Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

If your kids are past the playground phase and craving something with a real edge, Go Ape in Arlington is one of the best outdoor adventure experiences in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Located in North Arlington, this tree-top ropes course puts participants on high rope bridges, Tarzan swings, and ziplines winding through an actual forest canopy — not a simulated indoor environment.

This is explicitly not for young children. The minimum age is typically 10 years (with a minimum weight requirement), and honestly that's the right call — the heights are real and the confidence required is genuine. What you get for that restriction is an activity that older kids and teens take seriously. There's no "I'm bored" on a Go Ape course.

As a parent accompanying older kids, you have a choice: participate yourself (recommended — it's genuinely fun) or watch from the ground. The ground-level viewing areas are decent, and you can track your kid's progress through the course. Staff are attentive and all participants are properly harnessed throughout.

The Arlington location is open only Friday through Sunday, which is worth noting before you plan your week. Booking online in advance is strongly recommended — it's cheaper than walk-in and ensures you get your preferred time slot, which matters since course capacity is limited.

Plan 2–3 hours for the full experience. The course has multiple elements and most kids want to linger at each one. Closed-toe shoes are required — sandals will get you turned away, so remind kids in advance.

For families with a teen who's been rolling their eyes at every activity suggestion, this tends to be the one that lands. The combination of real challenge, beautiful outdoor setting, and genuine accomplishment at the end makes it worth every dollar.