10 family-friendly adventures within a two-hour drive of Philadelphia.
When the blacktop roofs and asphalt streets start reflecting the heat of that August sun, even the toughest of city-dwellers think about getting out of town. But if laying on the beach isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other fun activities available just an hour or two away. Here are our top ten.
Biking & Kayaking Combo
Delaware River Pedal & Paddle provides a guided experience that combines outdoor recreation and a little bit of local history in Northern Bucks County. Paddle your kayak along the Delaware River near the Upper Black Eddy-Milford bridge where you’ll spot Osprey and Bald Eagle’s nests. Pedal along the historical Delaware Canal, part of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, one of the longest-lived canals in the country.
https://www.delawareriverpedalpaddle.com/
Photo courtesy of Pegasus Sky Dive Center.
SkyDiving
Up in the Poconos, Pegasus Skydive Center offers a variety of tandem skydiving packages. It boasts beautiful mountain views, which you can enjoy hands-free as your instructor takes a selfie-style video of your descent! If you’re looking to become a frequent flier, Pegasus is Dropzone-certified to give Jumpers an official USPA skydive license so they can jump on their own anywhere in the world.
Hiking
The Radnor Multipurpose Trail, also known as the P&W trail, runs along what was once part of the Philadelphia & Western Railway Company track from 1907 to 1965. A $2-million development transformed the historic piece of land into an outdoor recreation space for the community. The 10-foot-wide, 2.4-mile stretch is easily accessible via multiple entry points with free parking and restrooms. It’s also dog-friendly.
https://www.radnor.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/68/33
Dream Peak Guides 
Photo courtesy of Dream Peak Guides.
Do you think there’s nowhere in Philly for a rock-climbing expedition? Think again. Friends Michael Murphy and Connor Seeley founded Dream Peak Guides to share their love of rock climbing and show you plenty of places in our area to do it. The professionally-certified climbing guides are based in Philly but offer customizable services anywhere in the Northeast.
https://www.dreampeakguides.com/
White Water Rafting
Cool off with a trip down the river rapids, enjoying Lehigh Gorge scenery at Jim Thorpe River Adventures. In addition to everything rafting, they offer inflatable kayaks and rockin’ bike trips – all through the Lehigh Gorge State Park. Whether traveling solo or with a group, their Adventure Specialists will help you select the perfect trip.
https://jtraft.com/ 
Photo courtesy of Breakwater Adventures.
Boating
Located amidst the rolling hills of north central Chester County, Marsh Creek State Park is a wonderful resource for fishing, sailing, and migrating waterfowl. And Marsh Creek Boat Rental now offers a Pontoon Boat Lake Tour of Marsh Creek. Climb aboard the Miss Milford and learn about the park's history and surrounding area. Or, see the abundant wildlife in the park on your own with paddle boarding, motorboat, and sailboat rentals.
https://www.marshcreeklake.com/
Racing
Did you know the World’s Largest Indoor Multi-Level Karting Track is less than 90 minutes from Philadelphia? 
Supercharged Entertainment in Edison, N.J., houses two uniquely designed tracks, both over a quarter-mile long with 25 elevation changes. It also offers Luxury Axe Throwing, a massive interactive Gaming Arcade with a prize center, Virtual Reality, a two-story Drop & Twist Tower Ride, and more.
https://www.superchargednj.com/
Jet Skiing
Breakwater Adventures is located at Nabbs Creek Marina, a premier marina offering free parking, restrooms, and a dockside restaurant, The Broken Oar. Their location includes both Nabbs Creek and Stoney Creek. The two creeks offer about 4.5 miles of relatively sheltered waterways, making them a great spot for watersports, especially jet skis.
https://www.breakwaterrentals.com/
Dolphin Watching
Photo courtesy of Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch.
Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch Speedboat Adventure offers the most up-close and personal dolphin-watching tour in South Jersey. Cruise along the beaches of Wildwood and Cape May, experiencing the thrill of seeking out those irresistible Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins. The Thunder Cat is a “one-of-a-kind” 49-passenger, specially-designed speedboat with 99% successful dolphin sightings yearly.
https://thundercatdolphinwatch.com/
Horseback Riding
Enjoy acres of Pennsylvania's beautiful trails on horseback Lehigh Valley Trail Rides.
Ride through the woods, alongside fields, and through a stream of professionally-trained, show-quality horses guided by knowledgeable and safety-conscious trail guides.
