By Suzanne Coblentz, Head of Marketing at Go Ape Treetop Adventure
Families today face a never-ending struggle to balance the growing reliance on technology and quality time for family experiences and interaction. Achieving a healthy balance in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world is a job in its own right.
But is the balance about an equal distribution, or could it be about making the most of our time spent together? If the moments we’re sharing away from technology, work, school and general daily responsibilities are more engaging, enriching and just plain amazing, maybe that’s the balance we should be seeking?
So how do we make quality time count? Seek adventure outdoors.
Engaging in our natural environment is a comfortable and convenient way to boost your physical and mental well-being. Make that outdoor activity something that will make an impression, challenge or excite, and you’re amplifying family bonding through adventure!
Commit to a new monthly adventure as a family, and you will quickly see the benefits in everyone’s overall mood and interactions. Fortunately, Texas has no shortage of amazing outdoor recreation options for families. Local, state and national parks systems in and around the state offer a wealth of activities for all abilities and ages.
If your family is in need of a more intensive digital detox, along with a super jolt of that mind-body connection, go for something a little different, like, zip lining! Lucky us, we don’t have to travel far for unique outdoor adventure. One exciting option located in Plano is Go Ape Treetop Adventure in Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve. Featuring zip lining that incorporates a high-ropes course, this is the kind of thing most families try while on vacation outside the U.S.
Go Ape is a mix of high ropes, zip lines and obstacles that will challenge, surprise and engage the entire family! Not only will everyone be grinning from ear to ear, but you’ll also get some instantly shareable pictures with very scenic backdrops.
Go Ape is mission-driven to inspire everyone to live life adventurously. They partner with public park systems across the country and revenue share so that a portion of each ticket sale is invested directly back into the local community.
Who wouldn’t want to visit a place that challenges the family in such a rewarding way while also knowing that you’re socially and environmentally responsible, or just “doing the right thing?”
Preparing for a Go Ape family adventure:
The Treetop Adventure course is a two- to three-hour self-guided aerial adventure. With heights 40+ feet in the forest canopy, you’re in for a truly unique and scenic outdoor recreation experience. Featuring multiple pathways of obstacles, you traverse the treetops moving from site to site with zip lines. The ultimate family adventure, you’ll want the encouragement of your peeps to persevere through this epic course! Treetop Adventure has a minimum height requirement of 4’7” and a minimum age of 10 years. An adult must accompany all kids 10-15.
All participants are required to go through a safety brief to “try out” elements of the course. Go Ape has an extensively trained and friendly staff who will guide you through how to use the equipment and monitor you as you practice a zip-line and Tarzan swing and various connections. The training is thorough, so you can feel confident and comfortable with what you’ll be doing out on the course as you enjoy your self-guided adventure.
Make sure you’re ready for a day filled with zipping, climbing and swinging. Best advice—dress for physical activity! You’ll want to make sure you have close-toed shoes, active wear, hair pulled back, and maybe bring those old gardening gloves you have lying around. Don’t fret if you don’t own gloves because Go Ape sells inexpensive gloves at the check-in.
You’re in Texas, so you know hydration is essential. Go Ape has you covered, offering water throughout the course, so you won’t need to lug around water bottles.
Go Ape also features selfie stations to help capture the adventure, and your kids may even share a picture of all of you together with their friends (gasp).
Quality time spent as a family is good for parents and their kids. You will not only build emotional bonds and improve communication, but you will also create family experiences that become foundational memories for a lifetime. When you’re on the hunt for quality family bonding, look no further than the great state of Texas. An epic family adventure is waiting for you right in your backyard.
Editor’s Note: Go Ape Treetop Adventure in Oak Point Park is offering the Good Life Family Magazine audience a special 10% discount when you book an adventure by June 30, 2018. Use promo code: ZIPPLANO at the time of booking to redeem. For more information, call 800.971.8271.