Aunt B and my youngest son about to have the time of their lives! |
Before I tell you about our day at Tree Trek Adventure Park in Orlando, let me just note that this would be THE perfect place to have a birthday party for children or adults!! It's a one-of-a-kind day that everyone will remember, enjoy, and talk about for a long time to come.
He was excited, but a little apprehensive. ;) You'll see him start to genuinely smile as he progresses. |
We went first thing in the morning, and if you know Florida, you understand why. You spend a few hours in the park, so you want to beat the heat (and this time of year, beat the rain too, though they do climb rain or shine).
There are multiple courses for kids, juniors and adults. They get progressively more difficult as you go. You can opt to stop any time you would like. I even saw one person stop mid-course. He was a little apprehensive about walking on the ropes. The guide was amazing with him. She helped him down and asked him if he had a good time going the first course. She made him feel like it was no big deal, and didn't make him feel more uncomfortable or embarrassed (good job to the guide!).
Learning how to maneuver the clips (under the supervision of a guide). |
After they harness you and everyone in the group going out shows up, they put you through a mini training session. They show you the safety features (both clips will never be opened at the same time) and how to use and maneuver with your equipment. It takes a couple of tries to get it down pat, but in no time at all, you'll be a master!
Small practice session where you are watched and guided as you learn. This was the mini-zip and that is a genuine smile. ;) |
They also put you on a mini zipline (there are more to come) while they watch and guide you. The smile you see in that picture was instant and genuine.
There are some similarities between the kids and the adult courses (the two we tried), of course the adult version puts you up much higher. Both courses has one of these nets to run across.
The courses my son ran were designed for children aged 7-11. My son went through both of them and did all 21 adventures. He had a blast! It was just the right amount of challenging-yet doable, and these courses definitely had a huge cool factor going on.
At the end of each game there was a platform to stand on, catch your breath, wait for friends (if friends were there too), and take in the scenery.
As I noted above, each task got a little harder as you went. You can see though, that even at that, they weren't too awful challenging for the younger crowd.
See the gloves he has on? You buy those for a minimal fee when you go in. Make sure you get them, they'll be soaked by the end of the course and they are worth their weight in gold. The bottles of water were unlimited, ice cold and free (extra nice, and essential to keep you hydrated).
After little man got a drink, it was back to the course for round two. You climb a rock wall to get to this course, so it's fun right from the get-go. My son has climbed a good number of rock walls in his day, but never with harness gear on, so he got tangled going up. Right away someone noticed and was spot on up there faster than you could say, 'he's a little tangled.' He got him situated fairly quickly (he climbed up to him so he wouldn't be scared, I think) and going again on his merry way. And that was the way of it! The guides and others working there left you pretty much to your own devices while you were there, but they were instantly available if something happened. In fact, they would often times be there before you even knew you needed them.
The Tarzan ropes were fun to swing on and by this point my almost-chicken fella (at the beginning) was getting downright cocky. ;) 'Hey Mom, Watch!' and things like that... :)
Aunt B. went along because she is Ms. Adventure! The things she still wants to do... let me tell you... Her 'bucket list' makes mine look weak. |
Then we went over to the adult side of the course. Again the guide shows each person in the group how to use the equipment and you get a test run on the mini equipment. Then you're off on your own (with the guides never really far away).
You can see from this picture that the adult course is a lot higher in the air, even the very first one that is the least physically taxing.
At all times you are harnessed though, and safety precautions are in place. You always feel safe, which makes it easy to enjoy the courses and have a good time.
Each of the four adult courses gets more challenging as you go. Believe you me, it starts off pretty easy, but it doesn't stay that way. ;) That's part of the fun. You just do what you're comfortable with, and then watch the others in your party progress to the tougher courses as they go (there's a walking trail underneath every course, including the children's). Or if you're really, really bad to the bone...you can go ahead and do them all. :)
For the adults there are four color-coded challenge courses. Things like the trapeze swings to walk on were there...
and of course the multiple ziplines.
It really did get more and more difficult as you went.
I could have done the first course with ease, I think. But when you got to one point, this point you see in the above and below pictures, you would have lost me. There's Aunt B. coming off of the platform swinging on a big rope ball...
into a net!! She was like Spider Woman on steroids! When she started out I was thinking where's the platform to land????? Then I figured it out, hahahaha. She had to climb that rope all harnessed up and get back to another platform to finish that route. And she did, like a champ!
The Giant Zip Line.
See her sitting up there so tiny and far away? She's about to end the day with the biggest zipline I have ever seen! |
At the very end of the course, you climb a lot of stairs to get to the top, and then you take your zip. What a great way to cool down after a such a strenuous workout! It is the longest zipline I have ever seen, and it does go very fast. My son tried to race her by running on the walking path, of course he was exhausted by the time he got to the end, where she had been with me, patiently waiting for him to catch up. ;)
It was definitely a day to remember and we had such an awesome, fun time!!
There are picnic tables under shelter, and alone in the grass for those wishing to host parties or events. There is also a snack/drink bar on the covered patio and they have outside, air-conditioned rest rooms. The staff are as kind and helpful as can be, and they really know what they're doing too.
The next time you're in the fun zone (that's what we call Orlando because there's so much to do there!) be sure to swing by Tree Trek Adventure Park (pun not intended ;) ). You'll be oh so glad you did!! THIS is how summer memories are made. :)
Learn more by visiting the website. You can follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram too.
How fun. They both seemed to enjoy themselves very much. I would love to go here, but not do the hard stuff. At my age I would probably break something.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. ☺
That does look fun! My boys would have a blast. They love climbing, and heights. Me? I'd be down taking photos.
ReplyDeleteTree Trek sounds like an amazing theme park. I live in Georgia, and I've always had a love affair with the trees in our area. I think I'd enjoy this more than anyone else in my family.
ReplyDeleteThis place is awesome!! And in my backyard - I gotta go see!
ReplyDeleteMy husband would totally love this adventure. I would do it for him. Our 10 year-old would enjoy it too.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like so much fun! I've been zip lining a few times, but my kids never have. I really think they'd enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteNow that sure sounds like a fun place to go. Challenge yourself and see what you can do all while the guides watch over you.
ReplyDeleteThat looks incredibly exciting and fun! I love that it all ends with a big zipline run!
ReplyDeleteI would totally love the opportunity to visit Tree Trek with my family! It would help my oldest get over her fear of heights while I would make it a point to beat the rest of my crew.
ReplyDeleteThis looks so cool. I am afraid of heights but I might brave it for something this cool.
ReplyDeleteLooks like some high wire fun.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I am not a huge fan of zip lining. But, for those who do love it, this would be a great place to visit!
ReplyDeleteWe have a park very similar to this not too far from us. We haven't been there yet, but I've heard really good things. Looks like you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteOH wow, this looks like an adventure for sure. Glad you were able to go there!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a place my whole family would enjoy! We love going on obstacle type courses like this. I did zip lining last year and it was such a blast. I know I would totally dig this place!
ReplyDeleteOh that place sounds like a blast. I like that there are multiple courses people can challenge themselves with.
ReplyDeleteThis does look like an amazing outdoor adventure! I love the ziplines especially! I have no doubt we would be wiped after spending a day there!
ReplyDeleteI remember Orlando before Disney, when there was nothing there. It's interesting to see how it's become such a family destination above and beyond disney.
ReplyDeleteI'd totally do this with the kids. Stuff like this makes me think it would help me get over my fear of heights. Or have fun trying.
ReplyDeleteI have a slight fear of heights but I think this might help me too. And it does look like so much fun!
DeleteWow! What a fabulous place! And the free water is a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteLooks like so much fun. It's nice to see there is something for the whole family to try. I always wanted to check out a zip line.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like my kind of place, I would enjoy these activities a lot
ReplyDeleteThey built one of these in a section of our zoo. It is so much fun
ReplyDeletethis looks like so much fun. I can't wait to visit Orlando this is a must do!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like so much fun! I think my kiddos would love it <3
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome place to bring my kids. I bet this is so much fun
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun place loved the photos heheh!
ReplyDeleteI've been to a place like that in the Carolinas - it's a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a great fun day for the family. Wonderful to make new memories :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a real adventurous-looking place! I really like the idea of it, but think my niece (whom I spend a lot of time with, as she is my only one on my side of the family) may need about another year or two before trying this. I did bookmark it for future reference - thanks!
ReplyDeleteWe have been there and it is REALLY cool! The boys had a great time on the zipline!
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great way for kids to burn off that excess sugar! I have a slight fear of heights so I would just probably sit, wait and watch my kids enjoy this.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a lot of fun! I think that I would love to go here with my husband and son and daughter and have an adventure. Looks like you guys had a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteHmm, I'm afraid of heights, so...no, lol. But my niece & nephews would really love doing this.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like so much fun! I love the majesty of trees to begin with, so something like this would be fantastic for me. It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Paula. I was thinking when I was writing that I should say how beautiful I found the scenery, and then I got so caught up in the fun aspect that I never went any further with it. Truly it was a lovely place to spend the day, whether you participated/played on the gear or not. :)
DeleteOh my goodness this looks like THE BEST fun! I totally want to give it a try myself. x
ReplyDeleteTruly must visit place. Great for physical and outdoor adventure. Kids will love this.
ReplyDeleteNice place but I am a little bit of heights. This sounds like a fun adventure!
ReplyDeleteThis is the kind of adventure my kids love. I will have to check it out when I am in the area next.
ReplyDeleteWow, that looks like such a fun place. It's great that they have courses for both kids and adults.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, that sounds like so much FUN! If only I were a few decades younger...
ReplyDeleteMy kids would have loved this, and my husband even more. If there are grandchildren someday I know we'll take them here!
ReplyDeleteI want to go! I love zip lining and so does my daughter. We go to Orlando every February, so here's hoping we hit this!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such a fun place to have fun with the family. This would be such a great way to have kids unplug for a day.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of heights, but my husband and my older daughter, on the other hand, would love this and so going to show them this now!! :)
ReplyDeleteWow. This place looks like so much fun. We have something similar about 2 hours from our home, but we've never been. Looks like your kiddo had a blast!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like so much fun! Looks like a great activity for kids and adults.
ReplyDeleteAwesome awesome photo journal and description. hahaha this looks like such EPIC fun! makes me want to be a kid again. Zip lines are brilliant.
ReplyDeleteGoodness me how much fun does this look ? This is some place my kids would adore going and probably not want to leave! What fun! - jeanine
ReplyDeleteThis looks so fun! What a cooling activity for summer with the Tess cover too.
ReplyDeleteWow! This looks like such a fun trip! Great thing to do with the family.
ReplyDeleteThis is the perfect place to keep them active this summer! There's just so much to do here and I'm sure the kids had a blast!
ReplyDeleteWe drive right by this place when going from our house to Disney World! I've been itching to give this place a try. Thanks for posting these pics as they give me an idea of what to expect.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like loads of fun and adventure! Great pictures and what a great place to take your family for the day! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis looks fun--we're heading to Orlando in October!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you enjoy your adventures with your son. I like to go to this place and make some bonding moments with my family.
ReplyDeleteThat is so much fun and the kids look like they're having a blast as well. I'm sure we're going to enjoy this place just as much! There's lots of things to do!
ReplyDeleteWow! How fun is this? It's like a giant playground in high adventure form. Ya'll are lucky ducks!
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to try zip line but I am a little bit hesitant about it! Will give it a try soon!
ReplyDeleteI have heard about this actually. I will look for it next time we are in Orlando. I would totally love this activity and so would the rest of my entire family!
ReplyDeleteThis is totally up my alley! I really want to go!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love to go there. My son will love this, he likes adventure but he is still young enough for these activities.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that you didn't mind in your mommy heart that he wasn't tall enough yet for the other biplane ;-) He definitely looks like he got into it. Goodness and I bet it was SUPER hot. Happy belated birthday to you!
ReplyDeleteWe went first thing in the morning so it was good. By the time we were done it was starting to get hot, but we did it right. I definitely recommend an early start (as did the person whom I initially contacted to schedule the visit). The water was a big help too!
DeleteGlad yall had fun. I have a fear of falling... lol, not of heights though... weird , I know.
ReplyDeleteThis just would not be for me, but i know the boys would love it.
Not weird. I'll ride any tall or fast ride that has a seat belt. Put me on anything without one (like a Ferris Wheel or a water ride) and I'm biting my nails. ;)
Deletewow this looks like a ton of fun for all of you - glad you all stayed safe and had a good time
ReplyDeleteHow fun! My husband and I went zip-lining on our honeymoon in Mexico, it was one of the best experiences we've shared together, so much fun! I can't wait for my daughter to be older so we can take her.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing adventure that this must have been :) wow.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a great weekend :)
This looks like such a fun vacation destination. I would love to have a birthday party there for the kids or even for Hubby or myself.
ReplyDeleteI think you have had a wonderful experience out there & the pictures are so exciting as well. This surely sounds like an amazing outdoor adventure to explore with your kids & it is going to be so much fun for sure.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a super fun adventure. I haven't done something like this. I think my family would love to do this.
ReplyDeleteI did this a couple of years ago at a similar looking adventure park. It was the scariest thing I have ever done as well as the most courageous. I was able to overcome my fear of heights. I'm glad your son enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteI kind of want to have a go myself, I used to love ziplining as a kid and little man looked like he had fun.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! This looks like such a fun adventure to have!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing adventure Rosey!
ReplyDeleteI love places where the whole family can really hang out and have fun and also while the kids learn new things!
I've never heard of this place, but it looks awesome! And right up the road from me!
ReplyDeletelooks like you ad so much fun! My nephew is to little to go but I would go with my husband haha
ReplyDeleteLooks like a perfect place to visit this summer, for sure the the whole family will had fun there.
ReplyDeleteMy son would have a blast. We need to get to that side of the country http://www.parentinghealthy.com/
ReplyDeleteI remember a friend posting her trip to a similar place. She and her kids had a blast. It does look fun but I'm seriously afraid of heights lol
ReplyDeleteI'd definitely be wore out and sore afterwards but this is something I'd like to do. Looks like a blast!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of Tree Tek but I bet my kids would LOVE it! Will have to check it out on our next trip to Orlando!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like so much fun! I would love to take my boys when they are older!
ReplyDeleteI miss this kind of adventure! Would love to bring my family here to experience this fun and challenging activities.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking around for places to go when we vacation in Orlando in October. It won't be too hot to do this then!
ReplyDeleteOh, boy, I would be a wreck by the time I finished, lol. But it does look like a fun day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun adventure and challenge!! Looks like a ton of fun!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you all had so much fun. It is very beautiful there!
ReplyDeleteI live in Orlando, and I have never heard of this place. It looks awesome. My kids are a bit young, but I love obstacle course. It is a great way to be active. I would love to do this with my friends.
ReplyDeleteI love this, it looks much safer than many, and not too scary, enough that I wouldn't be afraid to try it, or worry about what could happen to anyone I brought there!
ReplyDeleteMy kids would love this. As for me...not so much. I'm such a chicken when it comes to heights!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like so much fun. I love ziplines and these look like such cool courses.
ReplyDeleteI have never done a zipline but I would love to try it. This looks like a great place to spend a day with my family
ReplyDelete