Embark on a thrilling journey high over the plains of Africa! Unleash your adventurous spirit on the Toledo Zoo’s Aerial Adventure Course as you
Take a walk on the Sky Bridge.
Conquer the two levels of the Challenge Course.
Then soar over the Africa exhibit on the Toledo Zoo Zipline
This adrenaline-fueled attraction offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking a unique and exhilarating adventure.
Toledo Zoo Aerial Adventure Park
The Toledo Zoo Aerial Adventure Course was added for the summer of 2016. The Toledo Zoo hosted our visit in 2017 to facilitate this review. All opinions are ours. Logistical details have been updated for 2023.
The Toledo Zoo Aerial Adventure Course features four activities
- Sky Bridge – Travel 30 feet above the Africa! exhibit in 3 sections that are each 250 feet long.
- Zipline – Start 80′ above the Africa! exhibit at the end of the Sky Bridge and soar 760′ back to the starting platform. You’ll fly over giraffes, wildebeests, watusi cattle, and more.
- Challenge Course – The two middle towers on the Sky Bridge each include two levels of obstacles. Obstacles include rope bridges, swinging logs, climbing walls, and more.
- Quick Jump – Descend 30′ from the main tower platform to the ground in a controlled descent.
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When we visited in 2017, there was also Flight Line – an 80′ plunge from the final tower to the ground. The plunge starts with a freefall before the controlled descent takes over for the last 40′. We no longer see it listed on their website.
Toledo Zoo Aerial Adventure Course Impressions
My daughter was thrilled at the chance to try out the Aerial Adventure Course. I approached the day with a bit of trepidation. I wondered why I didn’t wait until the following summer when my daughter would be 12. That way I could safely watch from the ground.
My fears were mostly allayed when I discovered I would not have to do the more daring activities with her.
Check out the video from our visit and read below for more details:
Overall, my daughter had a blast and loved it. I had a great time on the Sky Bridge and Zipline. We definitely recommend the course to Ann Arbor families with daring tweens and teens. For the less brave (like me), the Sky Bridge and Zipline are good options.
Getting Started
Our adventure started with course preparation. We left everything in a locker – your pockets must be empty. The photos in this article were taken by staff members to facilitate the review. The video is from staff and our GoPro rentals*.
Toledo Zoo staff helped fit us with safety equipment. We had harnesses and helmets with attached GoPro Cameras*. Once our gear was on, we started Ground School. We climbed the 30′ tower and received instructions.
We learned to attach ourselves to the guide cables and securely transfer between safety lines. After our initial instructions, we had time to practice on the large stable platform before venturing onto the course.
*Note: GoPro rentals were available in 2017 when we experienced the course. They are no longer listed as available.
Quick Jump
After our safety course, it was time for the Quick Jump from the platform to the ground. My daughter gladly stepped off the tower and began her descent. She was smiling the whole way and flashed a thumbs up when done.
Then it was my turn. I was ready and walked to the edge of the platform. Then, I froze. I could not make myself step off the ledge.
Sky Bridge
After the Quick Jump, we started across the Sky Bridge. Since it was not crowded, we were joined by a guide, Lexi. A guide usually joins groups and individuals when they are not crowded. When they are crowded, staff spreads out through the course and guests move from station to station.
The Sky Bridge was much easier for me. While it was free floating, I felt secure since there were sides and I was clipped in to the cable. On the Sky Bridge, we had a great view of the Africa! exhibit.
Challenge Course
Each of the two towers in the middle of the Sky Bridge has a two-level Challenge Course. The easiest challenge course is the first level of the first tower. These challenge courses are similar to ropes courses at other zipline parks.
On the first tower, my daughter completed both levels with relative ease. On the second tower, she completed the tower level and went part way up the spiderweb to the second level. She found the climb difficult and the second level looked too challenging for her.
Flight Line – No Longer Available
As of 2023, the Flight Line jump is no longer listed.
After reaching the last tower of the Sky Bridge, it is up the stairs to the 80′ platform. This platform had both the Flight Line and Zipline. If I couldn’t bring myself to do Quick Jump, I obviously wasn’t even going to attempt Flight Line.
Of course my daughter was eager to try it, but finally showed a bit of trepidation. When my daughter’s turn came, she admitted to being nervous, but showed no hesitation in stepping off the platform.
She said she liked Flight Line, but that one time was enough. After Flight Line, you have to climb all the way back up for the zipline.
Zipline
The Toledo Zoo Zipline starts from the 80′ platform at the end of the Sky Bridge. It travels 760′ back to the start tower at 30′ high. We also had to wait for a group in front of us before we could leave on the Zipline.
I loved the zipline. I found it much easier than the Quick Jump since I transferred my weight to the line while over the platform. We had a great view of the Africa! exhibit as we traversed the zipline.
Tips for Toledo Zoo Aerial Adventure Course
- Dress appropriately for the weather and the harness. Avoid short shorts and tank tops. My shorts were a little too short and I had to adjust the harness a few times.
- Wear closed-toe shoes that are sturdy and secure behind the heel
- All pockets must be empty and no gum chewing is allowed.
- Zip Pouches are provided for fast-acting medications like an Epi-Pen or an inhaler
- Use sunscreen. The course is in full sun.
- Bring water bottles with you and leave them in your locker for after the course
- Signup is first-come first-serve, so plan to arrive early. Large groups can pre-register for a fee.
- Everyone in your party does not need to do the same activities. The less daring can wait on the platform while the daring take on the Challenge Course
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Visit the Toledo Zoo Aerial Adventure Course
Requirements
In order to experience the Aerial Adventure Course, you must be between 75-250 lbs. An adult must accompany children under the age of 12 on the course. Don’t worry the adult does not have to brave everything the child does (or vice versa). I waited on the sky bridge platform while my daughter did the Challenge Course and the Flight Line.
Hours
For 2023, the Toledo Zoo Aerial Adventure Course operates Wednesday through Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. They can be booked daily once the zoo opens. Space is limited and available first-come, first-serve and is not guaranteed. Groups and private events of 10+ participants may reserve in advance at an additional fee.
The Zoo also opens at 10a. I recommend arriving to the zoo early to be among the first in line to enter. Then, head straight to Africa to register for the aerial course.
The course will close in severe weather conditions – lighting, thunder, or high winds. The course remains open in rain.
Pricing
The Aerial Adventure is only open to zoo guests. Toledo Zoo admission is $29/adult (ages 12-59) and $26/child (2-11), senior (60+). Parking is an additional $11.
There are two options when purchasing your Aerial Adventure at the Toledo Zoo.
- $15 – Zip Line Adventure Includes Zip Line, Sky Bridge, and Quick Flight.
- $20 – Challenge Course Adventure Includes Challenge Course, Zip Line, Sky Bridge, and Quick Flight.
If you plan to visit the zoo twice in a year, a membership may be a good choice. When my daughter was younger I bought a membership every year. The membership will also save you $5 off the prices above for Zip Line or Challenge Course.
Visit the Toledo Zoo
After we finished on the course, we ate lunch and explored the zoo for the afternoon. Check out our 2015 Review of the Zoo.
That looks both terrifying and thrilling, lol. I did ziplining in California a few years ago, during a blogging conference, which felt the same to me: it was hard to step off the platform but so exhilarating afterwards!
We’re booked to do the Adventure Park in West Bloomfield again with my daughter’s Girl Scout troop. I signed us up as her +1. Hoping my husband goes and he can do the course. Otherwise, I guess I’m up. At least that course isn’t as high as the Zoo.