We revisited the Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium over Spring Break. My kids are a year older since we went last year and we loved it again, and they were asking to go again by the time we were in the car on the way home. I'm loving the workout it gives us, but more importantly, I'm really seeing the self- confidence it's building in my boys by challenging them. It helps them to control fears and become risk takers, but also to trust in their bodies. My oldest was walking me through how to problem solve one of the trickier courses by telling me where to put my legs and how to balance myself.
Sure, there is risk, but being harnessed in makes it a safe place to fail. In a time where every teacher I know is talking to parents about the inability to focus, the Adventure Park forces kids to lock in and focus or risk falling.
The Adventure Park teaches these skills with 258 challenge elements across 17 treetop trails. There are 33 ziplines and 6 challenge levels. Ages 5-6 can access purple, the easiest with an adult. Ages 7 and up can go from yellow to double black. Three hour general admission tickets are $74 for adults, $64 for ages 7-13, and $52 for ages 5-6 at the window. Purchase online to save $10. An all day pass is $99. Your visit will start by checking in, signing a waiver, and heading to the safety briefing. From there you'll watch a demonstration before you begin your fun in the trees.
