Blue Mountain Summit Adventure Park Review: Is It Worth It for Families?

Blue Mountain Summit Adventure Park is one of our favorite places in eastern Pennsylvania for an active day with older kids and teens. We’ve been visiting for years with our family, and I’ve also experienced it from a teacher’s perspective during many school field trips. I’ve tackled the ropes course myself, watched my kids work their way through every level over the years, and have seen firsthand why so many kids look forward to coming here.

What always stood out to me is that both of my kids visited on school field trips during two different school years and were just as excited to go back the second time. That’s probably the best indication of how much they enjoyed it.

Most people know Blue Mountain as a ski resort, but its summer adventure park deserves just as much attention. Between the high ropes courses, zipline, climbing wall, laser tag, and free-fall experience, it’s an easy place to spend several hours outdoors. We also love ending the day at Slopeside Pub & Grill. We’ve been there countless times over the years, sometimes after climbing and sometimes just because we were in the mood for dinner with a mountain views, outdoor games, and the fire pits.

In this review, I’ll share what we’ve learned after years of visiting, who I think it’s best for, which activities are worth your time, and a few tips to help you make the most of your day.

If you’re planning a trip to the area, be sure to browse all of my Poconos family travel guides for more ideas, itineraries, and family-friendly activities.

What Is Blue Mountain Summit Adventure Park?

If you’ve only been to Blue Mountain in the winter, you might not realize how much there is to do once the snow is gone. During the warmer months, the ski slopes become home to Summit Adventure Park, where families can spend the day climbing, ziplining, and enjoying the mountain.

The high ropes course is definitely the main attraction, but there are several other activities too, including a climbing wall, outdoor laser tag, a free-fall experience, and a zipline. We’ve done just about everything over the years, and it’s one of those places that keeps my family coming back.

One thing I like is that everyone can choose their own comfort level. Some kids are determined to make it to the hardest ropes course, while others are happy climbing the rock wall or watching family members from below. Nobody has to do everything to have a good time.

Before you go, check Blue Mountain’s website for current hours, ticket options, and age or height requirements since they can change from season to season.

Blue Mountain is one of our favorite outdoor adventures in the region, but it’s just one of many family-friendly activities nearby. Explore even more of our favorite things to do in the Poconos with kids.

The High Ropes Course Is What Keeps Us Coming Back

The high ropes course is easily the highlight of Summit Adventure Park and the main reason we’ve returned so many times over the years.

There are five different levels, so you can choose the challenge that feels right for you. Over the years, my kids have worked their way up to the highest course.

I’ve never loved heights, but I’ve pushed myself to the second-highest level, and that’s about where I decide I’ve had enough.

Even though heights make me uneasy, I’ve always climbed with my kids and on school field trips. I think it’s important for kids to see that you don’t have to be fearless to try something that’s outside your comfort zone. Honestly, my kids usually end up waiting for me while I talk myself into the next obstacle.

The continuous safety harness system gave me peace of mind. Once you’re connected, you stay attached throughout the course, so you can focus on the obstacles instead of worrying about clipping and unclipping.

If someone in your group doesn’t want to climb, they can still be part of the fun. Spectators can put on a hard hat, walk underneath much of the course, take pictures, and cheer everyone on from below. It’s a great way for grandparents, younger siblings, or anyone who prefers to stay on the ground to still feel included.

More Things to Do at Summit Adventure Park

The ropes course is the reason we usually come, but we’ve enjoyed the other activities too. Depending on how much energy everyone still has, we’ll usually mix in a few of them throughout the day.

Zipline

The zipline is short, but it’s fun. If you’ve never ziplined before, it’s a great place to give it a try without feeling overwhelmed. My kids always wanted to do it at least once before we left.

Rock Climbing Wall

The climbing wall is another activity that’s fun to work into your day. There are different climbing routes, so it’s a good option whether you’re newer to climbing or looking for a little more of a challenge.

Free Fall

I still remember standing on the platform thinking, “Why did I sign up for this?” The funny part is I’d probably do it again because taking that first step is definitely the hardest part. Once you do it, it’s over before you know it, and it’s one of those things you’re glad you tried.

Outdoor Laser Tag

Laser tag is a nice break from climbing. If someone in your group isn’t interested in heights, or everyone just wants to do something different for a while, it’s an easy activity to mix into the day.

If your family enjoys outdoor adventures like this, whitewater rafting in the Poconos with kids is another one of our favorite ways to spend a summer day.

Don’t Skip Slopeside Pub & Grill

Even if you aren’t planning to spend the day at Summit Adventure Park, I still think Slopeside Pub & Grill is worth a visit.

We’ve eaten here countless times over the years. Sometimes it’s after a day at the adventure park, but other times we’ve driven to Blue Mountain just for dinner because we enjoy it that much.

When the weather is nice, we always try to sit outside. The mountain views are beautiful, and there are fire pits, lawn games, plenty of outdoor seating, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to spend a couple of hours there.

When my daughter was about six years old, she used to tell us she was going to get married there someday because we’d always see brides taking pictures around the property. She eventually outgrew that plan, but every time we see a bride taking pictures it reminds us of those conversations and makes me smile.

The food has always been good, the bar has a nice drink selection, and I’ve always been able to find gluten-free options without any trouble. That’s something I really appreciate when we’re eating out.

If you’re visiting Summit Adventure Park, I’d definitely plan enough time to enjoy a meal here before heading home. Honestly, even if we’re not climbing, it’s still one of those places we’ll drive to just for dinner.

If you’re exploring more of eastern Pennsylvania, check out my Philadelphia family travel guides for more fun day trips and weekend ideas.

Camping and Glamping at Blue Mountain

If you’re planning more than a day trip, Blue Mountain also offers camping and glamping right on the mountain. We haven’t stayed overnight ourselves since we live close enough to visit for the day, but it’s a unique option for families who want to turn their visit into a weekend getaway.

If you’re considering staying overnight, I’d recommend checking Blue Mountain’s website for the latest information on accommodations, availability, and what’s included with each option.

If you’re making a weekend out of your visit, our Kalahari vs. Great Wolf Lodge comparison can help you decide where to spend another day in the Poconos.

Looking for more ideas while you’re here? Browse all of my Poconos travel guides for more family adventures, restaurants, and weekend getaway inspiration.

Before You Go

After visiting Blue Mountain Summit Adventure Park so many times over the years, here are a few things I’d recommend before your visit:

• 👟 Wear closed-toe shoes. You’ll be climbing, balancing, and walking around the mountain, so sneakers are definitely the way to go.
• 💧 Bring a water bottle. Especially during the summer, you’ll appreciate having one between activities.
• 💪 Expect to be a little sore the next day. The ropes course is more of a workout than it looks, and we’ve definitely felt it in our arms and shoulders after tackling several levels.
• 📸 Even non-climbers can join the fun. Family members can put on a hard hat, walk underneath much of the course, take pictures, and cheer everyone on.
• 🍔 Leave time for Slopeside Pub & Grill. We never feel like we’re rushing through the day because dinner on the mountain has become part of the experience for us.
• 🌤️ Check the weather before you go. Most of the activities are outdoors, so the forecast can make a big difference in your day.
• ✅ Check the Blue Mountain website before you go. Hours, ticket options, and activity requirements can vary depending on the season and weather.

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Our family travel photography © Stack the Miles. All family and attraction photos were captured during our Poconos trips. Select scenic and landmark images courtesy of trusted stock sources and tourism archives.

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