WildPlay is a ropes course operator that runs aerial adventure parks across Canada and the United States
WildPlay is a company that designs and operates ropes courses — the kind where you move between platforms in the trees while clipped to a safety line. They run parks in multiple locations, each with courses at different difficulty levels. You pay per visit, show up during their posted hours, get fitted with gear, and spend a few hours working through the obstacles at your own pace.
WildPlay parks are outdoor facilities, so they close during bad weather. Most locations operate seasonally — typically spring through fall — though some run year-round depending on climate. Each park has its own set of courses, so what's available depends on which location you visit.
Key Takeaways
- WildPlay operates ropes courses at multiple locations across Canada and the United States, each with courses ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty.
- You pay per visit and can typically spend two to four hours on the courses during one session.
- All participants wear a harness and are clipped to a safety line throughout the course.
- Height and weight restrictions vary by course and location, so you need to check the specific park's requirements before booking.
- Most WildPlay parks operate seasonally and close during rain, wind, or other severe weather.
How a WildPlay Visit Works
When you arrive at a WildPlay location, staff will fit you with a harness and explain how the safety system works. You'll be clipped to a continuous cable that runs through the course — you stay attached the entire time, even when moving between obstacles. The cable is designed so that if you slip or fall, the system catches you automatically.
After the safety briefing, you move through the course at your own pace. Obstacles include rope bridges, zip lines, balance beams, and climbing challenges. You can take breaks whenever you need to, and there's no time limit. Most people spend two to four hours on a course during one visit, though you can leave earlier if you want.
Staff are positioned at key points throughout the course to answer questions and watch for safety issues, but they don't guide you through each obstacle. You decide which course to attempt based on the difficulty rating, and you can switch to an easier course if the one you chose feels too hard.
Height, Weight, and Age Requirements
WildPlay courses have minimum height and weight requirements because the harness and safety system are sized for a certain range of body types. Minimum height is typically around 4 feet, though this varies by location and course. Maximum weight limits also vary — some courses accommodate up to 250 or 300 pounds, while others have lower limits.
Age requirements depend on the course difficulty. Beginner courses often allow children as young as 5 or 6 with adult supervision, while advanced courses may require participants to be 12 or older and able to follow safety instructions independently. Some parks offer special courses designed for younger children with lower obstacles and shorter distances.
Because these requirements differ between locations and even between courses at the same location, you should contact the specific park before you go or check their website. Staff can tell you which courses match your height, weight, and age.
What to Wear and Bring
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip — sneakers or hiking boots work well. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, or shoes with slippery soles. You can wear regular clothes, but avoid loose or baggy items that might catch on obstacles. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt offer protection from scrapes and sun.
Bring water and a snack if you plan to spend several hours there. Most parks have a small shop or vending machine, but prices are higher than bringing your own. Leave phones, keys, and valuables in your car or a locker — you can't carry them through the course, and they can fall out during obstacles.
If you wear glasses, bring a strap to keep them on your head. Some people switch to contacts for the day. Sunscreen is a good idea, especially if the park is in a sunny location with little shade.
Cost and How to Book
WildPlay charges per person per visit. Prices vary by location and season, but typically range from $40 to $80 for a few hours on the course. Some parks offer discounts for groups, children, or off-peak times. A few locations have season passes if you plan to visit multiple times.
Most WildPlay parks let you book online in advance, which is faster than showing up and waiting. Some locations accept walk-ins during slow periods, but you may have to wait for the next available time slot. During busy seasons or weekends, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Check the specific park's website or call ahead to confirm hours, current prices, and whether they're open that day. Weather closures happen without much warning, so if you're traveling a distance, it's worth calling before you leave home.
Safety System and How It Protects You
WildPlay uses a continuous belay system, which means you're clipped to a cable that runs the entire length of the course. The cable is anchored at multiple points and doesn't have gaps. If you fall or slip, your harness catches on the cable and stops your fall within a few feet — you don't drop to the ground.
The harness itself is a full-body system that distributes your weight across your chest, waist, and thighs. It's designed to hold you safely even if you're hanging upside down. Staff inspect harnesses before each use and replace them if there's any visible wear.
Before you start, staff will show you how to clip and unclip yourself, and they'll watch you do it once to make sure you're doing it correctly. If you're unsure about anything during the course, you can call to a staff member and they'll come help you.
Weather and Seasonal Closures
WildPlay parks close during rain, high wind, or lightning because wet cables become slippery and lightning poses a serious risk in an outdoor facility with metal components. Wind closures typically happen when gusts exceed 25 to 30 miles per hour, though this varies by location and course design.
Most parks operate from late spring through early fall, with some extending into winter in milder climates. A few locations stay open year-round. Check the specific park's website for their operating season and hours, which change throughout the year.
If weather closes the park on the day you booked, most locations will reschedule your visit for another day at no extra charge, or refund your money. Call ahead on the morning of your visit if the weather looks questionable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm afraid of heights?
Many people with a fear of heights do ropes courses successfully because you're clipped in the entire time and the cable catches you if you fall. Start with a beginner course with lower obstacles, and go at your own pace. You can take breaks whenever you need to, and staff are there if you want to talk through your concerns.
Can I do a ropes course if I have a physical disability or injury?
It depends on the specific disability or injury and which course you want to try. Contact the park directly and describe your situation — staff can tell you whether a particular course is workable for you. Some parks have modified courses or can suggest alternatives.
Do I need to be in good physical shape?
Beginner courses are designed for a wide range of fitness levels. You move at your own pace and can rest whenever you need to. Advanced courses require more strength and endurance, but staff can recommend which course matches your fitness level.
What happens if I get stuck on an obstacle?
You can't actually get stuck because you're clipped to the cable and can't fall. If you can't figure out how to do an obstacle, you can call a staff member and they'll either help you through it or show you how to skip it and move to the next one.
Can I bring my own harness or safety gear?
No. WildPlay provides all harnesses and safety equipment, and they inspect and maintain it regularly. Using your own gear would bypass their safety system and is not permitted.