Umbrella Nine Co - Climbing reimagined - Brookvale - Sydney - Review
THIS VENUE IS NOW CLOSED PERMANENTLY
Umbrella Nine Co - Climbing reimagined opened last Saturday 14th December and we were so excited when we found out about this NEW kids Bouldering Centre that we didn’t waste time to arrange a review along with the gang over at @allthingsmomsydney!
Photo credit: @busycitykids
The name UNCo is a family joke for owners Kelly and Craig who named the business after how uncoordinated Kelly and the kids were before they got into bouldering and how they always talked about how Craig could take part in any sport he played in!
Photo credit: @busycitykids
The unique design of Umbrella Nine Co Bouldering Centre means kids don’t have to be held by ropes which makes things very easy and there is very thick padding around the climbing sections which is great. The fun climbing sections are of a whale, a frog and a penguin. The walls are lower, surrounded by soft padded mats just in case your little ones fall. You just need to watch a very short safety video before starting to make sure things go well and no one gets hurt.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Kids 5 to 15 years old can give bouldering a go at Umbrella Nine Co and really enjoy the sport as it’s made easy for them to understand the different colours by starting from green Easy to blue, red and pink Hard and black Wildcard. My kids did not wait two minutes for us to walk into the area, they were already climbing up with ease and enjoying it! Little Miss 7 hesitated at the thought of coming however once we arrived she was keen as mustard to try bouldering. Little Mister 4 had a go as he’s a crazy adventurous child but with close supervision and help from the instructors on the floor.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Bouldering is pretty easy. Kids can make their way up alone and once they’ve achieved the height they want, they can come down on their bum and slide down using their feet. The whale was a favourite amongst the kids as once they reached the top they liked sitting there and looking around.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
As could have been predicted, my overzealous kids got into a pickle as they felt stuck once they were at the top of the penguin but Craig was on hand to climb up and show them how to safely come down and teach them that they need to think about how to get down before getting up ha! I also had to take part in it and enjoyed a bit of bouldering myself!
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
To break things up, kids can also take part in a fun game which uses both bouldering, jumping and game skills. Lots of challenging levels to take part in and you can send the video to yourself once the game is complete!
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
And you can also break things up with a ninja-like course of ropes.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Or old fashioned wall bouldering climbing.
Parents and carers can relax at the onsite café while kids who don’t need assistance can climb as they wish.
Umbrella Nine Co also runs kids parties around the year as it’s indoors and air-conditioned. Birthday party package includes 1 hour climbing time (2 hour room hire) $25 per climber with minimum group size of 8 climbers and maximum of 10 climbers.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
One thing for sure is that kids will have fun, burn some energy and exercise in the process! The kids had an amazing time and we will be back for sure!
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Our info & tips:
Umbrella Nine Co is located at Shop 6010 Warringah Mall (Blue P5 parking – across the roof from the cinema parking, near HCF) Cnr Old Pittwater Road and Condamine St in Brookvale. Go through the HCF center to reach UNCo.
Hours of operation are: School Holidays (Weekdays) 9am – 5pm, Saturday: 9am – 9pm, Sunday 9am – 4pm and After School 3pm – 7pm.
Bring sensible sports shoes if you’re not hiring climbing shoes. Climbing shoes make a huge difference to your climbing so check what’s best suits the experience.
Casual price list is: Single Pass 1 Hour $20, Shoe Hire $5 and Family of 3 Bouldering $54 (additional family $18 each).
Prepaid passes are: 5 visits $90 or 10 visits $170. The prepaid passes will give you 15% off the purchase of climbing apparel and equipment in their store.
Sign the waiver online before you go to save you time before you head there.
More tips and info for first time climbers on their website here.
Busy City Kids were hosted by Umbrella Nine Co for the purposes of a review. Travel was self funded. All opinions & feedback are genuine & truthful.
For more ideas and reviews for what to do with kids around Sydney, head to our blog where you will find reviews as well as useful guides like our Daily Spots List as well as parents rooms, playgrounds, beaches & pools and more!