Located in the heart of Oakland University's Rochester campus, TreeRunner Adventure Park offers families a screen-free escape into nature that is as thrilling as it is empowering. Created by a team of outdoor enthusiasts, TreeRunner is more than just a high ropes course, it's a haven for young adventurers to challenge themselves, build confidence, and connect with the great outdoors.
"TreeRunner allows people of all ages to experience and enjoy the outdoors without a screen," the team shares. "So many kids in particular are phased out of team sports at a young age, and TreeRunner offers a great active alternative for them to be outdoors and in nature."
The idea for TreeRunner was first discovered on a trip to Tennessee, where the founders encountered a similar aerial park concept. Inspired and determined, they brought the idea back to Michigan, opening their first park in West Bloomfield 10 years ago. Since then, the TreeRunner family has grown to four parks, with the Rochester location being the newest jewel in their treetop crown.
Rochester’s community focus made it an ideal place to expand. "Knowing that Rochester has an extremely strong community, the partnership with Oakland University was a natural fit," the team explains. "Many of our team members are passionate about education and natural resources, so our relationship with the University has been nothing short of gratifying and meaningful for everyone," shares the team.
Today, TreeRunner is a vibrant outdoor destination where families can expect a full day of adventure. From the moment guests arrive, they are immersed in a lively and welcoming environment. After checking in, climbers receive a detailed safety briefing and are fitted with harnesses before venturing into the trees. The aerial trails are self-paced and designed for all skill levels, so everyone, from timid first-timers to daring thrill-seekers, can find their perfect path.
"TreeRunner balances fun and challenge with age-appropriate courses, from beginner trails to more advanced routes for older kids, there truly is something for everyone," says the team. "The Little Zipper course is specially designed for our youngest adventurers, allowing parents to offer support from the ground."
And for those who prefer to keep their feet closer to the ground? TreeRunner has you covered with its Putt Forest mini golf course, a gem mining station, and the wildly popular Bounce Forest, an expansive net park suspended in the air where kids can jump, bounce, and play.
The variety of activities ensures that no one is left out. "When we build a new park, we evaluate the kind of people that come to visit," they explain. "Rochester is an area filled with young families, and as we saw more and more visit, we knew we could help with courses for all ages."
TreeRunner is more than an adventure park—it's a confidence builder. One of the most gratifying parts of the job, the team says, is witnessing kids overcome their fears. "We’ve had climbers come to our park, introverts, and leave as socialites. There was one young man who came to our park with a school group, and after he came, the parents informed us that he became a whole new person, eager to meet new people, and that it truly grew his confidence in ways they never could have expected."
Safety is always top of mind at TreeRunner. The park uses top-quality equipment, and staff members are trained to deliver thorough safety briefings and provide hands-on support. "After a safety briefing with our team, all of our guests go through practice lines with our team actively watching and helping. The self-paced design lets children explore within their comfort zones, and at their own speed."
TreeRunner is also a top choice for birthday parties and group events, offering customizable packages and private party spaces that make celebrations seamless and fun. For corporate groups, team-building events are available that foster communication and camaraderie. "We have options for all size groups up to over 150, and have activities for every person from the adrenaline junkie to the ground-based golf purist." shares the team.
Exciting seasonal events keep the experience fresh all year long. Night Forest climbs take place every Friday and Saturday, allowing guests to explore the park after dark under twinkling lights and starlit skies. And new attractions continue to pop up. This year, the Bounce Forest debuted at the Rochester location, and over in West Bloomfield, a brand-new 18-hole Putt Forest mini golf course has just opened.
"Getting kids outdoors and active is more important now than ever because it helps balance out the screen time," the team notes. "Being in nature encourages physical fitness, builds confidence, and sparks creativity in ways that indoor activities can’t match. Plus, climbing, ziplining, and exploring with friends foster social skills and a sense of adventure that screens simply can’t provide," says the team.
TreeRunner’s commitment to screen-free outdoor fun is evident in its two signature youth programs: the Summer Adventure Program and the Kids Club. The Summer Adventure Program is a weeklong immersion for kids ages 7–14, filled with climbing, ziplining, games, and outdoor challenges that encourage exploration and confidence-building. The Kids Club, offered Thursday and Friday mornings from 10 AM to 1:30 PM, gives parents a break while kids enjoy a structured drop-off adventure.
With a deep-rooted commitment to community, nature, and confidence-building, TreeRunner in Rochester is more than an activity, it's an experience. It's where kids find courage, families make memories, and the treetops become a playground for imagination and growth. As the team puts it best: "Truly, the most gratifying part of being at TreeRunner is watching timid travelers leave as confident conquerors."
Whether it’s your child’s first climb or your tenth time through the course, every visit is a chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the world above the ground.