8 Outdoor Summer Adventures Near Philly You Haven’t Tried (But Totally Should)

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Remember waaay back when you were a kid and summertime meant three months of nonstop adventures? Well, who says your summers can’t still be filled with sun-on-your-face, wind-in-your-hair fun times? (On the weekends, at least.) Here, we’ve chosen eight must-do summer activities, plus a couple of spots around Philly where you can try each one. So what are you waiting for? Read up, grab some friends and get going!

Zip-lining
Conquer your fear of heights and spend a day flying through the trees like Tarzan (or Jane) on miles of ziplines and rope bridges. The view is so worth it (and, let’s be honest, totally Instagram-worthy).

Spring Mountain Adventures
757 Spring Mount Road, Spring Mount, 610-287-7900.

Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center
455 Camp Road, Stevens, 717-738-1490.

Horseback Riding

After a long, tiring week, a day of horseback riding is just the ticket to relaxation. Opt for a scenic trail ride or a try taking a lesson. Bonus: You’ll get an awesome core and leg workout, while you’re at it.

Red Buffalo Ranch
1106 Anders Road, Collegeville, 610-489-9707.

Gateway Stables Riding Center
949 Merrybell Lane, Kennett Square, 610-444-1255.

Rock Climbing

Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a total newbie, you’ll have a blast escaping the summer heat and scaling the walls of these indoor rock climbing gyms.

Go Vertical
950 North Penn Street, Northern Liberties, 215-928-1800.

Philadelphia Rock Gyms
Locations in East Falls, Oaks, and the Brandywine Valley.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Tip: Make sure to invite someone who will do all the paddling for you. Just kidding (kind of). Spending the day paddling one of the region’s gorgeous waterways is super fun and a great arm and ab workout to boot.

Hidden River Outfitters Kayak Tours and Rentals
Locations in Manayunk and Schuylkill Banks.

Micks Pine Barrens Canoe and Kayak Rental
3107 Route 563, Chatsworth, 609-726-1380.

Tubing

This activity is the definition of a sun-on-your-face, wind-in-your-hair good time. Pack a lunch (and, let’s be honest, some beer) and spend the day navigating the river on an inflatable tube. And don’t forget sunscreen!

Delaware River Tubing
1121 New Jersey 12, Frenchtown, 908-996-5386.

Northbrook Canoe Company
1810 Beagle Road, West Chester, 610-793-2279.

Paddleboarding

Next time you hit the beach, try hopping on a paddleboard for a super fun (and totally tough) core workout. Once you’ve got the whole not falling off thing down, this water sport is a blast.

Hidden River Outfitters
Locations in Manayunk and Schuylkill Banks.

Steger Beach Services
Multiple locations, Cape May, 609-602-5188.

Surfing
Rent a board and try your hand—or feet, rather—at surfing. Hey, you might even spot a dolphin while you’re out there!

Stacey’s Surf & Paddle
Pembroke Avenue Beach, Margate, 609-335-9891.

LBI Surfing
Multiple locations, 609-494-7873.

Fishing

These aren’t your grandpa’s sleepy fishing excursions. Guides will take you to secret spots where you can catch fish after fish for hours of action.

Delaware River Striper Guides
Bucks County, 215-840-3093.

Fetterolf’s Fishing Adventures
Marsh Creek State Park, Langhorne, 267-278-3766.

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