5 Proven Tips to Make Your Ziplining Family Adventure Unforgettable

Jul 16

Ziplining through the trees in the Blue Ridge Mountains? It doesn’t get much better than that—unless, of course, you're flying side-by-side with your favorite people. At Sky Valley Zip Tours in Blowing Rock, NC, families come together for a day filled with laughter, challenge, and wow-worthy views. But here’s the thing: with just a little prep, your day can go from fun to absolutely unforgettable.

Whether you're traveling from Boone, Valle Crucis, or West Jefferson—or planning your mountain getaway with the crew—here are five tips to help your zipline adventure feel like one for the books.

Sky Valley Zip Tours specializes in zipline canopy tours, kids’ zipline adventures, night ziplining, and group events near Boone, NC. We bring thrills, views, and unforgettable memories for those planning a mountain vacation, a family weekend, or just something wildly fun to do in the High Country. Book your next adventure today!

1. Wear the Right Gear (and Pack a Little Extra)

This one’s simple, but you’d be surprised how many people show up in flip flops or jeans too tight to lift a leg. Ziplining is active, outdoorsy, and sometimes a little muddy—especially after those classic mountain afternoon showers.

Here’s what to wear and bring:

Comfortable closed-toe shoes (think sneakers or hiking shoes)
Athletic-style clothing you can move in
Hair ties for long hair (you'll be helmeted up!)
Water bottle for the drive (we’ve got hydration covered on the tour)
Layers! Mornings can be cool even in summer.

And don't forget your sense of adventure. You're going to want that too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maria l Fun 4 Charlotte Kids (@fun4charlottekids)

2. Choose the Right Tour for Your Crew

At Sky Valley Zip Tours, we offer something for everyone. Bringing a 4-year-old with a fearless heart? Check out the Whistle Pig Adventure Park, our kid-sized zipline course designed just for the littles. Planning a girls’ weekend or family reunion? Book a private group canopy tour for laughs, cheers, and shared memories in the treetops.

Feeling bold? Try the Night Flight tour, where you zipline in the dark guided only by headlamps and starlight. It’s wild, it’s surreal, and it’s totally worth staying up past bedtime.

3. Let Everyone Go at Their Own Pace

This is a big one, especially for moms and dads planning a trip for the whole family. Not everyone loves heights. Not everyone is ready to leap right off the first platform without a little encouragement.

And that’s okay.

We live by “Challenge by Choice” here. That means each person decides how much they want to stretch their comfort zone—and our guides are there to support, not push. Some kids (and adults!) surprise themselves. Others hang back a little, and still have a blast. Either way, everyone belongs in the trees.

4. Book Early, Show Up Early, Breathe Deep

Mountain life moves a little slower—but zipline tours run on time! Booking your spot ahead of time guarantees your group gets the day and time you want, especially during busy seasons like summer and fall.

Here’s the timeline that makes everything smooth:

Book ahead: We often fill up days in advance!
Arrive 20-30 minutes early: That gives you time for check-in and to soak up the mountain air.
Breathe deep: The views? Breathtaking. The adrenaline? It’s coming. Let yourself take it all in.

Showing up early with time to chill is one of the best ways to set the tone for a fun, connected family outing.

5. Soak in the Little Moments

It’s easy to think the big zipline—Big Momma, our longest, fastest line—is the highlight. And it’s definitely epic. But the best memories? They’re often found in the little things:

The grin your 7-year-old gives you after stepping off their first platform
The cheers from the group when Grandma gives it a go
That moment of silence when you all look out over the treetops and realize—we’re really doing this

Laughing together. Rooting for each other. High-fiving at the bottom. Those are the moments that stick.

Bonus: Make It a Full High Country Day

Ziplining is just the start. After your canopy tour, explore more of what the Blowing Rock and Boone area has to offer. Grab burgers at Coyote Kitchen, stroll through Mast General Store, or head back to your cabin at Sky Ranch for sunset views and stories around the fire pit.

At Sky Valley Zip Tours, we’re all about making memories that stick. From the youngest Whistle Pig adventurers to the most daring Night Flyers, our mountain is made for fun, family, and a little courage.

So pack the snacks. Bring your crew. And get ready for something unforgettable.

Book your tour here and make this the ziplining day your family talks about for years.

Let’s fly.

Looking for the right tour? Check out our most popular adventures:

We serve families from Boone, Blowing Rock, Valle Crucis, West Jefferson, Banner Elk, and beyond.