First Visit • TreeRunner Grand Park

Everything to know before you climb.

Planning your first visit to TreeRunner Grand Park in Westfield? A little preparation makes the day much easier. Check your climber requirements, complete your waiver, come dressed for the course and know where you're going inside Grand Park.

Ages 7+ 8 Aerial Trails Waiver Required to Climb Closed-Toe, Closed-Heel Shoes Gloves Required
Before You Leave Home

Six things that make your visit easier.

If you've taken care of these, you're in good shape.

1

Reserve Your Climb

Booking ahead is strongly recommended so you can choose the date, time and climb length that work for you.

Explore Climb Options
2

Complete Your Waiver

Every climber needs a completed waiver. Complete it ahead of time to make check-in much easier.

Sign the Waiver
3

Check Climber Requirements

Age, reach, height and weight requirements determine participation and which trails a climber may use.

View Age Guidelines
4

Wear the Right Shoes

Closed-toe, closed-heel athletic footwear is required for Aerial Forest climbing.

5

Bring or Buy Gloves

Gloves are required while climbing. Bring suitable gloves from home or purchase them when you arrive.

6

Check the Weather

TreeRunner is outdoors. Check conditions and review our weather policy before heading to the park.

Weather & Rain Policy
Do This Before You Arrive

Get the waiver out of the way now.

Each climber needs a waiver before entering the Aerial Forest. A parent or legal guardian must complete the waiver for participants under 18. Guests age 18 and older complete their own. Non-climbing spectators do not need a climbing waiver.

Completing waivers in advance helps keep your reservation moving when you arrive.
Can I Climb?

Check the participation requirements before booking.

Aerial Forest access depends on age and physical participation requirements. Which trails you can use may also vary by age.

Ages 7+ Minimum Climbing Age
Age 10+ Independent Climbing
6 ft Reach to Transfer Independently
6'4" Maximum Height
60–265 lbs Standard Participant Weight Range Climbers under 60 lbs may still climb when accompanied by an adult.
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Some climbers may participate with adult assistance.

A shorter reach or a weight below 60 lbs does not automatically prevent participation. Climbers under 60 lbs may climb with an adult, and guests who cannot reach 6 feet may need a parent or accompanying adult to assist with transfers. Additional adult-accompaniment requirements may also apply based on age and course difficulty.

What to Wear

Dress for moving through the trees.

You don't need special climbing clothes. You do need footwear and clothing that work with a harness and outdoor movement.

Closed-Toe, Closed-Heel Shoes

Athletic-style footwear is required. Sandals, slides and open-backed shoes won't work for aerial climbing.

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Climbing Gloves

Gloves are required in the Aerial Forest. Bring your own suitable gloves or purchase them at the park.

Comfortable Clothing

Wear clothing that lets you bend, climb and move comfortably while wearing a harness around your shoulders and legs.

Dress for the Weather

Layers work well in cooler temperatures. TreeRunner can operate in rain, so rain gear is useful when showers are possible.

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Tie Back Long Hair

Long hair should be secured before climbing. Avoid dangling jewelry and loose accessories.

Expect to Warm Up

Climbing is active. On cooler days, dress in layers you can comfortably move in as your body temperature changes.

Before You Reserve

Starter or Classic?

Both let you experience the Aerial Forest. The biggest difference is how much time and access you want.

Shorter Visit

Starter Climb

2 Hours

A good choice for a first-time climber or anyone fitting TreeRunner into a tighter Grand Park schedule.

2-Hour Experience Ages 7+ Great First Visit
Full Experience

Classic Climb

3 Hours

Give yourself more time to explore. Classic also includes access to the Black course for eligible climbers and access to the Bypass Quiz.

3-Hour Experience More Time to Explore Black Course Access* Bypass Quiz Access
Getting to TreeRunner

Remember: we're inside Grand Park.

Grand Park is a large campus. Choose the entrance that makes sense based on the direction you're coming from, then give yourself enough time to park and walk to TreeRunner.

Preferred • South Side

Coming from 186th Street

186th Street Lot G TreeRunner

Enter Grand Park from the south and follow campus signs toward Lot G.

North Side

Coming from 191st Street

191st Street Lot D TreeRunner

Guests approaching from the north may enter from 191st Street and park in Lot D.

When You Arrive

From the parking lot to the trees.

1

Park & Walk Over

Follow the appropriate Grand Park route and walk toward the wooded TreeRunner area.

2

Check In

Head to registration so our team can confirm your reservation and waiver information.

3

Gear Up & Learn

You'll get fitted with climbing equipment and complete the required orientation before entering the aerial trails.

4

Start Climbing

Begin on appropriate terrain, get comfortable with the system and decide how far you want to challenge yourself.

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Give yourself enough time to get from Grand Park to TreeRunner.

The campus is large, and walking time depends on where you park. Plan to be at TreeRunner and ready for check-in before your scheduled reservation time.

Weather & Park Conditions

Rain doesn't automatically mean your climb is canceled.

TreeRunner operates outdoors and can climb in many types of weather. Thunder, lightning, high winds, heavy rain or other conditions can affect operations. Check our current policy for weather procedures and visit options.

What Should I Bring?

Keep it simple.

You don't need much to climb. The most important things are the ones that help you move comfortably and stay prepared for an outdoor visit.

Bring

Appropriate Footwear

Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are required for anyone climbing in the Aerial Forest.

Bring or Buy

Gloves

Gloves are required for climbing. Bring your own or purchase a pair at TreeRunner.

Depending on Weather

Layers or Rain Gear

Check the forecast and dress for several hours of outdoor activity.

Before Leaving Home

Completed Waiver

Don't wait until check-in. Completing it ahead of time is one of the easiest ways to simplify arrival.

Remember

Your Reservation Details

Know your scheduled reservation time and allow enough time to navigate the Grand Park campus.

Leave Behind

Anything You Don't Need

Climbing is easier when you aren't trying to carry unnecessary personal items through the aerial trails.

First-Visit FAQs

Still wondering about something?

Do I need climbing experience?

No. First-time climbers are common at TreeRunner. You'll learn how to use the equipment before entering the aerial trails.

Does everyone who comes to the park need a waiver?

Climbers need a completed waiver. Non-climbing spectators do not need a climbing waiver simply to accompany your group.

Who completes the waiver for a child?

Participants under age 18 need the appropriate waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian. Adults age 18 and older complete their own waiver.

Can someone under 60 pounds climb?

Yes. Climbers under 60 lbs may still participate when climbing with an adult. The standard participant weight range is 60–265 lbs, but being under 60 lbs does not automatically prevent a guest from climbing.

Can I climb if I can't reach 6 feet?

Potentially. Six feet is the reach guideline for transferring independently. Guests with a shorter reach may still participate when a parent or accompanying adult can assist with transfers, subject to TreeRunner's participation requirements.

Are gloves required?

Yes. Gloves are required in the Aerial Forest. You may bring suitable gloves from home or purchase them when you arrive.

What kind of shoes can I wear?

Closed-toe, closed-heel athletic-style footwear is required for Aerial Forest climbing.

What if it rains?

TreeRunner can operate in rain, so a rainy forecast does not automatically mean the park will close. Certain weather conditions can suspend or affect climbing. Review our Weather & Rain Policy for current details.

Where exactly is TreeRunner inside Grand Park?

Guests entering from 186th Street should head toward Lot G. Guests entering from 191st Street may use Lot D. See our Directions & Parking page for the campus map and full route details.

Should I choose the 2-hour or 3-hour climb?

Starter is a good shorter option and works well for many first-time climbers. Classic gives you an additional hour, access to the Black course for eligible climbers and access to the Bypass Quiz.

What is the Bypass Quiz?

The Bypass Quiz is an optional TreeRunner program available through eligible Classic visits. Review the Bypass Quiz information for current details.

Still Have a Question?

Ask our Grand Park team.

If you're unsure about participation requirements, your reservation or anything else before you arrive, contact the park directly.

Ready for your first climb?

Check the requirements, complete your waiver, choose your climb and we'll show you the rest when you get here.