Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
Rating
Family of 4
$120-$160 (2 adults + 2 kids at ~$35-$40/person; no food on site)
Duration
2-3 hours
Best Ages
10 and up (must meet height/weight requirements)
About
Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park in St. Louis sits right inside the iconic Forest Park, turning one of the country's best urban green spaces into a genuine aerial adventure. The course runs through the tree canopy with a series of ziplines, rope bridges, Tarzan swings, and platform crossings that get progressively more challenging as you work your way through the route.
This isn't a passive experience where you just clip in and slide — kids and teens actually have to think, problem-solve, and push themselves through sections that feel genuinely adventurous. The instructors give a thorough ground-level safety briefing before you start, and the self-belay system means participants are always clipped in, which gives nervous parents real peace of mind.
Age and weight requirements are firm: participants must be at least 10 years old and between 70 and 286 pounds. This makes Go Ape best suited for older kids, tweens, and teens. Younger siblings will have to cheer from the ground, so plan accordingly — there's no structured activity for non-participants, though Forest Park itself offers plenty of space to run around while they wait.
Timing matters here. Summer weekday mornings are the sweet spot: cooler temperatures, shorter wait times at each platform, and staff who have time to encourage nervous kids through the tougher sections. Weekends in July and August can mean 20-30 minute waits at popular platforms, which kills the momentum for kids.
Spring and fall are the best overall seasons — the foliage is beautiful and the weather cooperates.
Plan for 2-3 hours on the course itself. Most families don't bring food (no picnic area at the course), so build in time to grab lunch at the Boathouse inside Forest Park afterward or hit a restaurant on Skinker Blvd. Parking at the Forest Park lot near the course is typically easy to find on weekdays.
If you have a tween or teen who loves physical challenges and needs a screen-free confidence boost, this is one of the best half-day outings in St. Louis.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
No
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings in spring/fall for shorter waits and cooler temps
Wait Times
15-30 min peak weekends, minimal weekday mornings
Nearby Food
Inside Forest Park, the Boathouse restaurant is a short drive and great for post-adventure lunch. Fast food along Skinker Blvd is 5-10 min away.
Why Kids Love It
Kids absolutely light up the moment they clip into their first zipline and realize they're actually flying through Forest Park's tree canopy. The tree-top obstacle course pushes them just enough to feel brave without being terrifying. That look on your tween's face when they complete the highest line is priceless.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Participants must be at least 10 years old and between 70–286 lbs — check the weight/height chart before booking to avoid disappointment at check-in.
- Wear closed-toe shoes; sandals and flip-flops are not allowed on any course.
- Book the first morning slot to beat the heat in summer and have the course nearly to yourselves.
- The course runs rain or shine unless there's lightning — bring a light rain jacket in spring.
- Gloves are available but bringing your own thin gloves helps on the zip cables.
What to Bring
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Light jacket or rain layer in spring
- Camera or GoPro for the ziplines
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$120-$160 (2 adults + 2 kids at ~$35-$40/person; no food on site)
Tips to Save
- Book online in advance for a small discount; check for Groupon deals especially in shoulder season.
- Kids under the height minimum save by watching from ground level — free.
