Sandy Spring Adventure Park

General FAQ

• What is an Adventure Park?

  In 5 wooded acres of the 140 belonging to the Sandy Spring Friends School, is an aerial forest ropes park consisting of more than 150 platforms installed in the trees and connected by various configurations of cable, wood, rope to form bridges and zip lines. Groups of bridges link together to form separate courses. Although every course has zip lines on them, you will need to climb to get to them. There is much more fun than just zip lining to be had! There are 10 courses in total for ages seven—adult. Each course has varying difficulty level ranging from beginner to expert. Safety comes first and the fun and excitement will come naturally.

  The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School (Park) is all about active participation as there are no motorized rides in the park. The courses are designed for everyone to enjoy, and designated as Yellow, Green, Blue, Black and Double Black similar to ski trails. As one progresses through the difficulty levels, the bridges become less stable under your feet requiring more balance, agility, focus and arm strength. Your time in the park is not a heart pumping activity and you do not have to be a body builder to make it through the courses. Ages 7 to teens to adults to seniors find their comfort zone and seek greater challenges. There is not a correct way of crossing the bridges, however we leave it up to you to figure out the most efficient way of getting from platform to platform.

  Other than park rules, the only requirement we have is that your harness be properly worn and you are always attached by one of your carabineers to the life lines on and between each platform.

  Back to Top

• What are the days and hours of operation?

  The Adventure Park is now open for our Spring Season! We currently open weekends (Saturday & Sunday) and select holidays

  Spring Season:
  Open every Saturday and Sunday and select Weekdays from 9am - 7pm with the last ticket sold at 5:30.
  Weekday Schedule:
  May 18th, HCPS professional day
  May 28th, Memorial Day

  Summer Schedule:
  Starting Friday, June 8th, Open 7 days a week from 9am -7 7pm with the last ticket sold at 5:30. We will be open 7 days a week through Sept 3rd (Memorial Day).

  Fall Schedule:
  Open every weekend (Saturday & Sunday) and select holidays from September 8th through November 25th.

  
  Back to Top

• What courses are kids allowed to climb by age?

  Please visit our Rules Page to see a chart that shows which courses each age group can climb.

• What are the ticket prices?

  More information, including our group rates, can be found on the Adventure Park Ticket Pricing page.

  Back to Top

• Is a ticket required to watch my friends/family climb?

  Tickets are only required for guests who are climbing. Feel free to walk around our park and observe or take pictures! We have trails and benches scattered throughout the park for observers.

  Back to Top

• What is the time duration of the ticket?

  Tickets are valid for three hours. You are encouraged to be prepared prior to buying your tickets (i.e. restrooms, snacks and dressed properly) so you can maximize your time in the park. Ticket sales end two hours before closing but if purchasing a ticket this late in the afternoon, you will not get a full three hours of climbing.

  Back to Top

• Are reservations required?

  Reservations are not required for individuals and you are not restricted by any time slots. Groups need to make reservations in order to receive group pricing (Group pricing starts for groups of 8 or more). For more information, please see our Groups Page

  Back to Top

• What clothing should I wear?

  Wear well fitting clothing that does not allow anything to hang loose or get tangled in cables and rope. Long hair and jewelry should not be left loose. Sneakers or hiking shoes are recommended. Flip-flops and sandals are not appropriate.

  Back to Top

• What equipment is provided?

  A harness and gloves are provided with your admission ticket. New gloves are also available for purchase.

  Back to Top

• Is there a height, age or weight restriction?

  There is no height restriction for the ropes courses and zip lines. The courses are for ages 5 to adult. However for our younger climbers, there are age restrictions on which courses can be used. 5-6 year olds, for example may only climb on our two purple courses. The yellow, green, and blue courses have requirements of parent/adult supervision or participation depending on the age bracket and the course being used. For example, 7 and 9 year olds can use the yellow course with supervision but need to be accompanied by an adult on the green courses (1 adult per 2 children). You must be 10 years of age to use the blue courses with adult participation. A chart with participation and supervision requirements is on the ropes courses general rules page. Whenever adult participation is required the 1:2 adult/child ratio must be met. Regarding a weight restriction, the limit is 265 pounds.

  Back to Top

• Do I have to be really fit to do the course?

  Most people that lead an active lifestyle and are in good health should not have any difficulty in completing many of the courses. You are able to proceed at a pace that is comfortable to you. You are also welcome to leave the ropes course and take a break. Unlike the yellow and green courses, the black courses are very challenging.

  Back to Top

• How difficult are the ropes courses?

  The courses range from easier (yellow) to expert (Double black diamond). Relative to each persons ability, the courses are very manageable but become more physically challenging as you progress to more difficult courses. If you have not been up in the air before you may be unsettled at first about being 10 feet above the ground on a yellow course or 20 feet above the ground at points on a green course. Very quickly you will begin to have fun with the challenges and the height above the ground will not be your main focus. Your focus becomes being balanced and efficient on each bridge you are crossing. You will be secure and safe in your harness as long as you are Always Attached. Being attached to your lifeline is the most important requirement to remember and you are responsible to be Always Attached.

  Back to Top

• Can the rope courses operate in the rain?

  The Adventure Park can still be fun while it is raining. However, the park will close for severe weather such as heavy rain, thunderstorms and high winds. If small storm systems are moving through the area we try to stay open and ask our guests to take a break while they pass. Call before you travel to confirm the operating schedule.

  Back to Top

• Is the Adventure Park certified?

  Designed by Swiss alpine mountaineers, The Park is built to the standards of the ACCT (Association of Challenge Course Technology) specifications, among the most stringent ropes course safety standards in the world. The Park was built, and is currently maintained by Outdoor Venture Group, LLC. You can find out more about them at www.outdoorventures.us or contact them for more information at Info@outdoorventures.us or call (203) 260-4111.

  Back to Top

• What food services are available?

  Water is available and provided, but drinks and snacks are not currently available.

  Back to Top

• Are we allowed to bring our own food?

  You are welcome to bring your own coolers and non-alcoholic beverages. No glass bottles please.

  Back to Top

• What else is available on premises?

  A picnic pavillion with a gas grill, fire pits, and a volleyball court. Walking and hiking trails.

  Back to Top

• Is there a fee for parking?

  No, parking is free for all guests.

  Back to Top

• Are private or group lessons available?

  All participants will be provided adequate training, so lessons are not required. If desired, arrangements can be made to hire a guide. If interested, please call ahead to make sure that one is available. More information about guides can be found on our Guide FAQ page.

  Back to Top

• Do you offer season passes?

  Yes! We offer both Frequent Climber and Unlimited Climbing passes. They are now available for purchase online. See our Online Store for more information.

  Back to Top

• Are Adventure Park gift certificates available?

  Yes, they can be purchased at the Adventure Park or on our website! See our Online Store for more information.

  Back to Top

• What are the driving directions?

  Information on how to get to the park can be found on the Directions page.

  Back to Top

• How can I contact you?

  Information for contacting Park offices, Sandy Spring Friends School, or the park builders can be found on the Contact Us page.

  Back to Top