New England Summer Bucket List: The Adventure

I was honored to climb at The Adventure Park at Storrs, CT in return for an honest review. All opinions and photos are, as always, my own.

When I saw a random Facebook post pass by on my morning scroll, my bleary, pre-workout eyes registered a lot of green. TREES! People in trees, my brain was screaming! I figured it would be a place in Cali or way up north in Maine or Vermont, but lo and behold, the picture was The Adventure Park at Storrs in Connecticut, a beautiful 50 minute drive away.

Excitedly, I emailed my boss and asked her if she wanted to join me on a ladies’ adventure day- and she was IN!

The Adventure Park defines spring and summer fun- for family, friends, and individuals looking for adventure! The park is open to all, ages 7 and up, and the advocate in me is happy to say that there is no height restriction, however some of the advanced obstacles require longer limbs to accomplish- just a part of the course.

The aerial forest adventure is fun, exciting and safe with provided harness and equipment- including gloves. You can also buy gloves for about $12 in the gift shop- a necessity for people like me who become instantly obsessed with the park!

The Park

If you’ve never been climbing, don’t fret! Before you start the course, a certified instructor gives a safety briefing that demonstrates how to climb and zip line the 7 trails [of varying difficulty] in the park. The double-connected, “always-locked-on” climbing system keeps your climbing harness securely attached to the safety line at all times, and the trails are intentionally designed for self-discovery, so lessons are totally unnecessary.

Each trail has at least 2 zip lines but primarily consist of “bridges” between tree platforms made of rope, cable and wood configurations creating over 80 unique challenges- all leaving you feeling like a total badass. You will develop skills, endurance, and confidence during your time in the Park- and when you climb with friends, an amazing bond. Cheering on my friend and coworker Jessi, as well as sharing tips as we moved through different obstacles was an absolutely perfect way to spend the day… we cannot wait to come back!

Not an adventure-er?

But let’s be real, adventure parks may not be for everyone. Thankfully, you can spend the day in the park and bring in some food to be with friends, and Trained Adventure Park staff members monitor the Park and are there to assist if needed. This includes moments where you cannot complete an obstacle or are just done and need assistance to get down. 

Friends + Family

One of my absolute favorite parts of the warm New England weather is being outside and enjoying the power of the human body. While roller coasters and water parks are awesome ways to spend killer hot days, The Adventure Park at Storrs, Connecticut gives the whole family a challenge to learn and grow from. Here, it’s all about active participation with no motorized rides.

There are trails for everyone to enjoy; similar to skiing, they’re labeled as Yellow, Green, Blue and Black. As you move through, the bridges require more balance, agility, focus, and arm strength- but have no fear! You don’t have to be a fitpro to get through! Everyone starts on Yellow or Blue before they can move onto the harder trails, so you find your comfort zone before moving on- if you choose to! Truly, I found so much love in finding my own way- there’s no right way to complete each course- so I got creative at a few points, and could not have had a better time!  

Must-know

There is no height restriction for the ropes courses and zip lines. The trails are for ages 7 to adult.  Age restrictions apply to each level of difficulty.  For example, 7 and 9 year old children can use the yellow trail with supervision but need to be accompanied by an adult on the green trail (1 adult per 2 children).  You must be 10 years of age to use the blue trails with adult participation. A chart with participation and supervision requirements is on the ropes courses general rules page and on the Starting Platform. Whenever adult participation is required the 1:2 adult/child ratio must be met.  Regarding a weight restriction, the limit is 265 pounds.  Creative play areas are provided for our future ziplining youth younger than 7 years old.

Must-haves

Water is a must- but don’t worry if you forget! The small shop on-site has a lot of tasty drinks and treats! Your clothes should be fitted- nothing that hangs loose or could get tangled in cables and rope. Long hair needs to be tied back, and jewelry should not be left loose. I wore my QALO silicone wedding ring, too- no need for my rings to get caught! And on your feet? Forgo the sandals, flip flops and open toe summer shoes, as you won’t be allowed to adventure! A good pair of sneakers or hiking shoes will be your BFF.

And so, I ask you this- whether you’re looking for a day trip with friends or family, a solo journey of adventure, or a quick stop- when are you going to check out the amazing aerial forest park that is the 5-acre Adventure Park at Storrs, Connecticut?

I can’t wait to hear about your adventure in the trees… and all of your New England summer bucket list journeys!

xo