We have horizontal cables that don't obstruct our view, but they cause a really loud howling depending on how the wind hits it. The Golden Gate bridge has the same problem.

Our Building

Code forbids anything that would facilitate climbing.

Your builder should be aware of requirements in your jurisdiction.

Knowing my toddler, both would be really dangerous. I think you either need fixed railings (which yes, will obstruct the view) or glass. Maybe you want to look at a relatively inexpensive solution for now and redo a few years down the road when your kids are a little older.

Worthy:

Check the date on that code citation please.

2018.

Sometimes codes need to be ignored (to a point) and let common sense dictate how safe construction is. Codes are for the most part minimal standards. Horizontal members in a railing system provide a ladder effect, vertical members only provide a bigger challenge for a young creative mind.

I like glass for railings it lets the view be the star and my kids would have been over the horizontal one in a minute I agree check code for sure.I do not ignore code since if a horrible accident should happen your insurance will not pay if you decided to ignore code .

I'm still a fan of steel mesh with both horizontal and vertical members (openings less than 4").

Many times common sense will provide a safer solution than code will allow, at least the common sense found near where I am sitting.

Something kids can't climb. Horizontal doesn't work for that.

Code Citation please.

O.B.C. 9.8.8.6.

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332

Of course, there's not a design magazine, print or online, that doesn't everyday feature homes with blatant Code violations, with stairs, guards and the like being the most obvious.

(For my first home, when I was in my limber 20s, I omitted any guards or rails to the second floor. Much neater!)

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Now, dis-assembling a teardown, I cling to the wall

I agree with Norwood Architects. Vertical and horizontal members about 2" apart don't provide any space for a child to get a toehold in. We have a pool fence with these specs and none of the grandkids can climb it, and it meets code here on Eastern LI. Even so, you have to watch toddlers like a hawk!

While your children are small, I would install child-proof safety nets on the railings. Safety trumps fashion.

Once the children are older, you can remove them. This is no different than having a child-proof fence around a swimming pool. Once the children are older, they are no longer needed and can be removed.

Children have to be protected from attractive nuisances.

How to Child Proof Horizontal Railings (blueistyleblog.com)

Baby Proof: Keeping Balcony Railings Safe for the Children - Boston Iron Works

We don't have kids of our own but have lots of family with kids. We have an amazing view from the patio that we really don't want to obstruct. Guess we can just be hyper vigilant with watching the kids when they come to visit.

Razor and electrified wire are explicitly illegal in many jurisdictions.

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The vertical balusters on our stairs did nothing to prevent our sons from simply climbing up the outside of the staircase. They've now moved on to adult adventures.

Burning Man is soooo passe.

Buy what you like and if climbable and children intractable, put chicken wire over the railing til they get older.

Glass. We have glass on our railings and love it. Our neighbours have a very thin top to their glass and it looks amazing.