8 Things to Know Before Climbing the O2 With Kids

Your child must be at least 8 years old and 1.2 meters tall to climb the O2, with strict weight and measurement limits for safety harness fitting. You’ll supervise up to five children throughout the 90-minute climb, which reaches 52 meters with steep inclines up to 28 degrees. The experience can overwhelm children who fear heights, despite safety equipment. You’ll need valid tickets for age verification and must sign waivers beforehand. Understanding these essential considerations will help guarantee your family’s climbing adventure proceeds smoothly.

Age and Size Requirements Your Child Must Meet

Before you book your family’s O2 climbing adventure, you’ll need to verify your child meets specific age and size requirements that can’t be waived under any circumstances. Your child must be at least 8 years old and reach 1.2 meters tall—no exceptions exist, regardless of their physical ability or maturity level.

The safety equipment has strict limitations too. Maximum weight is 130 kilograms, waist measurement can’t exceed 125 centimeters, and upper thigh measurement must stay under 75 centimeters. These measurements ensure proper harness fit and equipment function during the climb. Plus, your child must wear proper climb shoes and socks as mandatory safety requirements for the experience.

You’ll undergo verification checks before equipment fitting, so bring valid tickets for age confirmation. These requirements exist because safety equipment is standardized and can’t accommodate participants outside these specifications.

Adult Supervision Rules for Under-17 Climbers

While your child may meet the age and size requirements, you’ll need proper adult supervision throughout the entire O2 climbing experience. One adult can supervise up to five children aged 8-17, but you can’t leave them unattended at any point during the visit.

You’ll sign waiver forms for both yourself and each child you’re supervising, completing these online before your visit.

During the safety briefing, you must explain all rules to your kids since climb guides won’t provide one-to-one supervision.

You’re responsible for ensuring children are healthy enough to participate and behave appropriately throughout the climb. This means preventing excessive noise, unauthorized climbing, and ensuring they follow all guide instructions.

Poor behavior results in immediate ejection without refunds. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled climb time to allow for check-in at the South Pavilion.

Health and Safety Considerations for Young Climbers

Beyond supervising your children properly, you’ll need to make certain they meet specific health and safety requirements for the O2 climb. Your kids must be at least 8 years old and stand 1.2 meters tall to fit properly in the safety harness. Check their waist measurement doesn’t exceed 125cm and upper thigh measurement stays under 74cm.

Ensure your children are in good general health with no major cardiovascular or respiratory conditions. They’ll need unaided mobility and physical fitness to handle steep 30-degree sections safely.

Don’t forget to bring socks for the required safety shoes.

Before climbing, your kids will watch a safety briefing DVD and receive training from guides. They must follow all guide instructions throughout the climb, as non-compliance results in immediate ejection from the experience. The climb operates in most weather conditions, with cancellations only occurring during severe conditions.

What to Expect During the 90-Minute Climb Experience

Once you’ve completed the safety briefing and gear fitting, you’ll set out on a 90-minute adventure that combines moderate physical challenge with spectacular views.

Your journey covers 365-380 metres of suspended rubber walkway that feels like walking on a bouncy castle. The initial climb is the steepest part, reaching 28-degree inclines, while descent angles hit 30 degrees.

You’ll spend 35-45 minutes climbing, with a mid-level platform stop at 17 minutes.

The summit offers 360-degree views spanning 15 miles on clear days, including Canary Wharf and Olympic Park. You’ll find yourself standing 52 metres above ground as you take in the panoramic London skyline.

Your guide will pace the group appropriately and provide fascinating commentary about London landmarks throughout.

Photography is only permitted at the summit, where guides will help capture memories using your personal devices.

Safety Equipment and Training Process

Before you step foot on the walkway, you’ll receive extensive safety equipment and training designed to keep your family secure throughout the climb. You’ll get weather-appropriate climb suits, protective shoes in all sizes, and properly fitted harnesses. Your kids will need to bring socks for the climbing shoes.

The experience begins with paperwork, emergency contacts, and a mandatory safety briefing including video screening. Instructors will explain how to use all equipment and safety protocols before you start climbing.

Your guide leads groups of up to 18 people, sharing interesting facts during the ascent while ensuring everyone follows safety instructions. For larger families or groups, two guides can accommodate up to 30 climbers.

You’ll need to tie back long hair and wear comfortable, flexible clothing. Personal items like cameras must go in provided lockers, though phones can stay in jacket pockets at the viewing platform.

Best Climb Times and Views for Families

After you’re equipped and briefed, timing your climb properly can make the difference between a memorable family adventure and an uncomfortable experience. Book early morning slots around 11 AM for ideal temperature conditions and clear landmark visibility extending 15 miles.

Avoid midday climbs when excessive heat makes the 90-minute experience uncomfortable for children.

Sunset climbs offer stunning photo opportunities with auburn skies, while twilight experiences feature new multi-coloured lighting that particularly engages kids. Evening climbs showcase London’s illuminated landmarks across the 360-degree vista from 52 metres high.

You’ll spot Greenwich, Tower Bridge, The Shard, and Canary Wharf regardless of timing. The climb takes you up a gentle 28-degree incline that makes the ascent manageable for children as young as 8 years old.

Consider the snow globe experience between November 21 and January 4 for winter visits. Remember that English weather remains unpredictable, so dress appropriately for wind exposure at height.

Arrival Tips and What to Bring

Planning your arrival carefully guarantees you’ll maximize every moment of this thrilling family adventure. Find the entrance just left of The O2’s main doors and arrive exactly 15 minutes before your booked time—your group won’t start until everyone’s present.

Bring photo ID to verify ages and identities during check-in. You’ll complete paperwork, provide emergency contacts, and sign waivers after watching the mandatory safety briefing.

Dress your family in comfortable, flexible clothing and ensure everyone wears socks—climb shoes are provided. Tie back long hair for safety. The small group activity includes three fellow adventurers alongside your family.

Don’t pack cameras or phones for the climb itself; they’re only permitted at the summit.

The venue supplies jackets, gloves, safety harnesses, and all necessary equipment, so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories together.

Why This Climb May Not Suit Children With Height Fears

While proper preparation sets you up for success, the O2 climb’s 52-meter height can overwhelm children who struggle with fear of heights. Unlike adults who can push through discomfort, children may become genuinely distressed when exposed to real heights despite safety harnesses.

The climb presents specific challenges for height-fearful kids. You’ll experience an initial bounce as the climb begins, followed by steep inclines leading to an open platform with intense exposure. Looking down amplifies fear considerably more than looking up, making descent particularly intimidating.

However, children aren’t born fearing heights—it’s learned behavior. Some adults with severe acrophobia avoid the climb entirely, so consider your child’s comfort level carefully. Research shows that individuals under 18 are significantly less afraid of heights compared to adults, which may work in your child’s favor during the climb.

Experienced guides effectively mitigate fears, but you know your child best.

The Sum Up

You’ll want to carefully consider your child’s maturity and comfort with heights before booking this climb. Don’t overlook the physical demands—it’s 90 minutes of walking on a steep, curved surface. Make sure you’ve discussed safety rules beforehand and arrive early to avoid rushing through the preparation process. If your child meets the requirements and enjoys adventure, they’ll create unforgettable memories with stunning views of London from above.