Looking for kids climbing recommendations

Hey southern climbing community! I’m going to be on a road trip toward the end of March with my two kids, aged 9 and 7, and am looking for recommendations on fun places to set top ropes in RRG or the Obed or elsewhere. We’re coming from Joshua Tree, CA and the kids are comfortable on rock, I just won’t have a belayer to help set routes. Will have full trad and sport gear with us. Any recommendations would be really appreciated!

you will usually always find someone to assist/belay to get a TR set up at the lilly bluff or south clear in Obed.  If you want to strictly set TR from top and not worry about needing assistance another option is also Sunset rock in Chattanooga. great indoor gym, kids museum, and aquarium in town also  

If you head to NC, Rocky Face Mountain Recreation Park is really nice for top-roping with kids.  Section 3 has 10 climbs 5.2 - 5.7 Drive up to the crag, walk up to the top, anchors galore, clear signage, belayer anchors on the ground, teaching anchors at the base, bathrooms, water fountains, even a dope-ass playground with a loooong slide.  Potential drawbacks... its south facing so it gets hot & its in Alexander County near pretty much nothing.  

in Alabama has a lot of moderates that can easily be set from the top.  It shouldn't be far out of your way depending on which way you're coming across.
Practically zero approach, nice camping, and a bathhouse with hot showers.  Check out the boy scout wall.

Jim, Chris, and Jason, thanks a ton for the recommendations. I’m really looking forward to checking out your part of the climbing world. 

You should consider coming to the NRG.  Amazing routes and bouldering and tons of things to do with the kids when not climbing (great hiking). The Super Mario Boulder is a great place for kids with a few 5.5--5.7 trad routes with bolt anchors. These would be easy to setup on toprope. Also very close to the Super Mario area is great bouldering. If you are looking for something a tad more challenging I would check out Bridge Buttress and Junkyard wall (both very roadside). Both of these areas have great 5.7ish routes with easy top access to put up topropes if you don't feel comfortable leading them. You can stop at WaterStone Outdoors to rent a crashpad if needed.
Good luck!

I realize Chris is just trying to be helpful, but Rocky Face is a choss pile on steroids. Some many other options between here and Jtree.

Carolina wrote: I realize Chris is just trying to be helpful, but Rocky Face is a choss pile on steroids. Some many other options between here and Jtree.

Yeah, Rocky Face ticks the "easy to set up top rope" box like no other, but I'd be pissed as hell if I drove across the country and made THAT my NC climbing stop.

Jack Kelly wrote:

Yeah, Rocky Face ticks the "easy to set up top rope" box like no other, but I'd be pissed as hell if I drove across the country and made THAT my NC climbing stop.

I hear ya.  But have you ever taken a 7 and 9 year old climbing?  I have.  I am looking for safety and easy set up while I manage my kids.  Bathroom, ease of access, picnic tables, park for when they decide to quit climbing... Not at all the recommendation i'd give for destination climbing under different circumstances, but one guy two young kids...  not Moores or Linville.  I stand by the recommendation.

When I take the kids it's usually Pilot. We do go to Rocky Face as well but Pilot is way better IMO

If you end up hitting Rocky Face and want a belayer, I enjoy bringing my 5yo there as well, happy to come meet you if it falls on a weekend...