Finishing up a round of mini golf in Philly and looking to raise the thrill factor? Your next challenge is right in West Fairmount Park among the trees.

Treetop Quest Philly aerial adventure course is outdoor fun for the whole family. With 40 obstacles and 18 zip lines, Treetop Quest is kid-friendly but tough enough to engage brave adults, too. With four levels of difficulty for ages 4 and up, plus a mini course for kids 4 to 6, you can calibrate your experience based on your comfort level.

The attraction is a partnership between Treetop Quest, the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department, and the Fairmount Park Conservancy. While there are other adventure courses in the area, this is the only one within the city limits.

Here’s What to Expect at Treetop Quest Philly

Wondering what the experience is actually like? Find out more about the different course levels and all the fun that’s in store. The safety protocols are outlined too, to give you peace of mind so you can get excited!

Safety First

As a Treetop Quest visitor, you must sign a waiver. You’ll be fitted with a harness that is attached to a “lifeline” at all times once you’re off the ground. Closed toe, closed heel shoes are required, and gloves are highly recommended (which can be purchased online or in person).

Once you’re in the harness, employees walk you through how to navigate the course on a low set of obstacles, so you can get comfortable. Your harness is attached to a ring in the shape of a C, with an opening that’s big enough to slide over some of the connectors on the course, but not the main cable to which you’re attached.

When you reach a zip line, you separate a pulley line from your harness belt and clip it on to the line, then pull the C clip over top before jumping off the platform.

The safety system can take a little getting used to, but that degree of difficulty actually made me feel safer. Plus, the clip and pulley are at waist level, meaning you’re not concerned about disturbing your balance as you maneuver.

Taking to the Trees

The Level 2 courses are a combination of obstacles — some of them quite tough — and zip lines. Guests walk on loops of rope, hanging planks, small round logs, and nets as they work their way through the trees.

The courses are self-guided, so you can take the time you need to steady your nerves — and you might need it, since a couple feel like quite a leap of faith. The courses take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete; doing all of them would take 2 hours or more. 

Level 3 is mostly zip lines, which increase in height and length as you move through it. If you enjoy zip lines, this one is a total blast, especially if you’ve already done one or both of the Level 2 courses and have mastered the pulley system. On these lines, it really feels like you’re just cruising through the trees — it’s easy to forget how high you are and just enjoy the ride.

Level 4 features the highest and most difficult obstacles and zip lines, and is open to those 12 and older. (Most of us at the press preview, myself included, passed, but true daredevils will probably love it.)

Treetop Quest has a smaller, much lower-to-the-ground course for kids aged 4–6. The Chickpea course features aerial obstacles, rolling carts, and rope swings.

The Nuts and Bolts

Treetop Quest offers individual admission for $18.50 (the Chickpea course) or starting at $47.50 (general admission). There are discounts for groups, and the attraction also offers birthday parties (for kids and adults), corporate events, field trips, and more.

Treetop Quest Philly is located at 541 Chamounix Drive in Philadelphia. For more information and to book tickets, visit the attraction’s website.

More Summer Adventures Await

After zipping through the trees at Treetop Quest, why not try another unique Philly experience like the Chinese Lantern Festival? Or for more exhilaration, head out to a fair or carnival in Bucks County or along the Main Line.

Feature photo courtesy of Treetop Quest Philly. This article was updated by Sarah Heyman.