Kids need a new challenge? Add a little adventure to their summer at these local parks
Are you ready for a summer adventure?
What if you could walk among the treetops? Dangle from a zip line? Swing through a rope course? Climb the walls just because you want to? Kayak through the rapids? All within an hour of Hagerstown?
We've found some options that go beyond your usual day in the park, and that are close enough to be friendly to your gas tank.
Here's a sampling:
Tree Trekkers Aerial Adventure and Zipline Park
9560 Old National Pike
Frederick, Md.
301-888-TREK (8735),treetrekkersmd.com
Climb, swing and zip through the trees on 30 acres of protected Frederick County forest.
Tree Trekkers has 15 trails and eight difficulty levels for outdoor adventures. Recommended for ages 7 and older. Here's what to know before booking your visit:
The Timber Trek Course offers 15 different trails all originating from the main start platform. Trails move in a linear direction and land in various areas throughout the park. Climbers navigate their way through a series of elements/obstacles as they move from platform to platform within the trees. Once climbers complete a trail they can follow the ground paths back up to the main start platform and choose their next trail. Trails increase in height and difficulty level with each color ranging from 10 to 65 feet off the ground.
Everyone on the property must sign a liability waiver. Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a waiver for them. A signed waiver is valid for the Tree Trekkers calendar year.
Reservations highly recommended.
Amenities include pavilions and picnic tables throughout the park; bottled water, sports drinks and prepackaged snacks for sale as well as a concession stand on weekends. Outside food is permitted, but glass containers and alcohol are not.
River Riders Family Adventure Resort
408 Alstadts Hill Road
Harpers Ferry, W.Va.
304-535-2663, riverriders.com
This adventure park has something for everyone, from zip lines to e-biking to rafting and tubing on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. There's even a campground.
River Riders, a licensed professional white-water guide service, also offers tubing, canopy tours, zip lining, aerial forest adventure parks, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, lodging options and fishing adventures on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers.
River Riders had its start as Shenandoah River Rafters in the 1970s, and has expanded its offerings — and its footprint — in the decades since.
Amenities include a shuttle service, lodging (if you're planning an extended stay), changing rooms, picnic areas, a café, a shop — even pet kennel rentals. See the website at riverriders.com for information.
Marketing Coordinator Michael Martin says the staff directs visitors to the website for information on all the adventure trips offered. Also look there for reservation (recommended) and rate information. You'll also find information at the website on discounts, season passes, seasonal specials and gift certificates.
Guests are required to sign waivers for each activity. Weight and minimum age requirements apply. Activities go forward rain or shine.
Urban Air Adventure Park
5830 Ballenger Creek Pike
Frederick, Md.
240-560-5965, urbanair.com/maryland-frederick
Too hot outside? Prefer indoor exploits to outdoor? Have little ones who need to explore a little? This indoor adventure park might be the answer for you.
Trampolines, ropes courses, climbing walls, tubes and slides, bumper cars, laser tag and more — all under roof.
Urban Air attractions are designed to challenge kids mentally as well as physically. Play individually or participate in games with other players.
Weight and height requirements vary for each attraction, but some are dedicated for younger children while others are appropriate for teens. Parents are invited to play, too. And if you or the kids get hungry, you can grab a pizza at the park's café.
You can book a party as well — party tables or separate party rooms are available for birthdays and other events. School field trips can be booked, too, and if it's a really big do, you can rent the whole park.
Gift cards and memberships at different levels are available.
As with the other adventure parks, each participant must sign a waiver. Urban Air socks, priced at $3.49, are required. Tickets and waivers are available online.
For tickets and other information, visit the website at urbanair.com/maryland-frederick.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Local adventure parks offer unusual attractions for mind and body
