Now that summer is in full swing and school is finally out, your family—just like my family—is most likely planning all sorts of outdoor activities. Here are two ideas that are a little more on the bold and adventurous side 

Rafting

Cool down on a rafting or tubing trip down one of the scenic rivers in the area. Whether you choose a more leisurely ride floating in an inner tube or go with more action-packed rafting, it will be a great experience for everyone and is perfect for these hot summer days. There are age requirements for these activities for safety reasons so be sure to look into this ahead of time. Delaware River Tubing, Inc. is located in Frenchtown, NJ but is close to the Philadelphia area. They also offer kayaking and canoeing. If you live in or near the Lehigh Valley, you may want to check out Whitewater Rafting Adventures in Nesquehoning. They have also offer biking, zip-lining, kayaking, and more. For tame water adventures, you can also check out the Wildland Conservancy’s Tubing Tuesdays. The first one of the season is being held on July 22.  My 9-year-old Lucas and I will be there.  It is more our speed! 

Adventure Courses

There are several locations that offer tree-top adventure courses for families. These activities are great for those who have a more daring side to them and would like a little more heart-pumping family fun! Adventure courses often include zip-lining, treetop ropes courses, climbing, obstacles, and much more. Safety equipment and trained staff are obviously involved every step of the way. Camel Back Mountain Resort in the Poconos offers all of these features with different courses to choose from. Another option closer to the Philadelphia area is Lums Pond State Park in Delaware. Lums Pond features zip lines that take you over a pond, treetop nets and ladders, as well as other many other obstacles. There are height, weight, and age requirements for all of these activities so be sure to check ahead of time. Reservations are also typically required.

Has your family been on rafting trips or completed an adventure course? If so, we would love to hear about it!