The 5 Best Minnesota Zip Line Adventures for Families

A Zip Line Canopy Tour through nature is perfect for those of us who have kids  beyond the preschool and early elementary years. We have the opportunity to choose adventures that are a little more challenging and–dare I say it?–maybe even a little more fun for mom and dad.

Many Zip Line parks have requirements that we need to follow including a minimum age and weight requirement. Some adventure parks want kids to be at least 7, and there are others that require 10 years of age or older.

I was introduced to the sport of ziplining through Kerfoot Canopy Tours, and I’m so glad that I started with them. They are the best in Minnesota, and one of the best in the country. However, maybe a 2 1/2 hour, 14 line zip tour is not the best way for you to start.  We have lots of other options in Minnesota that can give you a more simplified taste of flying.

FFTC Kerfoot Troop 2022

Zoom over the Trees (What to Expect)

Knowledgeable Guides

It’s important to feel comfortable with the people who are guiding your tour. Most guides will have extremely patient availability to you when you are on the tour.  Getting to know your guide is extremely important, and they should be completely approachable. Beginning with your equipment, the guides will walk you through putting your harness, helmets, and gloves (if you wear them.  At Kerfoot, you will wear them for the ability to hand brake, but some ziplines don’t want you to do your own braking).

Guides will tell you where the best view of the forest floor from the treetops will be. They should ease the tension and assure you of your safety.

 

Ground School

Ground School is a place many Zipline tours start.  Not always–so if you don’t go through it, you as the zipliner have less things to control. Whether you go through a tutorial or other detailed instructions, you will learn about your trolley and your carabiner. They will teach you how to exit and enter each platform.

Face Your Fears (How to Prepare)
Kerfoot Adventure Park

The Logistics of What to Wear and How to Fix Your Hair

Make sure to wear close toed shoes and tie any long hair back into a low ponytail.

What to Know About Safety

The guides take their jobs very seriously.  They have strict safety rules and each cable is tested multiple times throughout the year. Overcoming challenges that you least expected

Don’t overthink the Zip Line Run

Sign your waiver knowing that these places absolutely know their stuff and will keep you as safe as absolutely possible.  Enjoy the tour and this new view of the outdoors.

Kerfoot Zip Line Gear

Top 5 Zip lines for Families in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin

Listed in North to South order (ending with the best one in the state)

5. North Shore Adventure Park  
Silver Bay, Minnesota
The North Shore Adventure Park is a high ropes challenge course with zip lines incorporated into the experience. Within the six different courses, you will find 10 ziplines.

Must be 7+ years to participate in the Adventure Park.  There is a Lil Rascals Playground for kids ages 3-6 | From $51 | 2.5-hours

4. Brainerd Zip Line Tour
Nisswa, Minnesota
The Brainerd Zipline Tour is owned by Lee Kerfoot, so you know it is a high quality experience. The 7-line zipline tour includes views from Mount Ski Gull. This one ends with a free fall (which personally is not my favorite, but if you like heart-pounding experiences, this is one you won’t want to miss)

Must be 10+ years to participate on the tour. | From $85 | 2.5 hours
Ring Toss Game in action

3. Trollhaugen Adventure Course and Zipline
Dresser, Wisconsin
Explore the woods of Trollhaugen on this zip line tour with 6 zips.  The first zip is small and guests will work their way to a Dual Zip Line that is 50 feet off the ground.

Must be 7+ years to participate in the Aerial Tour | From $54 | 90 minutes-2 hours

2. Sand Creek Adventures
Jordan, Minnesota
Fly 100 feet over Sand Creek with 3 different zips. Sand Creek Adventures includes automatic braking with their trolleys.

Must be 8+ years to participate in the course | From $39 | 1-2 hours

Course guidelines

1. Kerfoot Canopy Tours
Henderson, Minnesota

The best Zipline Tour in the State is also the most vigorous.  You climb and climb and climb up stairs, you cross a nerve-wrecking suspension bridge, you shoot out over your cars, and you do so much more.

Must be 10+ years to experience the best zip adventure in the state | From $95 | 2.5 hours

For additional information about Kerfoot, Click here to learn more.

Looking for More fun with your Tween and Teen? 

Check out Sandbox VR in Roseville and Eden Prairie.

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