That’s why Treetop Adventure is designed as the perfect confidence-building first step. It’s our entry-level high ropes course, suitable for adventurers over 1 metre tall, with lower platforms, shorter crossings and just enough wobble to feel adventurous without feeling overwhelming.

Even better, some locations — like Temple Newsam and Blackburn — feature a lower section. This allows children to build confidence close to the ground before heading higher, helping them trust the equipment, the course and themselves.

Because confidence in the tree tops doesn’t come from being fearless. It comes from feeling safe, supported and ready to give it a go.

Confidence grows when children feel free to try — without pressure to be brilliant straight away.

Before their high-ropes adventure, talk about the experience in positive, low-pressure terms:

• “You can take it one obstacle at a time.”
• “You don’t have to rush.”
• “Giving it a go is the win.”

Reassure them that it’s okay to pause, ask for help, or decide they’ve gone far enough for the day. Knowing they’re in control often gives children the confidence to keep going.

A high-ropes course can look intimidating from the ground — platforms, wobbly bridges and zip wires stretching into the trees.

Help your child reframe it into manageable steps:

• “Let’s just get to the first platform.”
• “One crossing, then we’ll see how you feel.”
• “That’s one obstacle done — look how far you’ve come.”

Each small success builds momentum, quietly turning “I can’t” into “I can”.

Confidence isn’t built by rushing. Some children move quickly; others need time to pause, breathe and steady themselves.

Encourage your child to:

• Take a moment if they feel nervous
• Pause on platforms when needed
• Move on only when they feel ready

There’s no prize for finishing first — the real win is completing the course feeling proud.

Children are brilliant emotional mirrors. If you look anxious, they’ll pick up on it instantly.

Instead:

• Keep encouragement calm and specific (“You handled that wobble really well”)
• Avoid shouting instructions or rushing them
• Praise effort, not just bravery

Sometimes the biggest confidence boost is simply knowing someone believes in them.

The confidence boost doesn’t stop when their feet hit the ground.

Every participant receives a certificate at the end of their adventure — a small but powerful reminder of what they’ve achieved. It’s a moment to pause, reflect and feel proud.

You can also mark the occasion with a Go Ape medal, a brilliant way to celebrate the effort, determination and courage it took to step into the tree tops. It’s not about how high they went or how fast they finished — it’s about recognising the confidence they built along the way.

Afterwards, talk about:

• What they found hardest
• What surprised them
• What they’re proud of themselves for

Help them connect the dots: they felt nervous — and did it anyway. That lesson lasts far longer than the day out.

High ropes aren’t about conquering fear. They’re about learning to manage it, one platform at a time.

From low loops close to the ground to first zip wires in the tree tops, we see it every day at Go Ape: small steps, big smiles, and children realising they’re capable of more than they thought.

Ready to help your child take their first confident step on high ropes?

Explore Treetop Adventure and find your nearest Go Ape location today.