Outdoor climbing with a four-year-old - not too far from Boston

I recently took my four-year-old daughter to the gym to try climbing on a top rope for the first time and it was a huge success (i.e. she loved it and I was filled with joy at the thought of father/daughter climbing adventures in the years to come etc., etc.). Anyway, now that the weather has suddenly brightened up, I was wondering if anyone could recommend any child-friendly spots within an hour/hour and a half's drive of Boston? Apart from the distance, the main criteria is that they are suitable for setting up a top rope (although some very mellow bouldering might also be an option). Needless to say, they need to feature routes that a young child is likely to be able to climb!

Alastair

Hammond pond fits that bill perfectly, i think. And it's right there in "town"

mountainproject.com/v/hammo…

Quincy quarries would be perfect, easy toprope set ups and a decent amount of easy climbs for kids. virtually no hike in, its in a big open field.

Hammond and Quincy are both great for kids. Watch for the glass at Quincy. Also College Rock in Hopkinton

Red rocks in Gloucester. Super family friendly location, great granite, good quality climbs, safe rock, easy access/setup, views of the ocean and usually a good breeze.

Quincy quarry is pretty gross and not a place I would take a four year old. Hammond pond is a great option with an easy approach and easy climbing, however it does require lots of static to set up top ropes.

90% of the time i go to red rocks on a weekday it's empty - maybe a couple hikers. I'd say it's an ideal spot about 45 minutes from boston right off the highway.

Alastair Patrick wrote:I recently took my four-year-old daughter to the gym to try climbing on a top rope for the first time and it was a huge success (i.e. she loved it and I was filled with joy at the thought of father/daughter climbing adventures in the years to come etc., etc.). Anyway, now that the weather has suddenly brightened up, I was wondering if anyone could recommend any child-friendly spots within an hour/hour and a half's drive of Boston? Apart from the distance, the main criteria is that they are suitable for setting up a top rope (although some very mellow bouldering might also be an option). Needless to say, they need to feature routes that a young child is likely to be able to climb! Alastair

That's awesome. My son is nearly four but I've brought him along for safe rock scrambling/bouldering many times, even brought him to The Gunks once when I went climbing (with plenty of adult supervision).

Thanks for all of the suggestions! In the two years that I've lived in Boston, I've always ended up going to New Hampshire to climb and I haven't really spent much time investigating local areas. I have no idea why I haven't been to Hammond Pond yet, as I live only 15 minutes from there. I knew about Quincy quarries, but was always put off by the graffiti. Still, I should really go and have a look, even if it's just for me. Red Rocks sounds perfect!

It's such a great thing to be able to do with your kids. I don't know if I ever would've found climbing if it wasn't for going climbing for the first time with my dad. Funnily enough, he has actually just started climbing again after a 30 year break!