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
Xplor Park
Cancún, Mexico · ★ 4.7 (22,000 reviews)
Best for ages 5 and up
Xplor Park near Cancún is the ultimate family adventure: zip lines, amphibious vehicles, underground rivers, and waterslides. Ages 5+. Full guide with tips and prices.
- 2
Chimney Rock State Park
Asheville, NC · ★ 4.7 (5,800 reviews)
Best for ages 5 and up
Chimney Rock State Park near Asheville: 535-million-year-old granite monolith, an elevator to the top, and a 404-foot waterfall. Cost, age tips, and what to know.
- 3
Grouse Mountain
Vancouver, Canada · ★ 4.6 (16,192 reviews)
All ages
Take kids to Grouse Mountain — Skyride gondola, grizzly bears, lumberjack shows, treetop adventures & skiing. Year-round family fun above Vancouver.
- 4
Scarborough Bluffs
Toronto, Canada · ★ 4.6 (14,000 reviews)
All ages (supervise near cliff edges)
Visit the Scarborough Bluffs in Toronto with kids — dramatic cliff views, Blue Flag beach, hiking trails, and free admission. Parent-tested tips for a perfect bluffs day trip.
- 5
Sliding Rock Recreation Area
Asheville, NC · ★ 4.6 (3,200 reviews)
Best for ages 6 and up
Sliding Rock near Asheville: a natural 60-foot water slide with a swimming hole at the bottom. What to know before taking kids, including the cold water warning.
- 6
Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center
Sedona, AZ · ★ 4.6 (675 reviews)
All ages (especially useful for families on first Sedona visit)
The Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in Uptown Sedona helps families plan hikes, tours, and activities. Free, open 8:30am-5pm daily.
- 7
Natural Bridges Monarch Trail
Santa Cruz, CA · ★ 4.6 (392 reviews)
2–17
Natural Bridges Monarch Trail in Santa Cruz is one of California's best monarch butterfly viewing sites — thousands of butterflies from October through February.
- 8
French Broad River Tubing
Asheville, NC · ★ 4.5 (1,100 reviews)
Best for ages 7 and up
Tubing the French Broad River near Asheville: a classic summer family activity with rentals available. What to know before taking kids, including age and safety tips.
- 9
Bolder Adventure Park
Dallas, TX · ★ 4.4 (2,969 reviews)
5–16
Multi-attraction adventure park in Grand Prairie between Dallas and Fort Worth. Climbing, trampolines, laser tag & obstacles for kids 5–16.
- 10
Cowboy Coaster at Snow King Mountain
Jackson Hole, WY · ★ 4.4
5–17 years
Alpine coaster at Snow King Mountain in Jackson, WY. Riders control speed down a banked mountain track with Teton views. Great for ages 5 and up.