Mount Hermon Adventures

Tucked into the redwood forests of Felton, Mount Hermon Adventures is one of the most memorable outdoor experiences you can give a thrill-seeking kid in the Santa Cruz area. This isn't a gentle nature walk — it's a full-on zip line adventure through towering coast redwoods, the kind of experience that makes kids feel genuinely brave.

Mount Hermon Adventures runs several zip line and adventure courses, with the Redwood Canopy Tour being the signature experience. Participants are harnessed up, briefed on safety, and then sent soaring through the forest canopy on a series of zip lines and sky bridges. The setting is genuinely spectacular — ancient redwoods all around, filtered light, and the smell of the forest floor far below.

The minimum age and height requirements mean this is best suited for kids 7 and older who meet the physical criteria (check the website before booking — requirements vary by tour). For the right age group, it's an absolute bucket-list hit. Teens especially love the challenge and the Instagram-worthy views.

The guides are experienced and prioritize safety without killing the fun. They're good at coaching nervous kids through that first platform jump, and their calm confidence is reassuring for parents watching from below.

The operation runs Thursday through Sunday, so plan accordingly. Weekends book up fast, especially in summer — reservations are strongly recommended. Dress your kids in athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes (non-negotiable), bring water, and budget enough time for the full experience including check-in and the safety orientation.