The NEST (Nurture, Empower, Support, Thrive) Challenge Course brings 30 engaging activities together to foster trust, leadership, and connection. Sitting just across from the Orchard Hill Residence Halls, this one‑of‑a‑kind course, complete with a SkyPark and thrilling zip lines, The NEST is now open for your enjoyment!
What's The NEST?
The NEST Challenge Course offers customizable experiences to strengthen teams, build confidence, and create lasting memories. Whether you're looking for fun icebreakers and games, a facilitated team-building experience, or an unforgettable aerial adventure, we'll help create a program that fits your group's goals.
The NEST offers a mix of high and low team-based elements, bookable in a half-day and full-day format. Programs are professionally facilitated for UMass students, staff and faculty groups, classes, teams and departments, as well as for 5-College and other community partners—and we also host open hours for individual experiences in our SkyPark
The challenge course blends low-to-ground initiatives with elevated obstacles requiring harnesses and helmets, giving participants the chance to collaborate, grow and support each other through real-time problem solving. Low elements are spread across the area (with some you can walk up to anytime), while high elements carry you into the trees for shared challenges and memorable breakthroughs.
Booking Information
The NEST is currently bookable from April 1 – November 30.
Please reach out to @email if interested in booking a session for your group or if you have any questions.
Our Programs
Enhance Your Experience
Dual Zip Lines | $150 per hour
Finish your visit with an exhilarating ride on our side-by-side zip lines.
The dual zip lines can be a stand-alone experience or incorporated into high challenge course programs, creating a memorable finale that participants can enjoy together.
Custom Programs
Every group is different, and every NEST program is designed with your goals in mind.
Whether you're focused on leadership development, exploring risk, strengthening communication, welcoming new team members, or simply creating an unforgettable shared experience, our facilitators will work with you to build a program that matches your group's schedule, objectives, and desired level of challenge.
Contact us to begin planning your customized NEST Challenge Course experience.
Group Capacity: Approximately 8 participants minimum
SkyPark Aerial Adventure
Welcome to the SkyPark at the NEST, part of UMass’s new premier challenge course!
No shows will be charged $15 on your Rec Center member account unless cancelled in advance.
Fall 2026: Open every Thursday and Friday afternoon until October 23rd for two climbing sessions. Participants must pre-register on the RecWell portal. Ground orientations begin at 3:00 and 4:30pm and climbers more than 5 minutes late will not be able to participate. After orientation, each group will have 1 hour to climb and challenge their limits!
Don’t have a group? No problem! Solo registrations are welcome, and you may be grouped with up to nine other participants for your session.
Please wear clothing comfortable for climbing and wearing a harness, tie back long hair, and remove dangly jewelry. Closed-toe shoes required.
Special Pricing for UMass Undergraduate Students & Rec Center Members: $0
*no shows will be charged $15 on your Rec Center member account unless cancelled in advance*
All others will be $15
Open SkyParks are available for participants 18+. Private SkyParks may be booked for minors 14+. For more information, please email @email.
Parking & Directions: For parking or directions to the NEST, please use one of the UMass Lot 49s. The NEST is directly adjacent to Grayson Hall, and there is ample parking on Orchard Hill payable through the ParkMobile app.
Note: We are currently unable to offer refunds for SkyPark cancellations but can move your booking directly to another date. Please reach out to @email to reschedule your session.
Open SkyParks
Pricing
Groups | Break the Ice (1-3 hours) | Half-Day (2-4 hours) | Full-Day (5-8 hours) | Private SkyPark (1 hour) | Open SkyPark |
$150 minimum (for a group of 8 or less) | $200 minimum (for a group of 8 or less) | $360 minimum (for a group of 8 or less) | |||
UMass Undergrad Student | $20 per additional person | $20 per additional person | $30 per additional person | $100 per group (10 pax max) | Free |
UMass Grad Student/ Faculty/Staff/Alumni | $30 per additional person | $30 per additional person | $50 per additional person | $150 per group (10 pax max) | $20per person |
Non-Profit | $40 per additional person | $40 per additional person | $60 per additional person | $150 per group (10 pax max) | $20per person |
Corporate/ Private | $60 per additional person | $60 per additional person | $90 per additional person | $150 per group (10 pax max) | $20per person |
Add lunch to your booking!
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