With the weather changing and daylight decreasing, we find ourselves looking for new activities to keep our kids – and ourselves – entertained. There is the need to get out and be out yet we do not want to venture too far from home.
We crave an adventure, so let’s get creative. Think of it as a “Staycation” with a bit of a kick because the activities outlined here require some gusto. So strap in and hang on – it’ going to be a bumpy, exhilarating ride!
Aerial Outdoor Adventures
Treehouse World, West Chester
When was the last time you climbed a tree? Have you ever dared to try a ziplining course? Treehouse World offers you the opportunity to try both…and more! If you want an outdoor adventure without traveling far, this is the perfect place to stay busy and active. There are treehouses to discover, obstacle courses to traverse and a bungy trampoline to exert some pent up energy.
Advertised as an “adventure destination,” this full day of fun will have your family wishing for more Staycation opportunities. Some age and height restrictions may apply for certain activities, so be sure to check the website in advance as well as for fall hours and advanced ticket purchases.
Treetop Quest Philly, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia
You do not have to leave the comforts of our own city to enjoy this aerial adventure. Training and safety is taken seriously at Treetop Quest Philly where all participants are instructed on how to operate their equipment before being set loose for 2.5 hours of excitement through the trees of Fairmount Park. It is both a physical and mental challenge that dares you to face harrowing obstacles and zip-lines of varying levels. Once your adventure starts, participants are welcome to repeat the courses until their time is up.
Be sure to check the website to gain all the facts and information needed to plan this adventure. Currently they are operating on weekends only, and if you don’t see they date you want to go, contact them directly to inquire.
Aerial Adventure Park, Hellerick’s Family Farm, Doylestown
Another high-flying adventure awaits at Aerial Adventure Park. Enjoy 9 ziplines, cross 21 elements and bridges, and finish with a free-fall leap from a 30-foot tower. The best part? You can repeat this stunt as many times as possible within your 1.5 hour admission. Do not fear – you will be wearing a full body harness and helmet upon receiving all the safety information necessary to complete the course.
If you prefer to stay grounded, there is an obstacle course on the ground for the faint of heart. You and your children can run, jump and crawl your way through six different courses which get progressively more difficult as you go. Currently they are operating on weekends only, but be sure to check the website for ticket information, dates, and Covid protocol.
Exhilarating Indoor Adventures
iFly, King of Prussia
Ready to take your Staycation to a new level while indoors? Try iFly where you can safely and comfortably learn to skydive indoors. Instead of free falling, however, you gently glide on a cushion of air in specially designed tunnels. To make it more official, you wear a flight suit and helmet, and once you go through orientation, you will have two opportunities to experience the art of flying. An instructor will stay with you throughout the process to ensure you gain the most from your time in the tunnel.
Weekday options are available at a reduced rate. Waivers must be signed but no prior experience is needed to enjoy this thrill!
Urban Air Adventure Park, Willow Grove
The possibilities for unique fearless exploits are limitless at Urban Air Adventure Park. It is not what can you do, but what can’t you do! There is bouncing and jumping and flipping opportunities everywhere you look – a sensory overload any day of the week. A Ropes Course, a Warrior Course, and Climbing Walls are just a few of the activities available. Oh, and there are plenty of trampoline inspired spaces to exhaust even the most rambunctious kids.
Cleanliness has always been important but the team at this indoor park has enhanced their procedures by encouraging social distancing while participating, limiting the capacity of guests, and frequently wiping down equipment.
The Gravity Vault, Indoor Rock Gyms, Radnor
Rock climbing has never been more appealing than in the safety and supervision of trained instructors and a sparkling clean facility. Conveniently located, The Gravity Vault provides climbing opportunities for all skill levels in their 16,000 square foot state-of-the-art climbing facility and over 100 tope rope stations. Climbers have the option to choose a 1-hour private session or an Introduction to Climbing session with a group of friends who want to learn the art of scaling the wall.
There is even a Gravity Vault P.E. class offered in case your children are missing their physical eduction classes at school! Indoor rock climbing doesn’t get any cooler than that.
Philadelphia Rock Gyms, East Falls and other Suburban locations
This very cool indoor rock climbing gym practically wrote the book on learning to climb in the Philadelphia area. With six different locations, Philadelphia Rock Gym offers a variety of opportunities not only for kids to climb but to stay and study as well. Programs even start your child’s lifetime passion for climbing at age 4. Click on the gym location most convenient to your home to discover more about Kinder Climb, Kids Club, Home School Classes or Club Team.
The opportunities for climbing at PRG are limitless, and they even schedule Parents’ Night Out where your kids can climb while you dine out on the town!
Whether you want to select an indoor or an outdoor Staycation adventure – or a combination of both – there are plenty of enjoyable experiences to be had locally. Plan in advance and then take the family on an unforgettable adventure close to home, giving you the opportunity to go back for more!
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Photo courtesy of Urban Air, Willow Grove