Sutcliffe Sports Centre: Thrilling Climbing Sessions for Kids

Sutcliffe Sports Centre in Eltham offers top modern facilities for kids to stay active. The skatepark and the climbing wall are among the most popular areas at the centre. You’ll also find a soft play area for the youngest ones as well as a Class A athletics tracks.

It’s great to have indoor alternatives to stay active when the weather is getting worse and the kids are growing restless staying inside. As opposed to going to the nearest soft play centre, Sutcliffe Sports Centre in South East London offers so much more. It’s not just that the facilities are state of the art and modern, you’ll also find so many activities with professional instructors.

The climbing walls at Sutcliffe Sports Centre

The Clip ‘n climb sessions are available from age 4 and upwards, and no climbing experience is required. Full training is given and they provide all the equipment necessary. Note that you need to arrive 20 minutes early before your booked time to take part in the safety instructions and harnessing process. Members of staff help the kids with the gear and help the climbers onto walls with carabiners. Automatic belay devices take in the slack as they climb and then lower them gently to the ground. We felt really safe all the way, and supervisors are always close at hand. Our daughter was thrilled about the experience, and we have back several times afterwards.

It’s also a really nice venue to organise birthday parties for kids, with plenty of opportunities to burn energy after the birthday-cake.

The skatepark

Feeling the energy in the centre, the skatepark has been a great hit. It’s actually suitable for both BMX, Skateboard, 2 wheels ‘Stunt Scooter’ or “in-line” skates. BMX bikes, Skateboards or Scooters are also available to hire. Protective helmets is compulsory for under 16’s (can be hired too).

Soft Play for the youngest at Sutcliffe

The soft play area is really well planned out and is a good way to make sure the whole family stays engaged. I wouldn’t necessarily travel only for the soft play area, but it’s great if you have a toddler or baby in tow. While our daughter enjoyed the climbing wall, the toddler was exploring the different levels at the soft play area. The facilities felt safe, was not too crowded and there is a good separation between the toddler and baby section. You’ll find all the usual play elements, including slides, tunnels, a treehouse and a motion-sensitive floor! The area goes over three levels, which is great for the toddlers to experience a bit of climbing without any risk. There are also plenty of seats for the parents.

We didn’t test out the athletics track so far, but would definitely encourage you to check out their webpage and all the activities they arrange to get kids involved in sports.