On a wet and windy Saturday afternoon in October, we are sometimes short of things to do with the kids. The park is wet and grim. But indoor activities can often be extremely expensive. Sometimes it can be hard to keep the children entertained over the weekends and over the school holidays without breaking the bank. My daughter has found a new favourite place to visit and it doesn’t cost the earth! Sum it Up in Oldham Town Centre has become our new favourite family day out.
Sum It Up, Oldham
Bookings can be made in advance prior to arrival online. But it is also possible to just turn up and see if there is availability (we always book online in advance, it can get rather busy at weekends and during the school holidays). You will be required to complete a waiver and acknowledge that you have read and understood the rules.
Once you have paid to enter, you’ll notice a small cafe area close to the entrance. This is a great spot for parents to sit and watch their children. The cafe offers the usual refreshments – hot and cold drinks (the lattes are rather nice). A selection of hot foods are served – the pizzas are delicious. Lunch boxes can be purchased for children which include sandwiches, snacks and soft drinks. We particularly enjoyed the cakes and ice creams. Overall, the cafe is reasonably priced.
To keep the younger children entertained, there is a soft play area ideally placed next to the cafe area.
Dare to Climb!
Sum it Up is an indoor climbing centre. Visitors can explore a number of different climbing walls which are suitable for all different abilities. Quite simply put, you clip and climb!
Before you are permitted to enter the climbing arena, visitors must listen to a safety briefing. This takes around 10 minutes and explains how to safely climb the walls and how to clip into the ropes. Spectators do not need to attend this briefing unless they are going to enter the climbing arena to assist children.
The instructor then fits the harness and you’re ready to clip and climb!
Adults and children can take part in this activity which means it’s a great one for the whole family.
There are many different types of climbing walls to attempt – some much more difficult than others. My daughter loves to take on a challenge and try to touch the ceiling when she ascends each wall!
There are additional challenges which cost extra. Such as the Leap of Faith and the Drop Slide. My daughter has taken on these challenges a few times. She hasn’t quite managed to complete the Leap of Faith as yet. But each time she attempts the Drop Slide she reaches a little higher each time.
Parties
Birthday parties at Sum It Up are extremely popular with my daughter’s group of friends. The party includes 55 minutes in the climbing arena followed by food and drink in one of the party rooms. These parties are always fantastic and the children absolutely love them!
Bouldering and Roped Climbing
Sum It Up Oldham also offers more traditional forms of climbing. There is a huge boulder climbing section which always has plenty of visitors. It is possible to pay for lessons and to even join the climbing club. This is a great option for those who clearly have a skill for climbing!
Additional Information
Sessions cost from £12.50 for a 55-minute climb. Current prices can be found here.
There are dedicated sessions for children with additional needs and for children aged 2-4.
There is a large pay and display car park a couple of minutes walk from Sum It Up Oldham. For those with mobility issues, this could be a challenging walk. However, it is possible to drop passengers off at the entrance.
Overall, we highly recommend Sum It Up, Oldham. It is the best clip and limb centre we have visited. It’s ideally located with parking close by and I can enjoy a nice cuppa whilst my daughter climbs!
For a similar post, see Chatsworth Country Fair.
This look great!