TreeRush Adventures Park at Fontenelle Forest

When I started Adventure Fridays with my kids and my parents, I never imagined I would be writing about doing a high ropes course with my kids. While I did high ropes courses several times growing up with volleyball teams, I now find myself petrified of falling and being up high. Yet, here I am to tell you this is a place that you NEED to add to your bucket list…even if you’re scared of heights or falling, add it. You won’t regret it.

Imagine doing something hard for yourself and that feeling you get after you finish it. It’s that sense of accomplishment, disbelief, and thrill of doing something you didn’t think you could. Now, picture yourself doing that activity with your family. Think of all the skills you are practicing…with your loved ones. When we were done with our time at TreeRush Adventures Park, those were the emotions we felt. It was such a bonding experience and we left proud of ourselves and each other. As the minutes passed during our time, it was so exciting to see how much our confidence grew.

The day we did TreeRush Adventure Park, we spent a chunk of the morning exploring Fontenelle Forest. I wrote a blog post about Fontenelle Forest as well, since the beauty of the forest was stunning and left us full of gratitude that we got to experience the park on a perfect fall day. We truly were spoiled in the beautiful weather that we were given for our day here. When it was time for our reservation, we made our way up to the desk of Tree Rush. Joining me on this adventure was my son (7 years old) who did the Haunted Tree Rush with me and my oldest daughter (4 years old) who did the KidsRush Adventure Park. My husband stayed with my daughter to make sure she did okay and my father-in-law took our 1 year old on walks around the forest and into the nature center.

We had a reservation online, which made check-in a breeze. You do need to have gloves if you are doing the Tree Rush Adventures. They are $5 there or you can bring your own climbing gloves. Gardening style gloves work too. Gloves are not needed for the kid’s course. It’s important that you also, are wearing close toed shoes, not crocs. After check-in, we headed to a large platform right inside the entrance of TreeRush. On the platform, we got fitted into harnesses and watched a safety video. The video told us what to expect and how to use our harnesses and clips. All of us were a little nervous about this adventure, so we watched the video sent to me through the reservation prior to the day we were there. This helped us calm our nerves and know what to expect even before that point.

After watching the safety video, an instructor took us over to a practice zone where we could try out clipping, unclipping, and climbing at a very comfortable spot near the ground. My son had a little trouble clipping and unclipping, so the instructor had him practice a few additional times to ensure he was ready. Our instructor showed ultimate patience as we practiced and was so kind when my son was nervous. When our clips were sticking, they quickly switched out our buckles for different ones and made sure we were comfortable with the new ones. Once we all felt confident about our skills, they let us start the high ropes course. When we first arrived, we were the only ones in the park, so we got the first part of our experience all to ourselves!

A large platform was the beginning point of most of the courses. When we walked up to the top, an instructor checked our harnesses again to ensure safety. Then, we were on our way! We started off with the Meadowlark course. Despite my nerves, each challenge was so much fun. Even writing days later, I’m still smiling, thinking of the experience. As we went through the course, we got more efficient and faster in our abilities to maneuver through the obstacles and with our clips. Our confidence also, increased as we moved. I loved seeing my son assertively step out into a new challenge with excitement and belief in himself. His trust in himself definitely blossomed throughout the morning.

One thing that I loved about TreeRush Adventure Park was that the monitors were on the ground. Unlike any other high ropes course I had done where the instructors were on the platforms along the way, this increased your confidence and your feeling of accomplishment as you finished each part. Throughout the whole experience, I felt very safe and knew that monitors were watching and would respond immediately if I called for staff. This is a true testament to their staff. Every staff member we came across was kind, patient, and attuned to our needs. Not only did I feel this way about the staff, but both my older kids made comments about how kind they were as well.

Another thing I loved was the sense of community. As the morning went on, more groups joined us climbing. We never had to wait for anyone, but a few times, people had to wait for us. Instead of getting grumpy or impatiently waiting, the people began conversations with us, cheered us on, and even helped my son when his clip got stuck. What an experience in this society to not feel rushed, to meet new people in a vulnerable spot feet above the ground, and to be cheered on by complete strangers. There are not many places that you can feel nurtured like that in an environment that is challenging you past your limits!

As we continued on through the course, it was a mix of climbing obstacles and ziplines. I loved that every obstacle was different and made you work in different ways. When we finished Meadowlark, we went back up to the original platform to start Goldfinch (another beginner course). Again, our harnesses were checked by an instructor and then, we were on our way! Another great course we enjoyed! The last course that we had time for was a newer intermediate course called the Screech Owl. This course boasts nine ziplines, including one that is 300 feet long! Wow, definitely a fun one!

Despite doing nine ziplines in just this one course, I still managed to scream every single time. I’m sure the park was a lot quieter once I left. Yet again, everyone was so kind and no one even said anything about my scream. Since this course was intermediate, the platforms and distance from the ground were noticeably different than the beginner courses. To our great surprise, when we got about halfway through this course, we realized the courses around us continued into the trees. Beautiful sights welcomed us as we climbed through this area and it truly felt like you were just in the middle of nature. This part was truly such a unique experience.

At one point during this course, my son only made it about three quarters of the way on a zipline. We were given instructions on what to do if you didn’t make it the whole way prior to beginning the climbing adventure. As he worked his little body, he almost made it back to the platform, but just got too tired. He calmly yelled, “Staff!” and one appeared, asking him if he needed help. Without hesitation, the staff member repelled down from the platform above us and went out to help my son. Using a calming voice, he quickly helped him to the platform, while also encouraging him on how far he had actually made it. This was a great experience because it allowed my son a chance to gently fail, ask for help, receive help, and push him to change a few things on his positioning for the next zipline. So many great life lessons taught in just those few short minutes!

Another fun thing that we loved about Tree Rush was that due to it being October, we actually got to experience the Haunted Tree Rush. This meant there were fun Halloween decorations throughout the courses and on the ground around the park. This included everything from pumpkins to fake eyeballs to large spiders intertwined on parts. My son LOVED this part! He pointed out every decoration he saw and even tried to scare me several times with them. Yet another fun thing they do at Tree Rush is called Glow in the Park (where you climb with lights and a DJ) on Saturday nights!

It should be noted that my son is the youngest age possible to do TreeRush Adventures (7). He is mid-size in height and weight for his age. As time went on, his hands and body did get more tired. Near the end, he definitely required more of my assistance. While he could have continued doing it on his own, it would have taken longer and made him even more exhausted. If you have a kid who is getting tired or is nervous, I would recommend you (the adult) going first, so you can help them as needed when they get to the platform. We did have several nine year old girls near us during our time and they didn’t seem as worn out as he did. So, I think with age, size, and experience, it does get easier. This would never deter me from giving him this experience, as it actually made me even more proud of him since he had to work hard!

Meanwhile, as we completed our courses, my oldest daughter was doing the Kidsrush Park. Her courses were 1-3 feet off the ground. She was still harnessed in, but didn’t require gloves. Also, she is watched by a parent/guardian instead of the monitors as much. After learning how to initially do her clips and what to do, she was able to do her courses at her own speed. Being that she was the only person on the course while she was there, she was able to do every single course multiple times. To say that she loved it would be a gross understatement. Many of the challenges were like a playground, so it wasn’t scary or intimidating. Yet, it also gave her the opportunity to experience what we were doing on a scale, appropriate for her age and abilities. One thing that my husband loved about her experience was that every challenge looked similar to a challenge on the adult courses. So, she got exposure to the obstacles that eventually, she will be old enough to try. For only $14 for two hours, this is a great deal for your little ones to try an exciting adventure at their ability level and for a time frame that is appropriate for them.

When we all finished our time, all three of us felt a huge sense of accomplishment. Although, I didn’t overcome my fear of falling that day, I did grow braver and more confident in my abilities. I also, strengthened my bond with my kids. Doing things that are hard for you with your kids pushes and encourages you as a parent. Leaving the park, I felt we had grown closer as a family. This was an experience that would forever stick with each of us!

Overall, this is a bucket list location. Being able to combat our fears, anxieties, and worries together brought us all closer. It built confidence in each of us too. The icing on the cake was being able to experience it all, surrounded by nature. Such an incredibly stunning location, especially being high up in the trees of the forest! Even a week later, both kids are still talking about this amazing opportunity and how much fun they had. Definitely worth the trip!

Here are more details about your trip to TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Park:

Hours:

August/September/October:

Open every Thursday, Friday & Sunday- 10am-6pm

Saturdays- 9 am – 10 pm

November: Open every Saturday and Sunday 10am- 6pm

Pricing:

Tree Rush Park:

Ages 12+: $59 (save $5 if booked online)

Ages 7-11: $48 (save $5 if booked online)

KidsRush Park:

Ages 4-6: $14

10% discount for Fontenelle Forest members, First Responders, seniors, and active or retired military