EASTON, Pa. — “Eatertainment” destination HangDog Outdoor Adventure is set to open its doors to the public this Thursday, offering food and festivities for what it says is just about everyone.
Starting Friday, HangDog — whose name comes from the climbing technique in which climbers take a well-deserved rest while leading the way up — will have what it says is the largest outdoor ropes course in the Northeast.
- HangDog Outdoor Adventures, an "eatertainment" establishment featuring climbing courses, zip lines, live entertainment and many food options, opens Friday in Easton
- Entry to the park is free, with a two-hour run on the "Big Dog" course costing $59.95 for those ages 8 and up
- After enjoying some exercise, guests can kick back and dive into specialty fried chicken, pinsa pizza, house-made craft brews and spiked slushies
The facility, at 410 Cedarville Road, Easton, will open at 2 p.m. Friday, with hours running from 2-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 2-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.
"We are thrilled to open HangDog, a space that will be much more than just a climbing adventure," park owner Mike McCreary, who has owned businesses including the Lehigh Valley Grand Prix, said.
"It will be a place for creating unforgettable memories with friends and family as you enjoy inspiring live music, food and beverage options suitable for everyone.”HangDog owner Mike McCreary
"It will be a place for creating unforgettable memories with friends and family as you enjoy inspiring live music, food and beverage options suitable for everyone.”
HangDog’s “live adventure” ropes course features a four-story extravaganza with 115 climbing elements, 240-foot zip-lines, a 45-foot high giant swing and a free fall jump.
For those interested in scaling the “Big Dog” course, a two-hour run will cost $59.95 for ages 8 and older. The “Pups” course, intended for those aged 5-7, runs for 90 minutes at a price of $29.95.
If you’re looking to check out the entertainment options, there will be no entrance fee for the facility as a whole, including access to the musical performances, the food truck or the craft beer garden.
It also will have a lights show, a craft beer garden, a gourmet food truck and café and a live music venue — promising “to be a destination like none other, catering to families, friends, a co-workers of all ages.”
Safety a priority
According to HangDog’s website, safety is a top priority, and the training and precautions show that.
All climbing guests will wear full-body harnesses equipped with CLiC-iT rigs. Guests will get a safety briefing on the ground, where a team member will ensure that their harness is properly secured, followed by safety instructions and demonstrations to help keep climbers confident and safe.
Once they step foot on the course, climbers will be clicked in at two points, and the smart system will not fully unclip until the climber has returned to one of the designated entrance or exit points where a team member will help them click out and off the course.
Climbers are encouraged to make reservations to ensure availability of spots, though it is not a requirement.
With all the energy visitors will expel in their adventures, there are plenty of food options available at HangDog as well, including fried chicken, funfetti fried chicken, hand-cut fries, and pizzas made with pinsa dough for a lower-fat, gluten-friendly option.
Guests over 21 also can enjoy house-made craft beers and spiked slushies.
Need a break from the intense climbing experience? Take some time on the lawn and enjoy a game of oversized Jenga, cornhole and more.
Construction on the facility began in April, with McCreary saying, “there’s no facility like this in the world,” adding he intends to draw visitors not just from the Lehigh Valley, but all of the northeast.
Several elements of the park, including the entryway, restrooms and bar, were made from repurposed shipping crates from a company in Michigan, while the impressive climbing course comes from a company in Germany.
HangDog plans to run its season from April 1 through November, weather permitting.
While visiting, be sure to keep an eye out for McCreary’s dog Dewey, who served as the inspiration for the park’s name and logo.
