Physical Educators are challenged to provide quality experiences that are fun for their students, enhance fitness levels as well as build confidence. Climbing walls have been touted as an effective and innovative way of helping children achieve fitness goals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of climbing wall use on grip strength of fourth graders. Participants were 36 male and 52 female fourth graders who participated in physical education classes in two similar elementary schools. School A (n=48) had recently constructed an 8' x 48' horizontal climbing wall; School B (n=40) had no wall. The students in the wall climbing classes participated in this activity two-three times a week. Except for a climbing wall both School A and B had similar curriculum, facilities and equipment. In early January, participants at both schools were tested on their grip strength using a Takei and Company Grip Dynamometer which measures grip strength in Kgf (kilogram force) units. The dynamometer was adjusted to fit the hand size of the participants. Participants were instructed to allow the dynamometer to hang straight down at their sides while they gripped the handle as hard as they could. The force was displayed in digital fashion, to the nearest 0.5Kgf. Two measurements were taken on each hand, alternating hands after each grip. Total grip strength was the sum of the highest score for each hand. This process was repeated in mid-May after participants in School A had used the wall for four months. A 2x2x2 (gender by school by time) ANOVA with repeated measures on the last factor showed a main effect for time, F(1,84) = 367.70, p < .05. All subjects improved from pretest (M=28.36) to posttest (M=34.63). However, this finding was superseded by a significant school by time interaction, F(1,84) = 20.74, p < .05. Post hoc tests showed that while participants without the climbing wall (School B) scored higher on the pretest (M=29.08) than participants with the climbing wall (School A, M=27.71), participants in School A scored higher (M=35.38) than those in School B on the posttest (M=33.74). No effects involving gender were significant. These results support, at least for upper elementary students, the use of a climbing wall to build upper body strength, specifically hand strength. As the emphasis on fitness continues climbing walls can be an enjoyable and innovative way to help elementary aged children achieve these fitness goals. Keyword(s): exercise/fitness, facilities/equipment, play