Guests may not be intoxicated through the use of legal, illegal, or prescribed drugs, or alcohol. Guests seen consuming any alcohol or mind-altering substances will not be permitted to participate in any activities. Guests cannot be pregnant or have physical limitations that will limit their ability to perform the skills needed on the adventure course. Guests should have no medical conditions which would require immediate medical attention or be exacerbated by participation. Guests with pace makers, or other medical devices that are disrupted by strong magnets, should inform staff, as they are advised against using the “Smart Belay X” systems. Guests must verify they do not have any limitations that would keep them from performing the required on-course skills and be able to demonstrate these skills listed below: Proper equipment use Ability to assume proper body position Hiking/Walking (see the accessible course for disabled guests) Proper element use Self-arrest and self-rescue Understanding signals and commands

Outdoor Climbing in the Chicago Area

Climb & Zipline Adventure

Play Like You Mean It

Get ready for the signature activity at The Forge! Climb, zip, soar, and more. There is an activity for all abilities and adrenaline levels. You decide where to start and what to do while you play. Our Adventure Guides will ensure you are trained, suited up with gear, and ready to go.

PLEASE NOTE ZIPLINES ARE CLOSED FOR THE WINTER CLIMBING ADVENTURE

Ultimate Adventure Pass

Get the Explorer Day Pass + Climb & Zipline Adventure all-in-one pass.

Price

$99 Per Person

Climb & Zipline Adventure

Experience one of the USA Today’s 10Best Aerial Adventures in the USA!

Weekend Price

$80 Adult (14 & Up)
$75 Youth (Under 14)

Zipline Pass

One thrilling 1,200 ft zipline ride over the Forge Quarry

Price

$25 Per Person

Requirements:

Must be between 70-250 lbs & 4’4″-6’6″ tall. See additional requirements below.

Book With Confidence

We get it. Plans sometimes change. We make it easy to cancel or reschedule.

Learn More

Explorer Day Pass Important Info & Requirements

Easy Elements

Focus on fun. Get your footing and navigate with ease. Easy elements are clearly marked as levels “1” or “2.”

Moderate Elements

Maybe you’re working your way up to a new challenge, testing the waters, but not quite ready to go full-on daredevil. Look for levels “3” and “4” during your experience.

Difficult Elements

You are adventurous, you have no fear! These elements will push your limits. Our most challenging elements are marked level “5.”

Taking Challenges to New Heights

Conveniently located near Chicago, this action-packed climb and zipline adventure tower is adrenaline-pumping-fun for the whole family. Ascend to new heights with outdoor climbing, soar across the sky with swift zipline, and experience so many other adventures with your friends and family.

With hundreds of unique elements, our Chicago ropes course comes complete with challenging outdoor climbing walls, an intense freefall, and rappelling. You can also zipline 1,000 feet in the sky and explore at new heights during some rock climbing and ziplining fun!

Zipline

Fly on a 1,200 ft zipline and take in the stunning quarry views.

Rock Walls

Climb rock walls that will take you 90+ feet in the air.

High Ropes

The fun is endless with plenty high ropes elements of varying difficulties to choose from.

Bouldering

Fun, problem-solving rock climbing close to the ground without requiring a harness or ropes.

Freefall & Rappelling

Rappel from great heights at several points all over the course.

Climb & Zipline Adventure Information

Chaperone Requirement

Guests 13 years old and younger require adult chaperone and must purchase their own activity pass and actively participate with the child, on the course at all times. This chaperone may accompany a maximum of two guests ages 13 and younger.
Guests 14-15 years old must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. This chaperone must monitor the 14-15-year-old from the ground or course, for the duration of their participation in activities.
All participants must also fill out a mandatory participant waiver.

Health Requirements

Guests may not be intoxicated through the use of legal, illegal, or prescribed drugs, or alcohol.
Guests seen consuming any alcohol or mind-altering substances will not be permitted to participate in any activities.
Guests cannot be pregnant or have physical limitations that will limit their ability to perform the skills needed on the adventure course.
Guests should have no medical conditions which would require immediate medical attention or be exacerbated by participation.
Guests with pace makers, or other medical devices that are disrupted by strong magnets, should inform staff, as they are advised against using the “Smart Belay X” systems.
Guests must verify they do not have any limitations that would keep them from performing the required on-course skills and be able to demonstrate these skills listed below:
- Proper equipment use
- Ability to assume proper body position
- Hiking/Walking (see the accessible course for disabled guests)
- Proper element use
- Self-arrest and self-rescue
- Understanding signals and commands

What to Wear and Bring

Dress for the weather! We climb in rain or shine
Hydration – Come hydrated! We welcome you to bring a water bottle, or purchase one of ours!
Footwear – Wear closed-toe and closed-heel shoes. Crocs, sandals, etc. are not permitted.
Gloves – For your comfort we recommend full-fingered gloves you can bring your own, or they are available for purchase at the park.
Hair – Long hair must be secured so please bring a hair tie.
Sunscreen – Recommended to apply before and as needed throughout your adventure.
Head Covering – Recommended for your comfort, a bandana or baseball cap of your own to be worn under your helmet. Although not required, if you would prefer one, we sell bandanas at the park.
Bags, purses, and loose items – Loose or hanging items are not allowed up on course, for the safety of you and others.
Guests must avoid all loose items or they can be lost. For example phones, keys, wallets, cameras, etc. must be secured via a lanyard or strap, or placed in a zippered pocket. The Forge is not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

What Our Guests Are Saying

What a great place! Took 9 graduating high school seniors here. Did the explorer pass and they loved it! Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, archery, axe throwing, laser tag - kept them busy the whole 7 hours they were open. The location is gorgeous. The employees are super friendly and competent.

Kelly Aceto

Great place to spend time with friends and\or family. Had a great time with my brother and niece. The staff is great and very attentive to each and every person. Even walking out we had a staff member ask how our day was! There are many different "elements" (types of obstacles). I was wondering if I could make it and I did.

Dan Hand

Great place for a birthday party! Kids loved the park and staff were amazing and helpful! The staff were very tentative to keeping the park clean and safe for all of the kids. Amazing fun! I’m a mom and made it through the ropes, zip line and the climbing wall! This is a place for the whole family.

Cathy K

We had the best time and will definitely be back. All the employees were so polite, kind and helpful. You can spend all day and you wouldn't get to do everything. We brought our Junior girlscout troop and they all had a blast.

Jen Panattoni

Safety

We focus on the safety, so you can have all the fun.

Our trained and experienced adventure guides will complete a safety orientation with you, get you fitted with equipment (where applicable), and ensure you are ready to start your adventure.

Groups

Looking for the Ultimate Group Experience?

We got you covered. We’ve got climb and zip packages for birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate groups, scouts, and more.

Plan Your Visit

New To The Forge?

Find out everything you need to know about The Forge including parking, directions, accessibility for disabled visitors and frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to participate?

Participants must be between 52”-6’6” tall and between 70-250 lbs for our Climb + Zipline activity. Full coverage closed toed shoes are required. Full fingered gloves are included with purchase.

What else could hinder me from being able to participate?

Pregnancy, intoxication, and conditions requiring immediate medical attention.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe and closed-heel, non-slip shoes are required. Crocs or sandals with straps are not acceptable to climb in. Gym shoes are the only appropriate footwear.

We recommend dressing for the weather in clothing that allows you to bend, climb, reach, and squat comfortably.

What is the difficulty level of the course?

Our course consists of many elements varying from easy to hard. Ask the staff for advice on where to start based on your desired difficulty.

Can my kid climb on their own while I enjoy other activities?

Guests 13 years old and younger must also be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Supervising chaperones must purchase their own activity pass and actively accompany and participate on the adventure element with the child, assisting with participation and equipment transfers, and being within close range at all times. Supervising chaperones may accompany a maximum of two guests ages 13 and younger.
Guests ages 14-16 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone who is presently on site at the Climb & Zipline Adventure. The adult chaperone for those 14-16 does not have to actively participate on the course, but does need to monitor the 14-16 year old guests from the ground.

Can I take pictures while climbing?

Only when your device is secured to your person by a strap, lanyard, or bag. Loose items while at height is not allowed. The Forge is not responsible for lost or broken devices.

Where can I put my belongings when climbing?

Personal items can be left in the car or placed in a locker. Lockers are located in the container between Ropes Check-in and the Parking Lot #1 Footbridge. Rental is $5 for the whole day with credit card only.

Endless Fun

New To The Forge?

Find out everything you need to know about The Forge including parking, directions, accessibility for disabled visitors and frequently asked questions.

Explorer Day Pass

Climb & Zipline Adventure

Kids Adventure Pass

Explorer Day Pass

Unlimited play of 13+ activities

The climb, zip & high ropes adventure

Ultimate jungle gym for kids 3-13

Explorer Day Pass

Unlimited play of 13+ activities

The climb, zip & high ropes adventure

Ultimate jungle gym for kids 3-13

Outdoor Climbing in the Chicago Area

Climb & Zipline Adventure

Play Like You Mean It

"An amazing family day of climbing and adventure!"

Ultimate Adventure Pass

Climb & Zipline Adventure

Zipline Pass

Book With Confidence

Explorer Day Pass Important Info & Requirements

Easy Elements

Moderate Elements

Difficult Elements

Taking Challenges to New Heights

Zipline

Rock Walls

High Ropes

Bouldering

Freefall & Rappelling

Climb & Zipline Adventure Information

What Our Guests Are Saying

We focus on the safety, so you can have all the fun.

Looking for the Ultimate Group Experience?

New To The Forge?

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover More At The Forge

New To The Forge?

New To The Forge?

Find out the latest news, offers, & activities at the Forge

Activities

Groups

Events

Dining

Plan Your Visit

About

Park & Trail Hours: Sunrise - Sunset

Activities

Explorer Day Pass

Unlimited play of 13+ activities

The climb, zip & high ropes adventure

Kids Adventure Pass

Ultimate jungle gym for kids 3-13

Groups

Events & Races

Dining

Plan Your Visit

About

Explorer Day Pass

Unlimited play of 13+ activities

Climb & Zipline Adventure

The climb, zip & high ropes adventure

Kids Adventure Pass

Ultimate jungle gym for kids 3-13