Somewhere between the treetops and the shoreline of Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, a course of ziplines and rope bridges turns an ordinary afternoon into the kind of day your kids will talk about all the way home. That’s the pull of Monkey Business Adventure Park — and if you’re trying to figure out whether it’s worth the drive, what it costs, and what to expect once you get there, this guide covers all of it.
I pulled this together after digging through the park’s official booking pages, visitor reviews, and local tourism listings, so you’re getting current pricing and rules rather than guesswork.
What Is Monkey Business Adventure Park?
Monkey Business Adventure Park is an aerial obstacle and zipline course located at 970 Deep Creek Drive in McHenry, Maryland, right in the heart of the Deep Creek Lake resort area. It opened in 2017 and has grown into what its operators describe as the largest aerial adventure park in the tri-state region, with roughly 80 elements spread across the course.
Instead of one long trail, the park is broken into three separate tiers of increasing difficulty, plus a smaller course built just for young children. That structure is worth understanding before you book, because it directly affects pricing and who in your group can actually participate.
Course Tiers and What Each One Includes
| Tier | What’s Included | Price | Who Can Do It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini-Monkey Course | 19 ground-level and low aerial elements, 4 kid-sized ziplines | $33.95 per child | Ages 4–7, adult must walk alongside |
| Tier 1 | Lowest aerial level, easier obstacles | $59.95 per person | Age 7+, 50–250 lbs, 60″ reach |
| Tier 2 | Tier 1 + a harder middle level | $69.95 per person | Age 12+ for tier 2 and up, same weight/height rules |
| Tier 3 | Tiers 1 & 2 + a full zipline finish | $84.95 per person | Age 12+, same weight/height rules |
| Standalone Zipline | Two dual-racing lines (600 ft and 450 ft) | $15 add-on, or included in Tier 3 | Age 7+, 50 lbs minimum |
A few practical notes that matter more than the marketing copy usually admits:
- You have to clear the lower level before moving up, so don’t book Tier 3 assuming you can skip straight to the ziplines.
- The park runs a strict no-refund policy, even for weather-related cancellations, so check the forecast before you commit to the higher tiers.
- Kids age 10 and under need an adult with them on course, regardless of which tier they’re doing.
Who This Adventure Park Is Actually Good For
Based on the age, weight, and height requirements, Monkey Business works best for:
- Families with kids 4 and up. The Mini-Monkey course gives younger children their own age-appropriate challenge while older siblings tackle the main tiers.
- Groups of friends or coworkers looking for a low-stakes outdoor team activity near the lake.
- First-time zipliners. Tier 1 is deliberately built as an entry point, so you don’t need any prior ropes-course experience.
It’s less suited to very young toddlers, anyone under 50 lbs, or visitors with mobility limitations that would make climbing and harness use difficult — the park is upfront about those restrictions rather than glossing over them.
Also Read: Monkey Business Food Truck What to Know Before You Order
Safety Setup
Every participant wears a continuous belay system, so you stay clipped in throughout the course instead of reattaching at each platform. Before climbing, staff run a safety briefing, a short video, and a practice round so you’re comfortable with the gear. Instructors stay on course to help if you get stuck or need a hand with your harness.
If you’ve done a ropes course elsewhere, this setup will feel familiar. If this is your first time, the practice round is genuinely useful — take it seriously instead of rushing through.
Hours, Season, and What to Bring
The park operates seasonally, generally from May through September, with hours shifting between peak and shoulder season:
- Peak season: Daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Early/late season: Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Because it’s an outdoor course, activity can be postponed for lightning or ice, so it’s worth calling ahead if the forecast looks questionable.
What to Wear
- Comfortable, close-fitting clothing that won’t snag on cables or ropes
- Shirts that cover both shoulders and hips (skirts aren’t permitted)
- Closed-toe shoes — sandals, flip-flops, and heels aren’t allowed on course
- Long hair tied back and loose jewelry left at home
Booking Tips From Reviews and Visitor Feedback
Public reviews of the park are mixed but consistently point to the same handful of themes. Visitors who booked in advance and arrived early generally had smoother experiences, while walk-ins during busy summer weekends sometimes ran into availability issues. Some reviewers also noted long hold times on the phone during peak season, so booking online ahead of your trip is the more reliable route.
A couple of practical takeaways:
- Reserve online rather than relying on walk-up availability, especially on weekends.
- Double-check the age and weight rules for everyone in your group before you book, since the no-refund policy means mistakes here get expensive.
- If you’re traveling with a mixed-age group, book the Mini-Monkey course and Tier 1 separately so younger kids and older participants both get an appropriate challenge.
Nearby Things to Do at Deep Creek Lake
Since Monkey Business Adventure Park sits inside the larger Deep Creek Lake resort area, it pairs naturally with:
- Boat and pontoon rentals on the lake itself
- Axe throwing, run by the same operator at the same address
- Hiking and state park access nearby
- Local restaurants and lakeside dining a short drive away
If you’re planning a full day trip rather than just the course, building in one of these extras is an easy way to round out the visit.
Final Thoughts
Monkey Business Adventure Park earns its reputation as one of the go-to outdoor activities at Deep Creek Lake because it genuinely scales to different ages and comfort levels — a nervous first-timer on Tier 1 and a thrill-seeker chasing the full zipline finish on Tier 3 can both have a good day here. The tiered pricing and strict no-refund policy mean it pays to plan ahead: check the weather, confirm everyone meets the height and weight requirements, and book online rather than hoping for a walk-in slot.
FAQs
How much does Monkey Business Adventure Park cost?
Pricing ranges from $33.95 for the Mini-Monkey course (ages 4–7) up to $84.95 for Tier 3, which includes the full zipline finish. A standalone zipline add-on costs $15 for Tier 1 and Tier 2 participants.
What age do you have to be to do the main course?
Participants must be at least 7 years old, weigh between 50 and 250 lbs, and be able to reach 60 inches. Kids age 10 and under must have an adult with them on course.
Is Monkey Business Adventure Park open year-round?
It operates seasonally, generally from May through September, with reduced weekend-only hours in the early and late season.
Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?
Reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted when space allows, but availability isn’t guaranteed, especially on busy weekends.
Can I get a refund if the weather is bad?
The park has a strict no-refund policy that applies even to weather-related cancellations, so check conditions before booking the higher tiers.
Is there a course for younger kids?
The Mini-Monkey course is designed for ages 4–7 and includes 19 low aerial elements and 4 kid-sized ziplines, with a parent walking alongside.
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