Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium

The Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium is a large-scale aerial adventure experience set among the trees of the aquarium's surrounding forest. With multiple courses ranging from beginner to advanced, zip lines stretching between trees, and rope obstacles high above the forest floor, it provides a thrilling complement to the aquarium's marine education focus.

The park features separate courses at different difficulty levels, designed to accommodate participants from age 5 through adult. The kids' courses feature lower platforms, shorter zip lines, and simpler obstacles, giving younger participants a confidence-building introduction to aerial adventure. The adult and advanced courses escalate in height, complexity, and physical challenge, with some elements reaching 40+ feet above the ground.

The continuous belay safety system is the standard throughout the park — once clipped in, participants remain attached to the safety line for the entire course. Staff provide thorough safety briefings and practice elements before participants begin the course. Spotters are available at challenging sections, and the atmosphere is encouraging rather than intimidating.

The forest setting distinguishes this experience from indoor climbing gyms or artificial obstacles. Moving through the tree canopy, feeling the natural sway of the trees, and hearing forest sounds creates an immersive experience that connects adventure with the natural environment. The park's location adjacent to the Virginia Aquarium makes it possible to combine both experiences in a single day — marine science in the morning, aerial adventure in the afternoon.

The Adventure Park operates seasonally and requires advance reservations, especially during summer. Sessions include a safety briefing, equipment fitting, and practice time before the course begins. Total time from arrival to completion is typically 2-3 hours.