ELEV8 Climbing and Fitness — Local services in Traverse City

NOT for kids under 8 who have never climbed before! Just reviewing to set expectations for everyone: If you are looking for a fun activity to do with your small (ages 7 and below) kids and they've never climbed before, THIS IS NOT IT!!!!

Pros: Clean facility! Super friendly staff! Seems like they're on top of safety protocols!

Cons: there is no separated area for beginners (or small kids). Likewise, there is no area for advanced climbers. So, if your 2 year old wants to climb (and needs the autosplay- there were only 6 in the whole place) you'll stand in a long line waiting for someone to be done, only to feel rushed, as there are people waiting behind you. In the same vein, you yourself cannot climb or enjoy the facility because there is no area where the kids can just explore the wall- you need to be with them every second. My 4 year old was walking on the mats (because he is 4 and doesn't remember he can't walk on the mats, he has to get off and walk around- for safety reasons), and was shouted at several times "YOU CANNOT WALK ON THE MAT". They weren't being rude- they're just being cautious, but I could not help my 2 year old, and 4 year old, and watch my 7 year old at the same time. My husband was there and we paid for him to climb, but unfortunately, he wasn't really able to participate because we were helping our boys. None of this is the fault of the staff, however, if there was a designated area for beginners and/or for smaller children- we would've had a much more enjoyable experience. We wouldn't have been competing with advanced climbers or bigger kids. Overall- we spent $70, and we were there for about 45 minutes until everyone just got really tired of fighting the crowd and trying to actually climb. I did call prior to the visit, and was told it was appropriate for all ages, and that there was plenty for my 2 and 4 year old to do. Just overall disappointed in the experience - because after talking to staff it just wasn't what we expected. But...

My 3 1/2 year old daughter, 1 year old baby and I went on their opening day. I can’t even begin to explain how excited I am to have Elev8 in our community. Although I was alone with two young children, we had an amazing time. I was greeted by the owner personally, who was very welcoming, professional, and patient with us as my daughter was eager to start and exploring every corner of the place. My 3 1/2 year old had a fantastic time trying auto belay, and we cannot wait to go back. This place is brand new, squeaky clean and a wonderful space to be in. It was clearly built with a lot of great taste, everything looks just perfect. I also really appreciated their rules on cleanliness, such as no climbing shoes in the bathrooms. Extra point on this. I have to add that I was beyond happy to see they also have a childcare option for $5 an hour if I remember correctly. A beautiful little room with a glass wall so that you can peak and see your baby/child from time to time. This is the only way that I could possibly work out or climbing time, being alone with two little ones, and I will definitely be enjoying this extra service. So, thank you for that too. We will...

I was pretty disappointed with the experience that was had at this place. I will say this review is about a month late. If you are only going for the day, I would not suggest you go.

I called ahead to ask quite a few questions because we climb both inside and outside in Missouri and Arkansas. I talked with staff about their set up in the gym like knots used, equipment needed like belay device types that were acceptable or rentable. I was told that we could get belay certified so my son could climb anything they had the day they decided to go. When the family showed up they were informed that they would need to take the belay class, and it was only offered on a couple days of the week. They don't allow you to test out because that was asked to do. So my son climbed for about an hour and a half, and had done everything they had in his skill level multiple times. This turned out to be a handful of auto belays and a few boulder problems.

Might have been less disappointing had the phone conversation beforehand been consistent with what was found when they got there.

After this experience we will...