I am always on the lookout for new and exciting family friendly activities in the area, so when I heard about High Trek Adventures in Everett I knew we had to check it out. Sitting in the shadows of Paine Field, High Trek Adventures is a climbing ropes obstacle course and zipline built for people ages 4-99 years old, from beginner to experienced. High Trek Adventures opened just a few months ago and is already getting some great reviews.
On Wednesday I packed up the kids and met a friend at the park to check it out for ourselves. We had four kids between us; 6,9,12 and 13 years old. The first step was to fill out and sign the waiver, which is something you can do online and bring with you if you wanted to save some time. After getting the waivers taken care of we had to decide which courses the kids were going on. Us parents decided to sit this one out and just watch this time around. I know, we are lame! Ages 4-6 years old have only one choice and that is the Cadet’s Course. The Cadets Course is the first level, 15 feet above ground, and has 10 different challenge elements. Adults must be present on property and also have the option to purchase a ticket to accompany their child through the course. For ages 7 and above they have the option of the Captains Course. This course is three levels from 15 -50 feet above ground and over 60 challenge elements. You also have access to the ziplines and drop stations. Juniors, those ages 7-10 must be accompanied by an adult or young adult while exploring the Captains Course or be approximately 56’ tall in to reach the safety lines without assistance. In our group, the 6 and 9 year old explored the Cadets Course and the 12 and 13 year old explored the Captain Course.
After we knew where everyone was going it was time for gearing up and flight school. We had two amazing employees help the kids get the right gear and fit and then take the time to teach them how to use the harnesses, clips, and other gear. They would not let the kids go up onto the course until they were confident in their ability. It was during the flight school that I found out how safe the clips on the harnesses really are, which made this slightly nervous parent so much more comfortable. It is a double clip system and one clip is always locked into the safety lines. The only way to unlock both clips is with a special key that an employee uses. The flight school took about ten minutes for the Cadets Course and about 20 minutes for the Captains Course. Once they were done they were free to spend the rest of their hour exploring the ropes course.
Let the fun begin! The kids were led up to their respective courses and let free. I was a little worried that my 6 year old would have a tough time doing it all on his own. He had no problems what so ever. He was able to make it through the course twice and had a great time. My 9 year old was a lot more apprehensive partially due to her fear of heights. At one point she got stuck and afraid and one of those amazing employees went up to her and helped her through the rest of the course very calmly and expertly. The 9 year old only did the course once and was done. I thought for sure she would never want to do that again, but as soon as she was on the ground she told me she wanted to come back some other time. Both of the younger kids were done before their hour was up. The two older kids on the Captains Course had a slightly different experience from each other. One was very apprehensive and afraid of the height. She ended up just exploring the Cadets Course, which is one of the great things about this ropes course. People can do what they are comfortable with; create their own experience. She was also done before her hour was done. The fourth child used his whole hour and explored the whole course. He even went on the ziplines and used the drop stations. I loved that each child was able to go at their own pace and comfort level.
While the kids were having their fun, we parents were also very comfortable. High Trek Adventures has chairs, picnic tables, and covered picnic tables for spectators to sit at while they wait for people on the course. It is not often that the parent gets to sit comfortably while the child plays so that is always a big plus in my world. Another big plus was the employees. They were great with the kids, always ready to help, in great spirits, and were always keeping a watchful eye on the course which made me feel like my kids were in safe hands.
Overall, I think this is something that everyone should try at least once in their life. High Trek Adventures does it right. Their course accommodates a huge age range and experience level. Their employees are wonderful, and their facility allows for comfort. Their prices range from $80-$18 depending on what package you prefer. You can also purchase punch cards if you plan on returning time and time again. They do birthday parties, group events, and have ticket discounts for foster families, scouts, military members, and aviation partners. Please see their website for more information on pricing and the experience. High Trek Adventures is a great addition to Snohomish County.
