Ever since the twins turned eight, we’ve swapped birthday parties for experiences, and it’s been the best decision. This year we opted for an exciting treetop adventure at Go Ape, Wendover, shared with a few of their closest friends.
I’ve actually done Go Ape twice myself before and always thought it would be an amazing experience for the kids, but over the years they’ve been a little hesitant. Understandably so, the idea of climbing high into the treetops can feel a bit daunting, especially when you don’t quite know what to expect.
So this year, instead of a big birthday party, the twins chose a small celebration with a couple of very close friends. Perfect! Their friends had actually been to Go Ape before, which turned out to be a blessing. Having friends they love and trust, who already knew the ropes (literally!) gave my two an extra boost of confidence.
Planning Ahead
We booked a few months in advance to make sure we got the time and date we wanted. Go Ape is really popular, and weekends especially get busy fast. I also pre-booked gloves for all the kids (which definitely helped little hands on the ropes) and medals for the finish, so they’d have something special to take home.
The Big Day
We arrived with plenty of time for check-in, safety talks, and the practice session. The staff at Wendover were brilliant – friendly, reassuring, and great with the kids. Everyone got harnessed up, learned how the equipment works, and had the chance to try things at ground level before heading off into the treetops.
From the ground, parents can spectate really easily, and it was so nice being able to keep in touch with them as they went along. One of mine started off a little nervous, but once she got going she completely surprised herself. By the end, she was absolutely fearless – zipping through the air with the biggest grin on her face. It was such a powerful reminder of how these kinds of activities can give kids that “If I can do this, I can do anything!” mindset.
The Courses
The kids tackled two courses in total.
- The first course took around 25 minutes. They made their way across wobbly bridges, balance beams, and finished with a zipline that had them buzzing for more.
- The second course was a step up – a little higher, a little trickier, but just as exciting. And of course, it ended with another zipwire!
To wrap it all up, they finished with Go Ape’s big final zipline and you could see how proud they were of themselves for completing it.
Celebrations at the End
Once back on solid ground, the kids were given a certificate with their name on and a sticker. Then came the medals I’d pre-bought from the main hut – the perfect little keepsake to remember the day.
The whole experience was filled with laughter, encouragement, and teamwork. The kids cheered each other on, faced their fears, and came away with an amazing confidence boost.
Final Thoughts
For us, this was such a lovely way to celebrate the twins’ birthday. It wasn’t just an activity – it was an experience that built confidence, resilience, and made for some brilliant memories.
The staff were fantastic, safety was always the priority, and the kids had the absolute best time. They were exhausted but so happy at the end of it all.
I’m already planning to book again next year – but this time, I think we’ll make it a full family adventure. After all, why should the kids have all the fun?
