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Go Ape is one of those days out that children talk about for months afterwards. Zip lines through treetops, rope bridges, Tarzan swings, and giant bouncy nets strung between trees — it’s the kind of outdoor adventure that makes screens feel boring by comparison. But it’s not cheap, and choosing the wrong experience for your child’s age can turn an exciting day into a tearful one.
Here’s everything you need to know before you book.
Which Go Ape Experience for Which Age
Nets Adventure (age 4+): Giant bouncy nets suspended between trees. No harness, fully enclosed, completely safe. Children bounce, climb, slide, and scramble through interconnected net tunnels. This is the one for younger kids and the one that gets the least attention online but might be the most fun pound-for-pound. Sessions are about an hour. Children can go unaccompanied from age 4.
Treetop Junior (age 4+, min height 1m): A smaller, lower version of the main high ropes course. Zip lines, crossings, and obstacles designed for children to complete independently (with staff supervision). A great confidence-builder. Takes about 1-2 hours.
Treetop Adventure (age 10+, min height 1.4m): The full experience. High ropes, long zip lines, Tarzan swings. This is the one you see on social media. Physically demanding — your child needs to be comfortable with heights and have the upper body strength to pull themselves along ropes. Takes 2-3 hours. Adults can go too, and should.
Treetop Challenge (age 10+): The hardest version. Longer, higher, more complex obstacles. For confident, adventurous older children and teenagers. Not recommended as a first visit.
How to Save Money
Always book online — gate prices are significantly higher. Midweek is cheaper than weekends. Outside school holidays is cheaper than during. Check for family bundles on the Go Ape website. If you home educate, call your nearest location and ask about group rates for home ed groups during term time — many locations offer these but don’t advertise them. Sign up to the Go Ape newsletter for flash sales (they do regular 20-30% off promotions, especially in January and September).
What to Bring
Closed-toe shoes with grip (trainers, not sandals or slip-ons). Hair tied back. No dangling jewellery, scarves, or drawstrings. Layers — it’s colder in the tree canopy than on the ground, even in summer. Sun cream in summer (you’re exposed up there). A change of clothes in the car, especially for Nets Adventure (they get sweaty and muddy). Water bottles. A packed lunch — the on-site cafes exist but they’re expensive and limited.
Is It Worth the Price?
A family of four doing Nets Adventure costs around £50-60. Treetop Junior is similar. The full Treetop Adventure is more — around £35-45 per person. It’s not a cheap day out. But the experience-to-cost ratio is excellent. Your children will be physically active for hours, completely engaged, building confidence, and making memories that genuinely last. That’s worth more than another afternoon at soft play.
For more family day out ideas, see our Days Out Hub and our free days out guide for when the budget is tight.
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