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
Moab Adventure Center
Moab, UT · ★ 4.9 (2,997 reviews)
7–17
Book family rafting, jeep tours, and canyoneering in Moab at the Adventure Center on Main St. Expert guides and multi-activity options for families with kids 7+.
- 3
Climb Moab Gym
Moab, UT · ★ 4.9 (73 reviews)
5–17
Indoor rock climbing gym in Moab — a great rainy day activity and perfect introduction to climbing for kids 5+. Top-rope walls, bouldering, and gear rental available.
- 4
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.
- 5
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.
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
- 8
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.
- 9
Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico · ★ 4.8 (3,500 reviews)
6 and up
Cabo Pulmo is the only living coral reef on North America's west coast. Family snorkeling guide with tour pricing, age requirements, sea lions, and preparation tips.
- 10
Nichupte Lagoon Kayaking
Cancún, Mexico · ★ 4.8 (3,200 reviews)
Best for ages 5 and up
Kayak through Cancún's Nichupté Lagoon mangroves with kids. Spot wildlife, paddle through nature tunnels, and enjoy a family-friendly eco-adventure in the Hotel Zone.
- 11
Rio Secreto
Cancún, Mexico · ★ 4.8 (12,000 reviews)
Best for ages 4 and up
Explore Río Secreto underground river near Cancún with kids. Walk and wade through ancient caves, all equipment provided. Family pricing, tips, and what to expect.
- 12
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Dallas, TX · ★ 4.8 (12,000 reviews)
2-16 years
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano. 200 acres of trails, observation tower, free admission. Paved and unpaved options. Best for ages 2-16.
- 13
Airport Mesa
Sedona, AZ · ★ 4.8 (1,665 reviews)
Ages 5 to teens
Airport Mesa in Sedona has a 3.4-mile loop trail through a famous vortex site with panoramic red rock views. Best for ages 5+. Red Rock Pass required.
- 14
Selvatica Adventure Park
Cancún, Mexico · ★ 4.8 (9,200 reviews)
Best for ages 5 and up (zip lines), ages 8+ for ATVs
Zip through the jungle at Selvatica near Cancún. 10 zip lines, cenote swimming, ATVs, and adventure for families. Pricing, age requirements, and tips for kids.
- 15
Cabo SUP & Kayak Tours
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico · ★ 4.8 (2,100 reviews)
5 and up
Kayak or paddleboard to El Arco with your family. Guided tours from Medano Beach with snorkeling, sea lions, and sunrise paddles. Ages 5+, pricing, and tips.
- 16
Augsburg Adventure Park
Minneapolis, MN · ★ 4.8 (159 reviews)
All ages, including children with disabilities
Augsburg Adventure Park in Richfield, MN is a free inclusive playground for all abilities. Accessible design for children with and without disabilities.
- 17
First Flight Adventure Park
Outer Banks, NC · ★ 4.8 (484 reviews)
8–17
First Flight Adventure Park in Kill Devil Hills OBX offers zip lines and aerial adventure courses for kids 8+. A thrilling outdoor experience on the Outer Banks.
- 18
Looking Glass Falls
Asheville, NC · ★ 4.8 (4,500 reviews)
All ages
Looking Glass Falls near Asheville: a 60-foot waterfall you can walk right up to, free to visit, with a wading pool at the base. What to know before going with kids.
- 19
Elephant Trails
Washington DC, DC · ★ 4.7 (393 reviews)
Best for ages 2 and up
Elephant Trails at DC's Smithsonian National Zoo features Asian elephants in a free, spacious habitat with daily training demonstrations.
- 20
Treetop Quest Philly Adventure Park and Ziplines
Philadelphia, PA · ★ 4.7 (487 reviews)
Best for ages 7 and up (minimum age/weight requirements apply)
Zip line and aerial obstacle course adventure park in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. Best for ages 7+. Book online. 2-3 hour experience with multiple course levels.