Head to Go Ape Chicago for Exciting Outdoor Fun
Look no further than Go Ape Chicago for an active and exciting outing for your family! Go Ape is located in Bemis Woods, conveniently located right off of the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) in Western Springs, IL. This treetop adventure has a series of fun ropes courses + a junior course for the younger ones. They have also recently expanded for more ropes fun for the younger ones.
Go Ape Chicago pricing
This is an expensive outing, but you may be able to get a coupon on the Go Ape website or Groupon. Groupon can be a bit restrictive, so be sure to read the fine print. We lucked out and used an “Outdoors Month” coupon for 10% off. I noticed that on Father’s Day they had 15% off. Also, you may want to sign up for the email newsletter where they may advertise discounts.
Some planning information
- The time slots do fill up so plan accordingly.
- Try to get the first or last time slot so you aren’t waiting for other guests. However, there are spots where you can do a loop for some more rope-time while waiting.
- They are strict about requiring one participating adult (18+) to supervise up to two 10—15-year-olds. Hence one adult cannot bring a group of kids that age. Nor can you sit and watch while they hit the course. Plan accordingly.
- Your 16 and 17-year-olds need to have a waiver signed by their legal guardian.
- You must wear close toe and closed heel shoes.
- Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Even if it isn’t muddy your bottom may get dirty on the zip line landing.
- Bring mosquito repellent. Bring mosquito repellent. Bring mosquito repellent.
- Before or after your ropes time, I suggest you walk or drive to the end of the Forest Preserve road. There is a nice little path to the right as you go into the cul-de-sac. It leads to a walk down to a bridge and more forest preserve space. There is also a nice biking, walking, and jogging path in the forest preserve.
What to expect
You will start with a training session followed by a practice course with a guide. Then, head off to the four courses that you do in order and one-time-through. You are on your own but there are team members around to help if needed. This came in handy when my husband’s hat flew off while doing the Tarzan Swing!
Note: You climb up the inside of wooden towers to get up to each ropes course.
At the top, there are various ropes and obstacles where you can hold onto cables as you walk or try it “no-hands”. The more challenging sections have an easier detour if desired. Then, transcend down the zip line and walk over to start the next course. Everyone follows the same route from start to finish. The last zip line is the longest and we were sad when our feet hit the wood chip landing area — our time was over.
Expectations
For me, Go Ape was about getting out in nature and adding some excitement close to home. Go for a special family outing or just for the fun of it. You should try it!
Hate to say it, but Go Ape Chicago does not compare to the ropes course in Giverny, France or zip lines in Costa Rica. But, hey, it did not include a plane ticket and the instructions were in English! Enjoy what you have…where you have it!
Not afraid of heights? Or, conqueror your fear?
Visited in July 2019
