Driving down Carothers Parkway in Franklin, you can’t miss it. This massive, skeletal steel structure rises out of the ground like a futuristic jungle gym. Honestly, at first glance, SOAR Adventure Park Franklin TN looks a bit intimidating. It's 50 feet of galvanized steel and cables, and if you’re afraid of heights, your stomach might do a little flip just looking at it from the parking lot.
But here’s the thing. Most people think this is just another ropes course where you follow a single line and get stuck behind a slow-moving kid for forty minutes. It’s not. It’s a "KristallTurm" structure—basically a German-engineered modular tower where you choose your own adventure. You aren’t forced into a linear path. If you see a challenge that looks too hard, you just... walk around it on the central platform and try something else.
Why the Design Actually Matters
The tower has four levels. You’ve got over 110 different elements scattered across these floors.
Level 0 is the ground course. It’s built specifically for the "littles"—kids aged 3 to 7. It’s low to the ground, so parents can literally walk alongside them without needing a harness. Then you have Levels 1, 2, and 3, which get progressively higher and, frankly, much more physically demanding.
The music theme is a nice touch. Since it's basically in Nashville's backyard, they leaned hard into the "Music City" vibe. You’ll find yourself climbing over giant guitars, stepping on piano keys, and even trying to play a real drum kit that’s suspended 15 feet in the air. There's even a German "beer fest" picnic table hanging 30 feet up. Why? Because the tower design is Bavarian, and apparently, someone thought eating a pretzel in the sky was a vibe.
What You Need to Know Before You Put on a Harness
Safety is the big question everyone asks. They use a system called Safe Link SSB. Basically, you’re tethered into interconnected carabiners. You cannot accidentally unclip both at the same time. It’s physically impossible. You’re always locked onto the safety line until you’re back on the ground. This takes a lot of the "I'm going to die" anxiety out of the equation for beginners.
The Logistics:
- Shoes: This is the one that trips people up. You cannot wear Crocs. You cannot wear Chacos or flip-flops. You need fully enclosed, tight-fitting athletic shoes. No exceptions.
- Reach Height: To go above the ground level, you need to be at least 7 years old and able to reach 5’5” with your heels flat on the ground.
- The "Adult Rule": If you’re bringing kids under 12, an adult has to climb with them. Don't expect to just sit in a lawn chair while your 10-year-old scales the third level. You’re going up there too.
It’s Not Just About the Climbing
If you aren't feeling the "dangling from a wire" thing, they have an 18-hole mini-golf course. It’s also musically themed, which is fun, but it’s definitely more of a side attraction compared to the tower. The golf is $9 to $13 depending on age, while the climbing passes usually hover around $45 for adults.
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Prices can feel a bit steep, but they offer military discounts and seasonal memberships. If you live in Williamson County and plan on going more than twice a year, the membership is basically a no-brainer.
Surprising Facts About the Founders
The owner, Kevin Vanderkolk, has a pretty wild backstory. He spent 15 years as the mascot for the Milwaukee Bucks (Bango the Buck). He actually holds three Guinness World Records for trampoline dunking. You can tell the place was built by someone who understands "active" entertainment. It’s not a passive experience. You will be sore the next day. Your forearms will hate you.
Timing Your Visit for 2026
The park usually closes down for the deepest part of winter. For the 2026 season, they’re officially kicking things off on March 2nd.
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During the peak summer months, they do night climbs. The tower is outfitted with lights, and climbing under the stars is a completely different experience than doing it in the Tennessee humidity at 2 PM. They also host a summer concert series where the bands actually play on the tower. Imagine a drummer strapped into a harness 20 feet up while you're ziplining past them. It’s chaotic in the best way possible.
Real Talk on the Difficulty
Let’s be real: Level 3 is no joke.
There’s a bicycle you have to ride across a four-inch beam.
There's a 30-foot slackline.
If you aren't active, you might find yourself sticking to Level 1. And that's fine! The beauty of the layout is that a super-fit "ninja warrior" type can be on the same level as a nervous beginner, and they won't get in each other's way.
Practical Next Steps
If you're planning a trip, book your reservation online ahead of time. They do limit the number of people on the tower to 120 at once to keep it from getting crowded.
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Check your footwear before you leave the house. If you show up in flip-flops, you'll be buying a pair of rental shoes or heading to the Target down the street. Also, empty your pockets. They have free lockers because anything falling from 50 feet up becomes a projectile.
Pack some water, wear athletic gear you don't mind getting a little sweaty, and maybe bring some climbing gloves if you have sensitive hands. The ropes can be a bit rough after an hour of gripping.