Best Outdoor Adventures for Kids in America
These outdoor adventures go beyond the playground. From easy family hikes to guided nature tours, these are the experiences that families rate highest for creating real memories. Every listing includes age recommendations and what to bring.
- 1
Living Northwest Trail
Seattle, WA · ★ 5 (11 reviews)
Best for ages 2-12
The Living Northwest Trail at Woodland Park Zoo features river otters, wolves, and bald eagles native to the Pacific Northwest. Best for ages 2-12.
- 2
Empower Adventures Tampa Bay
Tampa, FL · ★ 5 (6,588 reviews)
Best for ages 7 and up (minimum age/weight requirements apply)
Tampa Bay's top-rated zip line and aerial adventure park in Oldsmar. 5.0 Google rating, 6,500+ reviews. Ages 7+. Reservations required. Closed Tuesdays.
- 3
Carter Park Sledding Hill
Breckenridge, CO · ★ 4.9
3–17 years (with supervision for toddlers)
Free sledding hill at Carter Park in Breckenridge, CO. Great hill for all ages — one of the best free winter activities in Summit County.
- 4
Wellington Bike Park
Breckenridge, CO · ★ 4.9
5–17 years
Free 4.9-star mountain bike park in Breckenridge, CO. Pump track and flow trails for all skill levels — great free activity for families with bikes.
- 5
Tree to Tree Adventure Park
Portland, OR · ★ 4.9 (625 reviews)
Best for ages 5-17 (height/weight requirements apply per course)
4.9-rated aerial adventure park near Portland in Gaston, OR. Zip lines and rope courses for ages 5-17. Book online. 35 min from Portland.
- 6
Outside Hilton Head
Hilton Head, SC · ★ 4.9 (1,128 reviews)
Best for ages 5 and up
4.9-star eco-tour and water sports company on Hilton Head Island. Dolphin tours, kayak rentals, paddleboards, and fishing charters. Best for ages 5+.
- 7
Boundless Adventures Zipline and Aerial Park
Boston, MA · ★ 4.9
Best for ages 7 and up (check minimum height/weight requirements)
Aerial adventure park and zipline course in Berlin, MA — 60 min from Boston. Perfect for kids ages 7+ who want a real outdoor challenge. Reserve online.
- 8
Frisco Bike Park
Breckenridge, CO · ★ 4.9
5–17 years
Free 4.9-star mountain bike park in Frisco, CO. Flow trails and pump track for all skill levels — one of Summit County's best free family activities.
- 9
Pisgah National Forest — Black Balsam Knob
Asheville, NC · ★ 4.9 (1,400 reviews)
Best for ages 8 and up
Black Balsam Knob in Pisgah National Forest: above-treeline alpine hike near Asheville, free, with 360-degree mountain views. What to know before taking kids.
- 10
WildSide
Pigeon Forge, TN · ★ 4.9 (801 reviews)
Best for ages 8 and up
Off-road UTVs, zip lines, and outdoor adventure in Pigeon Forge TN. WildSide has a 4.9-star rating — open Friday to Sunday. Best for ages 8 and up.
- 11
Jackson Hole Whitewater
Jackson Hole, WY · ★ 4.9 (818 reviews)
7 and up (scenic float); 12+ for whitewater
Jackson Hole Whitewater offers scenic and whitewater Snake River rafting for families. 4.9 stars. Ages, pricing, and what to expect on the water.
- 12
The Adventure Park at Nashville
Nashville, TN · ★ 4.8 (373 reviews)
Best for ages 7-17
Outdoor tree-top ropes course in Percy Warner Park, Nashville. Multiple difficulty trails, zip lines, and climbing challenges. Best for ages 7-17.
- 13
Balanced Rock
Moab, UT · ★ 4.8
All ages
See Balanced Rock's dramatic 128-ft formation at Arches National Park near Moab. An easy 0.3-mile loop for all ages with one of Utah's most iconic rock formations.
- 14
Devil's Bridge Trailhead
Sedona, AZ · ★ 4.8 (3,334 reviews)
Ages 8+ (confident hikers)
Devil's Bridge is Sedona's most famous hike — a 3.9-mile round trip to a stunning natural arch. Best for kids ages 8+. Arrive early; parking fills by 8am.
- 15
Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · ★ 4.8 (2,818 reviews)
All ages
Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill has a 50-foot canopy walk kids love. Great for all ages. Admission ~$10-15/adult, under 3 free.
- 16
Blue Ridge Parkway — Craggy Gardens
Asheville, NC · ★ 4.8 (2,100 reviews)
Best for ages 5 and up
Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville: free hiking above the treeline, rhododendron blooms, and mountain views. What to know before going with kids.
- 17
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens
Philadelphia, PA · ★ 4.8 (463 reviews)
All ages
Jenkins Arboretum in Devon PA is free, open daily 9AM-5PM. 600+ azalea varieties peak in spring. Great for all ages near Philadelphia.
- 18
Tilden Nature Area
San Francisco, CA · ★ 4.8 (1,575 reviews)
Great for ages 2 and up — choose trail difficulty by age
Free nature preserve in the Berkeley Hills with hiking trails, Little Farm, and nature center for kids. 4.8-star rating. Open daily 5AM-10PM.
- 19
Castle Rock Adventure Park
Denver, CO · ★ 4.8 (41 reviews)
Best for ages 7-16 (height/weight requirements apply)
Zip line tours and adventure activities at Castle Rock Adventure Park, 45 min south of Denver. Best ages 7-16. 4.8 stars. Book in advance.
- 20
West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead
Sedona, AZ · ★ 4.8 (2,207 reviews)
Ages 5 to teens
West Fork Oak Creek Trail in Sedona winds through a slot canyon with 13 creek crossings. Stunning fall colors. Ages 5+, Red Rock Pass required.
