I’ve never met an adrenaline-spiking, outdoor activity that I haven’t enjoyed. I love cruising down winding trails on my roller skates and scaling high ropes courses. I even tried all-terrain mountain biking last weekend and — although I flew off my bike at one point — it was awesome!
Illinois can get a bad (and by that, I mean boring) rep when it comes to outdoor adventures, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. In Chicagoland alone, there are scenic hiking trails, plenty of opportunities to get out on the water and thrilling adventure sports —like ziplining!
If your family loves to live on the wild side, check out these exciting zipline adventures. Many of these adventure parks have other activities for thrill seekers, like axe throwing and high rope courses. Before you head out, keep in mind that most of these parks require reservations, and many of the activities are best suited for older kids ages 8 and older.
Kid-friendly Ziplining Adventures Near Chicago
The Forge: Lemont Quarries in Lemont
- Address: 227 Heritage Quarries Drive, Lemont
- Cost: Entry to the park and trails is free. The Climb & Zipline Adventure is $70-$80. The Ultimate Adventure Pass, which includes all activities, is $99 per person.
The Forge is my favorite adventure park, partially because of the incredible 1,200-foot-long zipline that sends you soaring over the water. In addition to the park’s signature Climb & Zipline Adventure, your family can enjoy axe throwing, archery tag, an awesome aerial playground for littles and more. Plus, the outdoor adventure park touts free general admission and hosts tons of fun events for families.
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.
Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
- Address: Bemis Woods, 1100 Ogden Avenue, Western Springs
- Cost: $49.95/kids 10-15, $64.95/ages 16+
Choose from five exhilarating adventures at Go Ape, an outdoor adventure parked tucked away in Bemis Woods South. The Treetop Adventure course features five zip lines, a “Tarzan swing,” and plenty of obstacles, rope ladders and even a jungle gym suspended in the trees. The Treetop Journey course is a great option for littles and kids up to 15 that might be a bit nervous around heights.
Axe throwing and a forest escape room are also offered. There is no age requirement at Go Ape, but participants must be at least 3’3” and under 285 pounds.
Zip Chicago
- Address: 2681 E Route 6, Marseilles
- Cost: $40+
Located less than two hours southwest of Chicago, Zip Chicago offers three exciting zipline tours for families. A tour guide will lead you through a variety of obstacles and zip lines, including dual-racing 800-foot-long ziplines! Get a taste of ziplining with the Short Tour, go all-out with the Zipline Tour or embark on the ultimate adventure with the Night Tour.
While Zip Chicago has no age restrictions, visitors must be a minimum of 70 pounds and maximum of 275 pounds to participate.
Boundless Adventures
- Address: 9800 County Highway M B, Bristol, WI
- Cost: $45-$71 depending on the day and time
Travel just across the Wisconsin border for some serious ziplining fun! After a quick safety lesson, your family will be ready to harness up and explore the self-guided aerial course. All the zip lines are in the rope courses, but there are obstacles for all ages and skill levels so the entire family can enjoy some ziplining fun.
Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures
- Address: N3232 Co Trunk H, Lake Geneva, WI
- Cost: $30-$120 depending on experience
Ziplining, a high ropes course, rock climbing, mountain biking and more outdoor adventures await your family at Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures. Choose from a nine-line or four-line tour. Adventure seekers that opt for the Full Zipline Tour will navigate sky bridges, spiral staircases and a 1,200-foot-long dual racing line.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
