Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium | Virginia Beach

The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium is an expansive outdoor aerial adventure facility located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, adjacent to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. It is renowned as the largest treetop climbing park in the state, combining thrilling physical challenges with immersive natural surroundings. The park is designed to provide visitors of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to engage with nature while testing their agility, balance, and courage high among the trees.

Location and Setting

Situated within a maritime forest environment, the park is surrounded by towering trees, including oaks, pines, and other native species that create a canopy playground. This natural backdrop not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also offers shade and a sense of wilderness adventure close to the urban area of Virginia Beach. The proximity to the Virginia Aquarium adds an educational and ecological dimension to a visit, making the park a popular destination for families, school groups, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Park Layout and Features

The Adventure Park encompasses 17 distinct aerial courses or “trails,” each constructed at varying heights above the ground and designed with different difficulty levels. These trails are color-coded similar to ski slopes - green for beginners, blue for intermediate climbers, and black for experts - allowing participants to select challenges suited to their experience and comfort level.

Collectively, the park offers:

258 challenge elements: These include a variety of obstacles such as rope bridges, swinging logs, suspended ladders, cargo nets, and balance beams that test coordination and physical fitness.

33 ziplines: The park boasts some of the longest ziplines in Virginia Beach, offering exhilarating rides across forest clearings that combine speed and scenic views. These ziplines serve as both thrilling challenges and fun ways to move between different sections of the park.

Each trail is self-guided, enabling visitors to progress at their own pace and repeat favorite challenges. The design emphasizes continuous safety through an “always attached” system where participants remain connected to safety cables with interlocking carabiners, minimizing risk of falls.

Safety and Preparation

Safety is the cornerstone of the Adventure Park’s operation. Upon arrival, every participant undergoes a mandatory safety briefing that covers proper use of equipment and emergency procedures. Additionally, a supervised practice session on a beginner course familiarizes climbers with the gear, especially the harnesses and carabiners, before venturing onto more complex trails.

Trained staff members are stationed throughout the park to provide assistance, monitor safety, and offer encouragement. The park uses high-quality climbing gear that is regularly inspected and maintained to meet stringent safety standards.

Visitors are required to wear closed-toe, rubber-soled shoes for proper grip and stability. While gloves are optional, they are highly recommended to protect hands during climbing and can be purchased on-site.

Admission and Pricing

Ticket prices vary depending on age and ticket type, with the following general rates (prices may fluctuate seasonally or for special events):

Ages 14 and up: Approximately $64 when purchased online, $74 at the gate.

Ages 7 to 13: Around $54 online, $64 at the gate.

Ages 5 to 6: About $42 online, $52 at the gate.

All-Day Adventure Pass: $99, allowing unlimited climbing from the time of reservation until park closing on the same day.

Discounts and promotions, such as weekday price reductions, group rates, and membership packages, are often available to encourage repeat visits and accommodate schools or corporate outings.

Special Events – Glow in the Park

One of the unique features of the Adventure Park is its “Glow in the Park” events, held periodically throughout the year. During these nighttime sessions, the park is transformed with LED and fairy lights illuminating the trees and trails, creating a magical and otherworldly atmosphere. Music, themed decorations, and special activities add to the festive mood.

Participants in Glow events enjoy two hours of climbing under the enchanting glow, with an additional 30 minutes allocated for gear fitting and safety instructions. This event appeals to thrill-seekers and families looking for a distinctive and memorable experience beyond daytime visits.

Accessibility and Facilities

While the park is primarily an active climbing adventure, it also provides amenities to ensure visitor comfort:

Parking is available near the park’s entrance, with a nominal fee applied seasonally (typically from spring through fall).

Restrooms and a gear rental shop are on-site.

The park offers group reservations tailored to school groups, summer camps, scout troops, and corporate team-building exercises. These groups often receive specialized attention, such as guided sessions and discounted pricing.

Overall Experience

The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium delivers a unique combination of outdoor recreation, physical challenge, and connection with nature. It caters to a wide audience, from young children taking their first steps on the beginner courses to seasoned climbers tackling expert-level obstacles and ziplines.

The park’s integration into a maritime forest setting offers more than just thrills; it provides a chance to appreciate Virginia Beach’s natural environment from a fresh, elevated perspective. The combination of natural beauty, physical activity, and a strong emphasis on safety makes the Adventure Park a premier destination for both residents and visitors seeking an adventurous and family-friendly outing.