Do children need to book The Newsroom climbing area?

No. Ordinary bouldering is drop-in, but complete the adult and child forms first. Tiny Academy and other instructed classes need booking.

Can one adult supervise three children?

No. The published bouldering rule allows a maximum of two under-16s per supervising adult.

Does The Newsroom have roped climbing?

No. The Newsroom is a bouldering centre. TCA's roped climbing in Glasgow is at The Prop Store in Maryhill.

The Climbing Academy – The Newsroom

The dedicated children's area sits beside the café, with shorter reaches, easier problems and a small slide. It is where under-eights climb; from age eight, children can also use the main bouldering walls. You can drop in for an ordinary visit, but complete the adult and child forms first.

Best for Children who enjoy climbing, working out a route and trying the same move more than once, especially when you need an active indoor option

Indoor Leisure All ages; under-eights use the children's area Untimed entry; a shorter first visit may be enough.

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Image Children taking part in an activity in the dedicated kids' area at The Climbing Academy – The Newsroom. Photo by The Climbing Academy Image cropped by BonnieDaysOut. Venue-supplied image Used with permission; credit The Climbing Academy

At a glance

Drop-in

No booking is needed for the dedicated children's area.

Address

The Climbing Academy – The Newsroom, 124 Portman Street, Glasgow G41 1EJ

Supervision

Under-16s need a registered adult; maximum two children per adult.

Access

The centre is upstairs, reached by three flights of stairs or a lift. The lift enables step-free access.

Getting there

A few minutes' walk from Kinning Park Underground, with free on-street parking outside.

Parking Café or restaurant Gift shop Bouldering Walls Children's Classes Dedicated Children's Bouldering Area

Official source Visitor information

Checked 6 September 2026

Why visit

Bouldering gives children short problems they can work out and retry at their own pace. A drop-in visit lets them try it before you decide whether a regular class would suit them.

Day entry

Under-eights currently pay £7.80 off-peak or £8.80 peak; ages 8-15 pay £8.80 off-peak or £9.80 peak.

Supervising adult

A supervising adult who is not climbing does not pay entry.

Choose the right climbing area

Under-eights use the dedicated children's area. Its closer holds and small slide make it easier to pause, play and try the same move again. From age eight, children can also use the main bouldering area with their supervising adult.

Bouldering is low-height climbing over mats, without ropes or harnesses. If your child wants to try roped climbing, TCA runs that at The Prop Store in Maryhill rather than The Newsroom.

Drop in or choose a class

Ordinary bouldering visits do not need booking or a course. Tiny Academy offers bookable, informal sessions for under-fives, and older children can book age-banded classes for instruction and regular practice. Dates and spaces change, so check the live youth pages if you are going for a class.

Forms and supervision

Complete the adult and child forms before you arrive. Registration includes safety information and a short video. One registered adult can supervise up to two under-16s, so three young climbers need a second registered adult.

What the visit costs

TCA lists day entry at £7.80 off-peak or £8.80 peak for under-eights, and £8.80 off-peak or £9.80 peak for ages 8-15. Under-16 shoe hire is £3. A supervising adult who is not climbing does not pay entry.

How long to stay

Entry is not timed. On a first visit, stop while children are still enjoying themselves and before their hands tire. The dedicated children's area is usually quieter on weekdays.

Getting there and access

Kinning Park Underground is a few minutes' walk away. There is free on-street parking directly outside and bike parking at the corner of Portman Street. The centre is upstairs, reached by three flights of stairs or a lift. The lift enables step-free access, and there is an accessible toilet and shower. Ask the centre about buggies, baby changing or any specific support your family needs.

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