While we’re known more for our wide open, sandy beaches and our unbeatable culinary scene, it might surprise you to discover the adventures that can be had among the trees here in Virginia Beach. Thanks to two world-class zip-line parks, each a short drive from the Oceanfront, you can have it all in Virginia Beach. Somewhere among the nighttime climbs up in the illuminated trees, zip-lines across the water and the surprisingly nerve-wracking leaps of faith from what seems like a mile up, it hits you: this is not your typical beach vacation.
Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
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The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium is the largest park of its kind in Virginia and features multiple zip lines and aerial ropes courses, perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages. Zip through the air, up to 150 feet up, through a variety of leveled courses. Look up to see platforms in the trees connected by cables, wood and rope, that are forming bridges. Climb from bridge to bridge and experience a variety of challenges, outdoor fun and self-discovery.
Kids, ages five and up, teens, adults and groups can take to the trees above the Aquarium’s Nature Paths on one of the many treetop trails. With six levels of challenge from beginner to expert, there is something for every skill level. The self-guided trails do not require previous climbing experience and are available to explore at your own pace. All climbers wear safety harnesses that employ double-clipped-on technology to help keep you continuously connected to a safety cable throughout your time in the trees.
The park is open every day of the week, from 9 am - 11 pm. While climbing during the day is a great time, the park really comes alive when the sun goes down. With lights strung throughout the trees, a nighttime climb is like making your way through an enchanted forest. To take it up a notch, visit on Tuesday and Thursday nights for Glow in the Park. With live music from a local band or DJ, there is no more festive time to climb. Throughout the summer, don’t miss the Summer Glow Series every Tuesday night at sundown. This Glow in the Park Event includes climbing your way through the trees illuminated with glow attire, colored lights, lasers, and more.
AdventureWorks at Virginia Beach
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Located just down the road from the Adventure Park, our newest treetop adventure, AdventureWorks at Virginia Beach, is offering a more traditional zip-lining experience to guests of all ages. Guests will enjoy nine zip lines, up to 1,000 feet in length, including their popular tandem zip line, all nestled within 60 acres of maritime forests in the Oceanfront area.
While you will still be getting your exercise in for the day, there are no challenging ropes course obstacles here; just a fun time spent gliding through the treetop canopy. With groups of ten on each tour, all nine zip-lines can be completed in about an hour and a half. Many of the zip-lines make for a relaxing scenic ride, but some of them bring the adrenaline, reaching speeds of up to 35 mph!
Both parks are completely environmentally friendly, with no motors or electricity operating any of the elements, and are designed to sustain the health of the trees and the forest. It’s the perfect way to get outside, get active, and take a little time to connect with nature and test your own limits. So what are you waiting for? Get up in the trees and let the adventure begin.
