Note: All zip lines and adventure courses require signed waivers, and most require harnesses. Before heading off on your adventure, pay attention to height, weight, and age restrictions. Not all parks offer experiences for young children. Go online or call ahead for reservations. 

The Chick Pea Course at Treetop Quest is ideal for younger adventurers. It's closed for now. Photo courtesy of Treetop Quest

Zip Lines and Ropes Courses for Kids in Philly

1. Treetop Quest Philly — Philadelphia

There is no need to leave the city to experience Treetop Quest Philly, an adventure course conveniently tucked inside Fairmount Park. Treetop Quest is perfect for young adventurers and full-out adventure junkies, with course levels ranging from Level 1 to Level 4. Are you strictly after the thrill of soaring through the air with none of the climbing work? Level 3 is an entire course of zip lines only. There is a course designed for children ages 4 to 7, called the Chick Pea Course, but it's closed due to COVID-19 precautions. Call ahead to inquire about the reopening of the Chick Pea Course. 

2. WildWorks Ropes Course — Philadelphia 

Harness up and climb 34 feet into the air to experience obstacles, test your balance on ropes, and cross bridges at the Wildworks Ropes Course at the Philadelphia Zoo. Do you have a little one who is feeling left out of all the fun? The Wildworks Ropes Course is one of the few places that offers a little tykes option for kids under 48 inches.

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It's one step at a time at the ropes course at Camelback Mountain Adventures. Photo courtesy of Camelback

Zip Lines and Ropes Courses for Kids in the Poconos

3. Camelback Mountain Adventures — Tannersville,

Are you heading to the Poconos for the weekend? Don’t miss out on Pennsylvania’s biggest outdoor adventure park. Soar down 4,000 feet of Camelback Mountain on the longest zip-flyer in the state. Test your strength and balance on tight ropes, rope swings, and tree ladders on the 3-hour, 3-level TreeTops Adventure Course. End your day with an educational Segway tour through the mountains to learn about the local history while soaking up incredible views of the Pocono Mountains. Make your reservations online.

4. Pocono Mountain ZipLine at Whitewater Rafting Adventures  — Nesquehoning

Hook up, and watch the ground disappear beneath your feet as you soar over Red Rock Cliff in the scenic Pocono Mountains. This eight-story high zip line will have you flying for more than 900 feet at speeds above 30 mph. If the zip line isn’t enough adventure for one day, the company also offers white water rafting, paintball, kayaking, and biking excursions for the whole family. Call ahead to let staff know you're planning on coming. No advance online reservations are required. If you want a last-minute adventure, this Poconos gem is a great option.

5. Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge — Skytop

The Treetop Adventure Course at Skytop Lodge is open for resort guests and those who aren’t staying at the lodge. The course has five different zip lines, elevated bridges, and other obstacles sure to please all adventure seekers. Adventurers must be at least 10 years old, and advance reservations are required.

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Zip Lines and Ropes Courses for Kids in the Philly Suburbs

6. Treehouse World — West Chester

Zip above the waters of the Valley Creek at Treehouse World. Its zipline course includes three lines and eight bridge crossings for older, more experienced explorers. In addition to its full-scale zip line course, it also has a Buccaneer Zip Line, designed for younger children, with a minimum weight of only 20 pounds. Treehouse World is also home to a treehouse pirate ship, where you can harness up and walk the plank, matey.

7. Treetop Adventures at Elmwood Park Zoo — Norristown

Get ready to experience the only ropes course in Pennsylvania with zip lines that soar over wildlife, like bison and elk. In addition to this incredible safari-like experience, the Treetop Adventures course at the Elmwood Park Zoo also has a night-time adventure complete with head lamps and a bonfire to conclude the perfect summer night.

8. Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center — Lancaster

Travel an hour and a half from Philadelphia, to Lancaster County, and take the time to rejuvenate and adventure with the whole family. Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center has courses that operate year-round. With three courses to choose from, it can accommodate guests ages 5 and older with an adventure that meets their skills and needs. Is your family looking to make a weekend trip out of it? Rent a cabin, spend the rest of the weekend horseback riding, exploring the wildlife center, and even try your hand at the escape room. You can make all reservations for activities and overnight stays online. 

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9. Tree to Tree Adventure Park — Cape May

Have you ever wondered what it was like to swing through the trees like Tarzan? Well, at Cape May’s aerial adventure course you can test your strength and activate your children's imaginations on Tarzan swings, zip lines, jumps into nets, and much more. The courses at Tree to Tree Adventure Courses are designed to challenge the body and the mind. Online reservations are required. If you have the time, don’t miss a trip to the Camp May County Zoo before or after your visit. It is free and a great place for kids of all ages.

10. Diggerland USA — West Berlin

Twenty miles from Philadelphia, you’ll find Diggerland, an amusement park that’s home to the Soaring Eagle Zipline. This 700-foot zip line gives panoramic views as you soar from the 130-foot tower. The zip line has a seat, so no harness or gear is required. The minimum height for riders is 42 inches when accompanied by an adult. In addition to the zip line, Diggerland is also home to one of the world’s tallest ropes courses, and of course, all the real machines to drive and ride to your heart’s content. If you're looking for more zip lines and ropes courses in the New Jersey area, check out our roundup of New Jersey zip lines. 

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11. Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park — Bear

An hour outside of Philly, you’ll discover a nature lover's dream at Go Ape, tucked alongside a picturesque pond within serene Lums Pond State Park. Its high ropes courses include everything from zip lines over the pond to Tarzan swings. In addition to the ropes course, it also has a Monkey Drop, which involves climbing a 40-foot platform, taking a deep breath, and free falling. Minimum age for the Monkey Drop is 5 and minimum weight is 44 pounds.