Posted in North Carolina Nature July 19, 2017 by

The Awesome Treetop Adventure In North Carolina Everyone Will Love

When one thinks ‘treetop adventure,’ usually the first things that come to mind are ziplines, ladders suspended from tall oaks, daring crossways between trees, and a usual sense of thrill and adventure. While many treetop adventures are geared towards the more daring, the Museum of Life + Science in Durham has taken a family-friendly angle that combines the nostalgia of treehouses with accessibility for all ages.

Hideaway Woods is a nature adventure sprawled out over two-acres.
Facebook / Museum of Life + Science
The 'nature discovery environment' features treehouses, a streambed, sculptures and play zones.
Yelp / Rose L
The Treehouse Adventure is perfect for little explorers and playful adults.
Facebook / Museum of Life + Science
Eight handcrafted treehouses are connected by rope bridges in the heavily wooded environment. Featuring ladders, staircases, an accessible gangway and cargo nets; anyone can explore the one-of-a-kind structures for a whole day of play and imagination. Wondering how you'll get back down? Try out one of the two slides.
There's also a 'mini-section'
Facebook / Museum of Life + Science
For the (very) little ones, the scaled set of mini-treehouses are a perfect retreat for ages 1-6. Both safe and fun, they feature a hillside slide, a giant log for climbing in or around and an imaginative play area. If you're with more than one child, there's a dedicated stroller parking area as well as seating and separative fence that helps you keep an eye on all the little ones at play.

For another adventure, there's a freshwater stream perfect for wading. The small, recirculating stream shows young learners how water changes and interacts due to other elements in the environment.
While most of us grew up playing outdoors and letting our imaginations run wild, it's an important lifestyle to foster for younger generations more accustomed to TV and computer screens.
Yelp / Jessica W
Summing it all up, the Museum of Life + Science explains "nature play" as,

"Play in naturalized, outdoor environments can foster deeper social, physical, and emotional developments in children (and adults!). The dynamic mix of full-body movement, imaginative play and opportunities to notice or observe, provides endless opportunities to exercise our mental and physical capabilities."

It's safe to say we all remember the grand adventures and stories we'd imagine while playing with friends in the woods or even retreating to a treehouse to regroup and reconvene in the politics of this imagined world. The possibilities are endless here when it comes to letting little ones (and adults) run wild with their imagination, while instilling a sense of adventure and learning.

Incase you’re wondering what it’d be like to play in Hideaway Woods, this video posted by the Museum of Life + Science is a great inside look.

It seems you’re never TOO old to let your imagination take hold, and this is the perfect place to do so! I can only imagine the stories and creativity it will instill in little ones, and rekindle in adults.

Have you visited here before? On your visit, make sure to stop by the enchanting butterfly house.