What Keeps Our Members Coming Back? We Asked Them.
At Go Ape, we’re all about pushing boundaries, conquering fears, and finding joy in the trees. But what does it really mean to make adventure a regular part of your life?
We sat down with some of our most dedicated Go Ape members – people who’ve spent the last year swinging, climbing, and ziplining through our courses – to find out what keeps them coming back. From the adrenaline junkies to the family bonding enthusiasts, each member has their own unique Go Ape story.
Their answers reveal something special about the Go Ape community: a mix of personal growth, shared experiences, and the kind of fun that only happens when you’re suspended 40 feet in the air, cheering on a friend, or catching your breath before the next obstacle.
Here’s what they had to say:
Margie M.
Chicago, IL
I have been a member with Go Ape for…
6 months – 1 year
I chose to become a member because…
I bring my grandkids to Go Ape all of the time and I even talked my husband into becoming a member with me!
My favorite thing about adventuring at Go Ape is…
I absolutely LOVE the courses and the location is absolutely beautiful. I love being in nature and the work out is fantastic. It’s great for all ages. I am 67 years old and all of my grandkids have joined me from ages 4 through 15!
My biggest challenge during my adventures is…
When I took my four year old grand daughter! She loved it, but had a little bit of a hard time on some of the obstacles so I was helping her navigate them!
I usually adventure with…
My husband and my grandkids!
The thing I’m most excited about this year is…
Bringing new friends and family to Go Apes! Those of us who go have bought the cool shirts so we are getting more folks interested all of the time!
My most awesome story at Go Ape is…
I think the best time was when we had three generations all going through the courses together! My husband and some of the older grandkids were on the Treetop Adventure and my daughter and the younger grandkids were on the Treetop Journey. It was fun calling to each other though the tall trees! Everyone loved the ziplines for sure!
Something I’d love to share with the Go Ape squad is…
They are awesome! They are so helpful! We especially loved that they told us about the membership. We came so often they said – hey you should be members!
Loy N.
Arlington, TX
I chose to become a member because…
I love the total body workout that doesn’t feel like a workout.
My favorite thing about adventuring at Go Ape is…
The staff at the Arlington TX location. I love seeing how far the location has come with improvements and loving see the staff members each week.
My biggest challenge during my adventures is…
Just getting there is a challenge as I travel for work often, I come as often as I can.
I usually adventure with…
I mostly come with my husband, however I am so obsessed, I will often come alone.
The thing I’m most excited about this year is…
I would like to try and visit other Go Ape locations this year.
My most awesome story at Go Ape is…
My Go Ape Arlington journey started with a very humbling reality check. On my first visit, I was so out of shape that completing one top‑level ropes course felt like I had just survived a Navy SEAL obstacle test. I climbed down sweaty, breathless, and strongly considering a lifelong commitment to ground‑based hobbies.
Fast‑forward one year, and suddenly I’m out there doing both the top and bottom levels – twice – patiently waiting behind people at every platform like a surprisingly polite tree‑top ninja.
One of my all‑time favorite visits, though, was the day a group of young cheerleaders showed up. Their heights were all over the place – some just tall enough for the higher level, others stuck on the lower one. The ones who barely made the height requirement spent the entire day blowing their whistles at every change‑up because they were too short to reach half the equipment. I heard more whistles that day than in all my visits combined.
The Go Ape staff basically ran a nonstop rescue operation, zipping through the trees like forest superheroes. And through all the chaos, not a single complaint – just positivity, patience, and a whole lot of whistle‑induced cardio.
Something I’d love to share with the Go Ape squad is…
I’ve truly enjoyed watching each of you grow. I’ve seen many of you from the moment you facilitated your very first training session all the way through your promotions, and it’s been an absolute privilege. It genuinely warms my heart to see how much you’ve each contributed to improving the Go Ape experience. Your dedication, positivity, and teamwork have made a real impact. I wish every one of you the very best in every season of your lives.
Cheri K.
Chicago, IL
I have been a member with Go Ape for…
6 months – 1 year
I chose to become a member because…
You can’t beat the price! My kids and husband are members and often go when I work on weekends. The staff are great and know my kiddos by name.
My favorite thing about adventuring at Go Ape is…
It’s just so nice to be outside… the opportunity for outdoor fun in a big city such as Chicago can’t be beat.
My biggest challenge during my adventures is…
My husband and kids just started being able to do the Treetop Adventure (my son turned 10 in July). They’re loving all of the new challenges in the larger course.
I usually adventure with…
My husband and two kids adventure at least once a month. We have brought our cousins with on a few occasions as well.
The thing I’m most excited about this year is…
They’re super excited to start perfecting the Treetop Adventure course, and bring me along for the ride!
My most awesome story at Go Ape is…
The staff is amazing! They know my kiddos by name. When my son was under 10 still (and not so challenged by the Treetop Journey course), the staff would give him different challenges for the zip line (full 360, etc). He loved it!
Something I’d love to share with the Go Ape squad is…
You guys are the best! My son would love to work at the Chicago location (he has a few years to go!)
The Adventure Continues
What stands out most in these stories isn’t just the ziplines or the obstacle courses – it’s the connections people make, the confidence they build, and the memories they create along the way. Whether they’re conquering fears, bonding with family, or simply finding their happy place in the trees, our members remind us why we do what we do.
To our members: thank you for making Go Ape part of your adventure story. Your energy, courage, and enthusiasm inspire us every day – and we can’t wait to see you back up in the canopy.
And to everyone else – if you’ve been thinking about joining the Go Ape community, consider this your sign. Your next adventure is waiting.
Ready to make Go Ape part of your routine? Learn more about memberships and start your journey today.
About Go Ape
Go Ape believes in creating spaces where people of all ages and abilities can escape the ordinary, rediscover their courage, and embrace the thrill of discovery. Here, in the treetops or along scenic paths, lifelong bonds are forged, confidence is renewed, and laughter echoes through the canopy. Go Ape isn’t just an activity; it’s a movement to reconnect with what truly matters: people, place, and purpose.
Go Ape isn’t just an activity. It’s a movement to reconnect with what truly matters: people, place, and purpose. Let’s rise above together. Visit goape.com.
Find Your Go Ape location:
- Arlington-Dallas, Texas
- Plano, Texas
- Houston-Sugarland, Texas
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Bear, Delaware
- Chicago, Illinois
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Ocean City, Maryland
- Rockville, Maryland
- Kansas City, Missouri
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Omaha-Lincoln, Nebraska
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Springfield, Virginia (Washington DC)