Go Ape! Embracing Adventure with your Kids

Visiting my son for Parent’s Weekend at Perdue University, I found myself searching for something really fun we could do together – and came upon the Go Ape! Adventure Course in Eagle Creek park outside Indianapolis. We managed to get one of the few remaining reservations on a Saturday, so definitely call ahead!

After in-depth instruction on putting on our harnesses and how to safely clip and unclip the double attachment lines, pulley, and green master hook, we ventured forth to the five different rope courses, each of which ends with a long zip line. The whole course is set in the wooded forest of Eagle Creek Park (about a half hour outside of downtown) and takes place about 50 feet up in the trees with periodic views of the park’s large lake.

Given all the protocol, instruction signs as you go, and being continually hooked safely to a platform, I managed to overcome my typical fear of heights. Instead, I felt the constant thrill of being way outside your comfort zone while having a blast. Plus, you instantly become friends with your group as we had about 17 of us venturing forth together.

My son who was the epitome of cool in the trees, challenged himself by going no hands across the wooden planks and swings and taking funny videos of my zip line mulch-bed landings – often with me turned backwards and covered in mulch!

My 6′ 3″ son gave me a HUGE hug at the end and declared I was definitely the best Mom in the world. So my takeaway: Go Ape!

Go Ape has courses as well in Rock Creek Park in Rockville, MD as well as Freedom Park in Williamsburg, VA. You can find out more about them at GoApe.com.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.