Making unforgettable memories with your family can be done through unforgettable experiences, like zip-lining and rope-course adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned zipping veteran or a newbie just like your kids, soaring through the air together will bring you closer on the ground.
To build this guide, we explored local reviews and pulled insights from parents and community voices on platforms like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor and Reddit. Every spot included was carefully selected to ensure safety and fun, so you can zip without a lick of worry.
Sandy Spring Adventure Park
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- Where: 16701 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, MD
- When: Open daily in summer; timed tickets required
- Cost: $47–$54 depending on age
- Phone: (240) 623-2435
- More Info: https://sandyspringadventurepark.org
Sandy Spring Adventure Park is the largest aerial adventure park in the country, with 16 color-coded trails of ropes, bridges, ladders and zip lines suspended in the forest canopy. Courses range from beginner to expert, making it easy for both cautious climbers and fearless flyers to find their groove.
Kids as young as six can participate and everyone is fitted with a secure harness system and guided through a full safety orientation before takeoff. The self-paced setup means families can explore at their own speed — taking breaks, trying different levels and cheering each other on from the ground or the trees.
Twilight climbs add extra magic with string lights glowing overhead, and shaded picnic areas make it easy to refuel between runs. It’s an adventurous day out that turns into a memory-making highlight for kids and adults alike.
Know Before You Go: Bring gloves (or buy them on-site), wear closed-toe shoes and arrive early to get the most out of your timed ticket. Weekend slots fill up fast, so booking ahead is ideal.
Go Ape
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- Where: 6129 Needwood Lake Drive, Rockville, MD
- When: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily in summer; hours typically vary by day
- Cost: $39.95–$64.95 depending on course and age
- More Info: https://goape.com/location/maryland-rockville
Tucked inside Rock Creek Regional Park, Go Ape Rockville delivers a sky-high adventure that blends natural beauty with high-flying fun. Families can climb, swing and zip their way through a series of tree-top courses featuring rope ladders, wooden bridges, Tarzan swings and long zip lines that soar through the leafy canopy.
What sets Go Ape apart is its course variety. Younger kids can explore the Treetop Journey, a lower-to-the-ground option with beginner-friendly obstacles and zips, while tweens, teens and adults can tackle the more advanced Treetop Adventure — a longer, higher route that requires a bit more stamina and nerve. No matter the course, trained staff are stationed throughout to keep everyone safe and confident.
Families appreciate the park’s mix of independence and support: you’re free to move at your own pace, but help is never far away. It’s a great option for groups with mixed ages or experience levels, and the shaded forest setting adds a calming, scenic backdrop to the adrenaline rush.
Know Before You Go: Arrive 15 minutes early to check in and get harnessed up. Closed-toe shoes are required, and gloves (though optional) are highly recommended for better grip and comfort. Courses can take one to three hours depending on the type you choose, so plan accordingly — and bring water!
Tree Trekkers
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- Where: 9560 Old National Pike, Frederick, MD
- When: Hours vary by day; open seasonally March–December
- Cost: $59 for a three-hour Timber Trek Adventure Experience; other options available
- Phone: (301) 888-8735
- More Info: https://treetrekkersmd.com
Spanning 30 wooded acres in Frederick, Tree Trekkers is a sprawling aerial adventure park that combines forest immersion with heart-pounding fun. With 16 trails, over 250 climbing elements and over 40 ziplines, this park has something for every family member — from cautious climbers to full-on thrill seekers.
What sets Tree Trekkers apart is its emphasis on inclusivity. There are eight difficulty levels in total, so kids as young as 4 can get in on the action with the Little-Foot Combo, which includes access to beginner-friendly courses and requires an adult companion. Older kids, teens and adults can take on the Timber Trek Adventure, a three-hour experience that includes a safety briefing and open access to all trails — letting families explore at their own pace.
Each course features its own blend of rope bridges, swinging logs, cargo nets, ladders and ziplines — all suspended in a beautiful natural forest setting. There’s also a ground-level path through the trees for anyone who wants to cheer from below.
Know Before You Go: Reservations are required and fill up quickly on weekends. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory, and gloves are highly recommended (you can bring your own or buy a pair on-site). The park has a weight limit of 30–250 pounds and waivers are required for all climbers.
Harpers Ferry Adventure
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- Where: 37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, VA
- When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily in summer
- Cost: Pricing varies by activity; zipline tours start at $59 per person
- Phone: (540) 668-9007
- More Info: https://harpersferryadventurecenter.com
For families craving an action-packed day trip (or even a full weekend getaway), Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is a one-stop destination for outdoor thrills. Just over an hour from DC, this sprawling Virginia hotspot has something for every level of adventurer — from first-time zipliners to seasoned climbers and paddlers.
The zipline tour is a crowd favorite, offering eight lines and a sky bridge that sweeps through the forest canopy, with sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley and Potomac River below. The aerial ropes course lets kids and adults test their balance, strength and courage on suspended bridges, swinging elements and climbing features — perfect for bonding, cheering each other on and getting a little outside your comfort zone.
Add on whitewater rafting, kayaking or tubing, or take advantage of the on-site campgrounds to turn your adventure into an overnight experience. Many families opt to pair zipping and rafting into a full-day itinerary.
Know Before You Go: Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Closed-toe shoes are required for all climbing and zip activities. Weight and age restrictions vary by activity, so check the website before booking. For longer stays, on-site cabins and campgrounds are available.
Luray Caverns Adventure Park
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- Where: 101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, VA
- When: Open daily; hours vary seasonally
- Cost: $12 for participants over 48 inches; $7 for those under 48 inches
- Phone: (540) 743-6551
- More Info: luraycaverns.com/explore/rope-adventure-park
If your family is planning a trip to the iconic Luray Caverns, don’t miss the adventure park next door—it’s the perfect above-ground companion to the wonders below. This outdoor ropes course offers age-friendly aerial challenges that give kids (and grown-ups) a chance to climb, balance and conquer their fears in a safe, supportive setting.
The Navigator Course, for climbers over 48 inches tall, features two tiers of obstacles at 12 and 24 feet high. Adventurers can test their skills on rope bridges, swinging platforms and balance beams. It’s just the right mix of challenge and fun for elementary-aged kids and up.
Younger guests under 48 inches can explore the Sky Tyke Course, a mini ropes course raised just 3 feet off the ground. With the use of the continuous overhead tracking system just like the larger course, it’s a great option for young kids who feel less comfortable in the air.
Since it’s located on the same property as Luray Caverns, this ropes course makes for an easy add-on to a full day of family adventure. You can explore the underground caves, walk through the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, and then head outside to climb, swing and scramble your way through the treetops.
Know Before You Go: No reservations are needed, but hours vary by season, so check ahead. Closed-toe shoes are required, and lockers are available on-site.
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