and up can also use the indoor rock climbing wall

What it’s like to try indoor rock climbing for the first time

I’ll be honest: I was a little nervous to scale the indoor rock climbing wall, but my kids weren’t and they actually went first. Seeing them get their harnesses on and climb with zero fear or hesitation was incredibly motivating. Watching them reach the top, grinning down at me, was the push I needed.

Then, it was my turn. 

I stepped up, adjusted my grip, and slowly started to climb. First hand, then foot. Steady, steady. I felt like I was making good progress, inching upward, so thought I would take a moment to quickly glance down to get a sense of how far I’d come… rookie mistake. Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly as high as I’d imagined—a terrifying thought, since it basically meant I had a lot more climbing to do. However, after resolving to look up (not down) and proceed calmly and confidently, I entered this strange, zen-like flow where it was just me and the indoor rock climbing wall. And suddenly, there I was, at the top. But now came the real challenge: letting go. I had to trust the harness, trust that when I let go it would hold me. When I let go, for a split second, the world seemed to drop out beneath me. Then the harness held, and I began my gentle descent, lightly kicking off the wall, feeling a strange sense of freedom as I sank back to the ground. My first thought on reaching the bottom was: When can I do this again? Turns out, right away. There was no line.

Before we left that day, I booked my  tickets for next visit! I can’t wait to keep learning and improving at my new favorite indoor rock climbing gym.