Outdoor starting place for kids

I've been teaching my kids to climb indoors and would like to start to teach them to climb outdoors.  Any recommendations on places in Minnesota with routes that would be particularly friendly to younger kids?  We'd obviously be doing top rope setups.  Would like someplace not too crowded as I'd like to take some time to teach them and don't want to monopolize all of the time at a popular spot and make people upset.

Way to go dad!  Whatever you do, wherever you go, make it fun... for them. Make yourself aware of their "fun factor" scale and make sure theirs is high. They will learn in time if they are having fun. You get the picture, make it about them!! Cheers
PS Outdoors anywhere will be fun for them!!!

There are a number of super kid friendly routes at the Sugarloaf in Winona,MN. Its been developed over the last 2 years to be a great intro to moderate sport climbing area. Easy ish hike(12-15 min) and sweet spot for kids to explore and plenty of 5.3-5.6 routes for them.

You've already identified Tourist Rocks at Interstate SP in your to-do list. It's a good location for youngsters. Close to the Cities. 

alpinejason wrote: You've already identified Tourist Rocks at Interstate SP in your to-do list. It's a good location for youngsters. Close to the Cities. 

My only hesitation with starting there is all of the people watching. I don't want to feel like we're on display and make him nervous. Was looking for something a little more...secluded, if such a place exists. Blue Mounds SP seemed interesting. 

Fair enough. There is a lot of fun climbing at Blue Mounds and Devil's Lake in WI. Both are 3-3.5hr away. Both with similar rock and climbing styles. Blue Mounds is on the prairie with a herd of bison and Devil's Lake is wooded with the namesake lake as the attraction. Most wouldn't consider either location a day trip.

There is a route or two (or variations) on the back side of Indian Head in the 5.4-5.6 range at the Wisconsin side of Interstate. That area is more secluded and maybe a 10 min walk from the parking area through the wood. Keyhole area on the MN side has a couple 5.7ish routes but not the most straightforward or easy access. 

I feel like there is enough opportunities between the two Interstates to introduce kids to climbing without committing to a lengthier drive. But, hey, there is great climbing in that 3-3.5hr drive radius from the Cities! Don't let me stop you from exploring those as well!

For your location, Taylors Falls is probably your best bet. It has a good number of advantages, notably that it's pretty close to the cities, top ropes are easy to set up, and there's room to wander around at the base (with the exception of the MN strip) when the kids get bored when they're not on the rope. As far as monopolizing an area, just set solid top ropes and let other people run laps on your rope and they'll usually reciprocate. Frequently, the place will be quite busy in the morning and mid-day but totally clear out in the late afternoon.

I've been climbing for 20+ years, now with a 8 year old and a 4.5 year old that are showing some interest (FINALLY!) in climbing and that's where we're going to take them this Saturday. If we run into you there, we'll share a rope with you.

Appreciate all of the input!  I believe we will be heading to Interstate SP this weekend.  I was considering a long weekend trip to Blue Mounds, but with a chance of rain on Sunday and having never been there before, a shorter day trip to an area I've already been sounds good.  Maybe we will run into you, Michael!