During our recent trip to Center Parcs we were up early on Saturday morning for our Aerial Adventure Tree Trekking Challenge. Check out our Aerial Adventure and Tree Trekking guide for families below.
Now the Boys just love activities like this; so of course, Chris and I have got used to being dragged up climbing walls and tree trekking, so were mentally prepared for what was ahead at Center Parcs. This is the perfect activity for teens and adventurous families.
The Aerial Adventure At Center Parcs.
What Is The Aerial Adventure?
Center Parcs Aerial Adventure is one circuit climbing through a tree assault course, this also includes, trapeze wires and climbing nets, ending with a zip-wire descent which usually takes around 1 hour. If you dont want to take part in the zip wire you can do the Ariel Tree Trekking, this is the tree assault course without the zip wire.
How High Is Tree Trekking At Center Parcs?
High, the height very between parcs, Whinfell Forest is higher than Sherwood Forest, However the Zip Wire climb is higher at Sherwood Forest and in my opinion better as you zip over a lake.
Is The Aerial Adventure At Center Parcs Difficult?
Its not easy, I have seen grown men taken off shaking, however if you’re a family who likes an adventure you will be fine. Joe was whipping around this as soon as he was big enough to take part.
What Should I Wear For Tree Trekking?
- Wear sensible closed in shoes with a bit of grip.
- In the summer ensure you aren’t wearing anything flowy.
- For the colder months wear warm lightweight clothes. You will wear a helmet so you dont need to worry about a hat. However I would advise thin warm waterproof gloves, especially for children, as that was our boys biggest complaint, cold hands!
- You will be asked to remove all jewellery, watches, sunglasses and hair clips. There are safes available but I suggest for ease that you leave them in you lodge safe.
Is There A Minimum Age Or Height?
You must be 1.22 meter (4ft) to take part. Also children under 8 years must be accompanied on the course by a paying adult.
The maximum weight for the Aerial Adventure is 18 stone/114kg
Are You Attached To The Center Parcs Aerial Adventure Course?
Yes, this was my biggest concern the first time we took part all those years ago. But the safety wire is on a continuous loop so no clipping and unclipping. (until you get to the zip wire, and an instructor does this) It can be difficult to drag around trees, but of you get stuck the instructors (who are always close by) are there to help.
Is There A Tree Trekking For Younger Children At Center Parcs?
Yes, there is a Mini Trek at Whinfell Forest, Sherwood Forest and Longleat.
This is a mini version so little ones dont feel left out. Your little ones must be 2 years old and no taller than 1.2 metres. ( Just under 4 ft)
They are safely harnessed into a safety system, and the course is 1-metre-high which means parents cant support them along the course.
Our Review Of The Aerial Adventure
It’s amazing how activities like this can make the biggest and strongest of men turn to jelly, yet kids just fly round don’t they? Much to the disappointment of the boys, I went ahead so I could take the odd photo. Apparently I was quite slow, although I thought I did an amazing job.
The climbing course is great, it is challenging you need to use your upper body strength to negotiate the entire course, then you get to the first zip wire! Now this requires nerves of steel as you have to jump off and zip wire over a river eeek.
I must say I really felt the pressure being in front as I would never had heard the last of it had I chickened out, or indeed shown an inch of fear. But do you know what? It was amazing I loved it. Once across I nervously watched the boys with my heart in my mouth. But they didn’t bat an eyelid, just jumped.
The Grand Finale Of The Ariel Adventure At Center Parcs Was Another Huge Zip Wire.
To be honest this felt easy after stepping off over a river. I would 100% recommend this as a family activity. We all loved it, yes you may have to push yourself a little and get over your fears; but that’s what being a Mum is all about isn’t it?
Here is a very short clip of the boys Zip wiring to the finish, yes I know I recorded it with my phone the wrong way round. But just wanted you to see how high it was, and how much fun the zip wire is, it’s a great family activity.
And if you are wondering what to do at Center Parcs with teens? This a great Center Parcs activity to book, and has different levels making it the perfect activity for all ages.
This looks like so much fun and we were just at center parcs but I didn’t get a chance to do many activities it was more for christmas and all about the grotto but I definitely want to try it now. You convinced me. Looks like you had a blast love the photos. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
Thank you Jenny, it was fab, so much fun x
It is a total thrill! I remember doing it in France a couple of years ago and being terrified yet loving it at the same time, like you say it was the kids that kept me going, I couldn’t back out with them all showing no fear! Your post brings it all back to me. Thank you for sharing on Country Kids
Thanks Fiona, yes I felt quite nervous but had no choice with the thought of how they would laugh at me if I had bailed out x