Check Out This Adventure Park Just 20 Miles from Chicago

The Forge: Lemont Quarries is an outdoor adventure park nestled along the I&M Canal. Just 20 miles southwest of Chicago, the park features a thrilling zipline and ropes course, adrenaline-pumping activities like laser tag and battle archery, and tons of outdoor play opportunities for kids of all ages. 

The Forge: Lemont Quarries in Lemont

• Address: 227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont
• Hours: Park hours are sunrise to sunset.  Specific hours for activities may vary seasonally or due to weather. For the most up to date information, check the Forge’s calendar. 
• Cost: Entry to the park and trails is free. Ticketed attractions range from $15 to $80. The Ultimate Adventure Pass, which includes all activities, is $99 per person. 
• Best for ages: 3+. Many activities are best suited for children 8+ 

The Forge is divided into two main activity zones. On one side of the Lemont Quarry is The Forge’s signature attraction, the Climb & Zipline Adventure. This aerial rope course features obstacles of varying difficulties, rock climbing and a 1,000-foot-long zipline across the quarry. I consider myself an adrenaline-loving daredevil, but even I was feeling pretty nervous as I tackled the three-story tall obstacle course. 

On the other side of the quarry, you’ll find more than a dozen fun activities for kids of all ages, from the Kids Adventure Zone and laser tag to axe throwing and archery. Families can also explore the Lemont Quarry by kayak, canoe or pedal boat, or enjoy the scenery from the patio at The Foundry, the park’s bar and grill. 

Things to do at The Forge with kids of all ages

There are so many incredible outdoor experiences to be had at The Forge. The adventure park offers a variety of activities and passes that families can use to customize their own unique adventure. Here’s a breakdown on which passes and activities are for kids of all ages, from tots to teens:

Climb & Zipline Adventure

The main attraction at The Forge is the Climb & Zipline course. Explore three rope towers with tons of unique obstacles, rock climb on a 70-foot-tall rock climbing wall, rappel from 100 feet in the air and take a thrilling ride on a 1,200-foot-long zipline ride that sends visitors soaring across the Lemont Quarry. 

Visitors must be taller than 4’4” to participate. The Climb & Zipline Adventure is $70-$75/children under 14, and $75-$80/adults 14 and up. The Ultimate Adventure Pass is $99 per person and includes the Climb & Zipline Adventure and all other activities, making it the best bang for your buck if you plan on exploring all the exciting things to do at The Forge. 

Kids Adventure Pass

Kids ages 3-13 can access the Kids Jump Zone and the aerial jungle gym with a Kids Adventure Pass. The jump zone features tons of inflatables, including a 50-foot-long jumping pad and an obstacle course. The netted jungle gym features rope course elements, climbing nets, balance lines and more, all securely fastened more than 12 feet off the ground! Kids can play all day for just $20, or upgrade to the Explorer Day Pass for access to more than a dozen activities. 

Gemstone panning

New to the park this year, littles ages 3 and up can play in the water trough and hunt for arrowheads, gemstones and other treasures. Each child will receive a take-home collection bag and up to 3 lbs of mining rough. Gemstone panning is available as an add-on or individual activity and is not included in a pass. 

Paddlesports

Explore the Lemont Quarry in a kayak, canoe or pedal boat. All ages are welcome on the water, but children 8 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone at least 18 years old. Paddlesports day passes are $15 per person. Paddlesports are also included in the Explorer Day Pass, a ticket that includes almost all activities except the Climb & Zipline. 

Hiking and biking

Hit the hiking and biking trails and explore the Heritage Quarries and The Forge, which are free and open to guests of all ages. For an adrenaline-filled adventure, a mountain bike day pass grants access to The Drop-In, The Pump Track and more than 10 miles of exhilarating trails. 

Families can also explore The Forge on adorable four-seater Dino Karts, a bike with two seats in the front and two seats in the back. Dino Kart rentals are available with the Explorer Day Pass, which grants access to almost all activities except the Climb & Zipline. 

Scavenger hunts and orienteering 

Ages 5 and up can put their navigation and problem-solving skills to the test. Hunt for treasure on a self-guided scavenger hunt, or grab a map and compass and explore the park the old school way through orienteering. These activities are available with the Explorer Day Pass. 

Laser tag 

Laser tag is always tons of fun, but it’s a lot cooler when you can get out of those dark, cramped laser tag zones and play in an outside arena! Ages 5 and up can choose from more than 30 games and compete in up to three games per session. Included in the Explorer Day Pass. 

Archery

Kids 8 and up can learn to shoot a bow and arrow on a classic archery range, or take their skills to the next level with a game of archery golf or an archery battle tag competition. Archery Battle Tag combines dodgeball with archery by using safe, foam-tipped arrows. Great for groups, but individuals are welcome to join, too! Included in the Explorer Day Pass. 

Axe throwing 

This unique sport has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years. Kids 10 and up can practice their aim and axe throwing skills in a safe environment. This activity is included in the Explorer Day Pass. 

Dining 

Fuel up throughout the day at The Foundry, or stop by The Creamery for a sweet treat. The Foundry offers a simple menu of hot dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, corn dogs and nachos, as well as drinks and other tasty snacks. At The Creamery, you’ll find incredible desserts like colossal cookie ice cream sandwiches, ice cream nachos, chocolate-covered bananas and more ice cream delicacies. 

Tips for visiting The Forge with kids

• For the best deals, purchase a pass rather than individual activities. The Explorer Day Pass grants access to almost everything except the Climb & Zipline Adventure. For an epic Forge experience, the Ultimate Adventure Pass grants access to all activities and the Climb + Zipline experience. For a full breakdown of all the ticket options and special offers, check out this guide. 
• If you’ll be taking on the Climb & Zipline Adventure and other activities, I recommend doing the rope course and zipline first. Not only do the ropes and zipline require more energy, but the zipline will take you across the quarry and directly to the other activities. 
• Dress in comfortable athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes. If you’ll be doing the Climb & Zipline Adventure, I recommend avoiding shorts and tank tops and wearing clothing that covers your skin to avoid rubbing and irritation from the climbing harnesses. 
• Not all activities are available every day, and many are weather-dependent. If you have your heart set on a specific activity, be sure to call and confirm it’s available on the day of your visit. 
• The Kids Adventure Zone and paddlesports have adapted and accessible options for differently-abled guests. 
• Family pets are welcome at The Forge! Dogs must be kept on a leash and with their owners at all times. Be sure to care for and clean up after your pets! 

Family-friendly events at The Forge

In addition to thrilling adventures and outdoor recreation, The Forge is also home to live music, special community events, trail races, summer camps and more. Check out these upcoming events to add to your family’s calendar. 

Summer Camps

The Forge currently offers three exciting summer camps for kids and young adults. Quarry Camp for Adventurers offers outdoor and active activities for kids ages 7-9. Quarry Camp for Explorers is best suited for kids 10-14. Camp Trailblazers is a summer camp for adventurers ages 15+ with intellectual and physical disabilities. 

Rockin’ The Quarry Concert Series 

Enjoy open-air concerts with general admission lawn seating throughout the year. Artists range from classic rock cover bands to live orchestras and other themed nights. Delicious food from local food trucks, alcoholic beverages and more are available for purchase. 

Learn How To Fly Fish!

• When: Sunday, Aug. 25 and Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024; 8 a.m. 
• Cost: $40

Learn the basics of fly fishing at this two-and-a-half-hour crash course. Students of all ages can learn the basics of fly fishing gear, rigging, knots, flies, and more. All gear is provided. 

Nature Scavenger Hunt

• When: Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024; 11 a.m. 
• Cost: Free 

Join The Forge for some scavenger hunt fun! Check off your scavenger hunt list by spotting nature items or completing activities, then meet back at the base camp classroom to share your discoveries. Bring a team, or arrive solo and get matched up with teammates. 

Back 2 School Bash

• When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024; 5 p.m. 
• Cost: $15

Start the school year off right at this exciting back to school bash. Play at the Kid’s Adventure Zone, then enjoy live music, food trucks, raffles, face painters and more kid-friendly fun.

Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.