There are moments in parenthood when your child looks at you and asks you to do something that you really don’t want to do. Ok who are we kidding, this happens daily. However, on this occasion Wyatt asked me to do something that is easily in my top five “scare the crap out of me” fears…. Heights.
Next to the dark, mice, and bad drivers, heights is something that terrifies me. Now I haven’t always been like this. When I was younger I found it fun to dangle over a ledge trying to give my mom a heart attack, and never shied away from climbing up the nearest sketchy tree. Then I turned 30. Now I’m scared to even glance towards an edge. Not only does is physically make me sick but I have an instant flash of everything than can go wrong resulting in probably yet another trip to urgent care. So when Wyatt announced that he wanted to do a treetop obstacle course I was less than excited. Regardless, I put on my big girl pants and signed us up!
Treerush Adventures is part of Fontenelle Forest in Omaha, Nebraska and like the name states, it is a rush!
The Fontenelle Forest boasts several family friendly activities to do. You do need to pay an entrance fee to the forest at the nature center when you enter. The forest was founded in 1913 and includes 2,100 acres.
The nature center includes a raptor woodland refugee for rescued birds of the raptor family. This area is handicapped and stroller friendly as you follow the path and check out all the birds.
The center also has Habitat Hollow and Acorn Acres which are both areas for kids to learn and to play. In addition, within the center is a gallery and interactive displays. There is also a nice gift store.
The trails within Fontenelle Forest offer a variety of experiences too. There are trails for all levels of hikers and some that are handicapped accessible as well. They have scenic views of the Missouri River and allow you to walk by historic earth lodges. You can also check out an old trading post and follow the paths the Mormon pioneers did. While waiting for your treetop adventure to begin be sure to check out the trails!
Now for the exiting “rush” of Treerush Adventures…
You can book online, call ahead, or drop by. Your ticket includes two hours of time within the adventure park.
There are seven courses you can choose from during your time in the adventure park. They range from beginner to advanced. There is a kids course for the 4-6 year olds. When you arrive they have a safety video and hands on training on how to work your harnesses and how to traverse the courses.
The butterflies and anxiety I had went away as we did our orientation and learned the “ropes” before starting the course. Wyatt seemed to catch on within seconds on how to use the “twizzle” to move from one wire to the next, and the zip line clip and tools were easy to use as well. We were feeling pretty confident and ready to start our course.
We picked a beginner course, because even though we felt safe and like we knew what we were doing, I was a chicken and it’s closer to the ground. (About 12 ft off the ground). All confidence I had escaped as I stepped onto the first obstacle. Then it became a smile and don’t cry in front of your kid kind of tactic.
Wyatt took off without any issues. His only struggle was he was a bit short at some elements and had to hang and pull himself across. He looked like a regular expert. I, on the other hand, looked like an out of shape middle aged person that was shaking as a grandma as I went.
The course actually was a lot of fun, once my feet were on the ground! I would do it again! I concurred one of my fears and got a good work out! My legs were sore for a couple days. I also don’t recommend doing it 4 weeks postpartum like I was… maybe wait a bit.
Overall, we had a great time! Wyatt said 5 stars and begs me to go back every time we are in Omaha! Next time you are in the area be sure to take a stroll both through the trees and in them!
Wandering Momma 