Lynnwood’s spacey climbing wall

Published 12:01 am Tuesday, September 6, 2011

LYNNWOOD — The new climbing wall at Lynnwood Bowl & Skate is out of this world.

Opened in May, the Asteroid Climb for Kids is a space-themed horizontal climbing wall enclosed in its own room with matted floors, colored lights, glowing stars and neon asteroids for the hand holds.

“We are a family entertainment center,” said general manager Larry Matlin. “A rock climbing wall in itself is not unique, but a rock climbing wall with black lights and music is.”

The climbing wall is open for children ages 5 to 12. This age restriction is for safety reasons, Matlin said.

“Ten to 12-year-olds still listen (to rules), but 13 to 14 not so much,” he said.

There are other rules to keep climbers safe. A room attendant is present at all times and strict instructions are given before the session begins. Climbers are told to climb in a clockwise direction and to not reach over the highest hand hold.

The wall is 8 feet tall and the highest hand hold is at 7 ½ feet, so even the smallest kids are only 3 ½ feet off the ground, Matlin said.

The wall is open in sessions from 12:10 p.m. to 5:35 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Each session is 15 minutes long with 5 or 10 minute breaks in between.

Space is limited to 20 climbers and costs $4 plus tax per child. Prepaid reservations are accepted and recommended during the busy seasons.

The climbing wall is offered as birthday party entertainment. The party package includes an hour of climbing, a birthday table, pizza and soda. Climbing can also be added to bowling or skating parties.

“Summer months are slower because of the great shiny orb outside, so people don’t want to be indoors,” said Matlin.