Photo: REI
Photo: Sree
Photo: Oliver Peckham
REI
★4.6(451 reviews)$Adventure
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 5 and up. The climbing wall welcomes kids who meet height requirements (typically 5+), while tweens and teens love testing gear and learning outdoor skills. Younger children enjoy exploring the camping displays and trying on kid-sized hiking boots, though active toddlers may need close supervision around equipment.🧡 Saved by 200+ families
About
REI North Hills transforms outdoor gear shopping into an interactive family adventure with its impressive indoor climbing wall, hands-on gear displays, and free educational workshops that teach kids outdoor skills. Beyond shopping, families can explore bike trails, get expert advice on camping with children, and participate in weekend classes that inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Highlights
- ✓Indoor climbing wall where kids can try rock climbing with belay support
- ✓Bike trails outside the store for test-riding kids' bikes before purchase
- ✓Free family workshops on camping, hiking, and outdoor skills
- ✓Interactive camping gear displays where kids can explore tents and sleeping bags
- ✓Knowledgeable staff who provide expert advice on outdoor adventures with children
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit during weekday mornings for the quietest experience and first dibs on the climbing wall with minimal wait times
- 2.Check the store's event calendar online before visiting,they offer free family-friendly workshops on topics like camping basics, bike maintenance, and trail safety
- 3.Let kids test out sleeping bags, backpacks, and tents in the camping section,staff encourages hands-on exploration to find the right fit
- 4.Take advantage of REI's generous return policy when buying kids' gear they can grow into or test on your first camping trip
- 5.Park in the North Hills mixed-use development garage for easy access and plan to explore the outdoor shopping area afterward
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9:00-11:00 AM) offer the calmest shopping experience with climbing wall availability. Saturday mornings are ideal if you want to attend family workshops, but expect larger crowds. Avoid late afternoons on weekends when the climbing wall wait times increase.
What to Know
The climbing wall is free to use but may have height/weight restrictions and require a brief waiver. Located in the North Hills shopping district with ample parking in nearby garages. No food sold on-site, but numerous dining options within walking distance.
Seasonal Notes
Spring and fall are prime times when families prep for camping season and back-to-school outdoor programs. Special workshops often coincide with school breaks and summer vacation planning (February-April). Winter months focus on cold-weather gear demos and indoor climbing activities.
Nearby Eats
North Hills offers numerous family options within walking distance including Chopt Creative Salad Co. for healthier fare and Cantina 18 for casual Mexican with a kids' menu. Both have outdoor seating perfect after gear shopping.
More Activities Near North Hills
Park
Midtown Park
Free
Midtown Park is North Hills' beloved gathering spot offering expansive green lawns perfect for running, playing, and spreading out a picnic blanket. The well-maintained walking paths are ideal for stroller-pushing parents, while seasonal movie nights and family events create memorable community experiences right in the heart of this vibrant shopping and dining district.
Activity
Trader Joe's
★4.7$$❤️139
Turn grocery shopping into a fun family adventure at this North Hills Trader Joe's! Kids love pushing their own pint-sized shopping carts, hunting for hidden treasure (stuffed animals throughout the store), sampling free treats, and picking out affordable goodies like their famous Joe-Joe's cookies. The cheerful Hawaiian-shirt-clad staff creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes even routine errands feel special.
Ice Cream
Kilwins
★4.6$$$❤️115
Kilwins in North Hills is a delightful sweet shop where kids can watch candy makers hand-pulling fudge and crafting chocolates right through large viewing windows. Beyond the entertainment of watching treats being made, families can indulge in premium hand-dipped ice cream, waffle cones made fresh throughout the day, and an impressive selection of handcrafted chocolates and caramel apples that make perfect treats or gifts.
Shopping
North Hills
★4.5Free❤️230
North Hills is a vibrant open-air shopping and entertainment district that offers families much more than typical mall shopping. With interactive fountains perfect for splashing on warm days, plenty of green space for running around, and regular seasonal events like movie nights and holiday celebrations, it's an ideal destination for a relaxed family outing that combines retail therapy with genuine kid-friendly fun.