Tell me about Redwood Creek Challenge Trail

[BriannaRuth]

We've never done it because it sounds like hiking on a big hill in 90 degree heat, which does not sound appealing to me. Is there any reason for a family with tweens to do this if it's hot outside? I see there's a playground where kids can play but I'm not clear about the draw here.

 

[Californiacicle]

Now granted we only went through on our last afternoon and I don't think we even saw the whole thing but it seemed pretty neat in there. There were slides, a mini zip line for littles, a huge net climbing contraption that goes up three stories with hideouts and such. I saw folks of all ages having fun in there. Next time we plan on spending a chunk of time in there because we all really liked it.

 

[Mysteryincorp]

It's a workout, for sure! While it is very shaded, I'm not sure I would spend a lot of time there if it was really hot. I have only "played" there in the winter.....and it was a blast!

 

[whoever]

Not sure with tweens, but our girls loved it.

 

[aliceindisneyland]

It is so fun! What's a tween? 11-12? My kids are 7 and 10 and they still love it! The best part about taking older kids is that they can run around while you sit on a shaded bench and have a beer! I chase them up the nets for a bit, but they like to stay forever. There is a max height limit for the tire zipline. My son hasn't hit it and he's 5'2"; he just did it. Check before they wait in line if they're tall or maybe someone here knows. The only thing preteens may be too cool for is the Up show, but it is a cute, short show and a fun photo op.
ETA: There is no hiking, unless you go up the nets. The trail just goes around the park area and has little plaques with animal facts. It's very relaxing if you're not chasing crazy kids!

 

[sukhakuli]

My tween loves it. The smoke jumpers is fun, and they have an impressive net climb there. Since there is one way out, we let the kids stretch their wings a bit and keep an eye on them from more of a distance than usual, and they get to enjoy a bit of childhood freedom dh and I had, but in an environment that I feel is safe. It's a must do for us, multiple times per trip usually. It is a favorite with my kids.

 

[DHSbutcher]

Is there anything somewhat entertaining/cool/fun/magical for young adults to do here? We're kidless, but kids at heart still.

 

[VicMom]

Since I've only ever wandered through there with clients who were in wheelchairs, I obviously didn't pay much attention to all that was in there since I had no clue that a lot of what you're talking about is in there.

What is the youngest age that you would say a kid should be to be able to have fun in there?

 

[NorthernCalMom]

My girls are 8 and 10 and consider the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail one of their "must do"s. We usually go for 4 days, and I tend to plan that one in towards the end of our stay, when I'm exhausted, because I have found it to be relatively quiet, even on a Saturday, and shady. I find that it gives me a good breather. Cast members at the entrance give you a little map with stations to complete (though little ones can't do the zip line, mine still had fun, when they were younger). As far as magic goes, the cave at which you can figure out your spirit animal is kind of cool...

 

[Californiacicle]

Since I've only ever wandered through there with clients who were in wheelchairs, I obviously didn't pay much attention to all that was in there since I had no clue that a lot of what you're talking about is in there.

What is the youngest age that you would say a kid should be to be able to have fun in there?

They have tunnels and small slides in addition to the larger slides so I would think an older toddler could have some fun in there even if they don't go on everything. It's shady and a good place to rest a bit at least.

 

[indytarheel]

We visited in November (couples trip) and thought it was quite fun. We are returning later this month with our young boys (8,10) and cannot wait to show them this area! Based on what we saw they will love it!! Much of it was shaded when we were there, not sure how that might change with the angle of the sun in summer, but still neat. We also loved the little side activities down low that may be missed if the kids are up on the ropes. If your kid doesn't like being high up, still poke around...the area is neat!

 

[goofyfan13]

DS 8 and DD 5 really enjoyed it. We did it on our way out of the park. They enjoyed being at a jungle gym park as a change from walking & lines.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Thanks to everyone who has replied -- my girls are 10 and 14, so I think they would like the zipline and the climbing area. But mainly I'm glad to hear it has shade!! I think we'll give it a try.

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

My kids still like it and went twice on our last trip. unfortunately, it depends on the cm if they can ride the tire line (is this what people are calling the zip line?). One cm let them through, one measured them and they were too tall by about a 1/4 of an inch.

 

[VicMom]

They have tunnels and small slides in addition to the larger slides so I would think an older toddler could have some fun in there even if they don't go on everything. It's shady and a good place to rest a bit at least.

Excellent! Thanks sounds like something my son will have fun climbing around and exploring.

 

[whoever]

Excellent! Thanks sounds like something my son will have fun climbing around and exploring.

Check out my May 2013 TR in my sig for some pics.

 

[NorthernCalMom]

Forgot to mention in my other post that they ask the kids to wear closed toe shoes (so no sandals) if they want to do the rock climbing challenge. I forgot about that one time, and there were tears, because though both met the height requirement, one sister got to climb and the other one didn't (the cast member tried to cheer her up with a button, which helped).

 

[BriannaRuth]

Check out my May 2013 TR in my sig for some pics.

Wow, great TR, thank you!

 

[aliceindisneyland]

Thanks to everyone who has replied -- my girls are 10 and 14, so I think they would like the zipline and the climbing area. But mainly I'm glad to hear it has shade!! I think we'll give it a try.

I just found the height requirements for the tire zipline on Disneyland.com:
"Sequoia Smokejumpers Training Tower (zip line) has a height requirement of a 42 inches (106 cm) minimum and 63 inches (160 cm) maximum. Guests must be under 13 years old to ride."

My 10-yr-old had better ride it all he can! He only has 1 inch to go until he's too big.

 

[whoever]

Wow, great TR, thank you!

Glad to be of service. We loved it. It was down for reno during Dapper Days (our last family trip) if I recall, and we probably didn't have enough time to get to enjoy it anyway, but on a 3-4 day trip, I'd carve out an hour or hour and a half to check it out. Its worth it (for us being uber Disney fans).