What’s the point of going to the mountains if you can have a little adventure?
Years ago my daughter and husband, along with other members of our family, experienced ZORB® Smoky Mountains which was their first site in the USA. My daughter was probably 8 or 10 at the time and very adventurous (even to this day) compared to my son or myself. The “hamster ball” which allows you to roll down a mountain either wet or dry (depending on weight and desired speed) with the Smoky Mountains as your back drop.
Since then, the location has closed but that doesn’t mean that you can’t continue to have a unique outdoor experience with your family. The adventure continues as zorbing, which started in New Zealand, returns to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
This time my son who recently turned 11 years old was ready for the challenge. He’s a big kid and over 5′ 9″ tall so he decided to do the Outdoor Gravity Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The OGO wet version even in though it was wintertime in the Smoky Mountain area. The water was COLD! They do offer a dry version now and is ideal for winter use.
The OGO is a 11ft transparent sphere made out of 300 sq. ft. of plastic and includes 1,000 plastic anchors & 600 multi-colored strings welded, strung and glued together for optimal safety.
The H20GO, wet version includes 10 gallons of warm water in the winter. Unfortunately we were the 1st guests to try the wet version that day so it was not very warm but that didn’t stop my son from going down 1K ft that cold winter day. So don’t forget to bring your swimsuit and a towel, you’ll need it!
You can have up to 3 riders and offers a GoPro video for only $10 for the 1st roll and $5 for the video of the 2nd roll.
My son has always been a “big kid” so we had him on roller coasters (even with height restrictions) probably way to young which caused him to be less adventurous in recent years. Really, that’s our fault as parents, but now that he is older he is appreciating finding adventure in travel.
I remember spending almost $80 for my husband and daughter to experience the original Zorb in the Smokies years ago. Outdoor Adventure is by far much more affordable. Info listed below is from the Outdoor Gravity Park website.
Keep in mind that (as with any attraction in the Smoky Mountain area) these types of attractions is a splurge, especially if you have a large family. Don’t let the price deter you from any experience.
Our family travel motto is – Experiences will come to each of us in different ways and at different times. My daughter and husband did it several years ago, now it was my sons turn. My daughter and husband watched and let him enjoy his own experience and adventure!
Pro Tip: Check Groupon for discounted rolls. I paid $26 for 2 rolls for one person or 1 roll for two people via Groupon. I did have to pay tax once I reached the facility but the prices listed above are pre-tax as well. Definitely worth checking Groupon or other discount sites for the experience. Also, check their website and social media accounts for additional coupons. I found a $3 off coupon for an OGO roll or Fishpipe Spin.
Would anyone in your family enjoy this type of adventure? How adventurous are you and your family when traveling?
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