From world-famous museums to scenic natural areas, these USA bucket list adventures will get your adrenaline pumping. They also make for great family bonding opportunities, whether your children want to ride roller coasters at Cedar Point or simply discover new sights!
This top 10 includes everything from off-roading tours and zipline adventures, to BASE jumping from the I.B. Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho.
1. Canyoneering
Canyoneering may not be a mainstream activity, but those who love climbing, rappelling, hiking and canyoneering will surely enjoy themselves. A canyoneering trip does not always involve water but this depends on terrain – if present it may also include swimming or wading!
Canyoneering requires many of the same skillsets found in rock climbing, mountaineering and spelunking – with equipment available from REI and Eastern Mountain Sports for canyoneering activities in dry environments like REI’s backwoods camping store or online stores like REI or Eastern Mountain Sports for watery canyon environments requiring wetsuits or drysuits for warmth and safety.
Zion National Park provides many canyoneering adventures, such as The Narrows. This hike traverses water squeezed between towering sandstone walls and features rappels, cold swimming and downclimbing slabs of sandstone; breathtaking waterfalls add further excitement. Mystery Canyon also provides plenty of canyoneering adventure with big rappels, narrows with dramatic sculpturings and an unforgettable finale!
2. Ziplining
Zip lining is an exciting activity that provides an unforgettable view of nature from an entirely new vantage point. Perfect for families seeking new experiences together or friends wanting a way to push each other past their comfort zones and bond, zip lining provides an unforgettable experience that lets nature come alive in all its glory!
Just be sure to listen carefully to your guide’s instructions before jumping onto the cable. Remember, though, that zip line cables move at high speeds, so they should never be touched while they’re moving.
Ziplining is an incredible experience that you won’t soon forget. Not only is it fun, but it also provides the perfect opportunity to breathe fresh air while taking a break from screens like phones and computers; plus the spectacular views will leave you speechless – this adventure promises thrill seekers an adventure they won’t soon forget.
3. Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting can be an unforgettable adventure, from Class IV+ rapids to family-friendly float trips. A river rafting trip forces you to collaborate with your fellow river runners while sharing in the thrills and bonds forged together during this adventure.
Skilled rafters know how to “read” the river by assessing currents, hazards like rocks or fallen trees, and then paddling in sync to navigate their raft around these potential threats.
Paddle rafts typically seat four to eight people with professional river guides on board, providing active, hands-on experiences. While paddle rafts require teamwork and some bouncing action, paddle rafts offer more of an active adventure while still taking in scenic beauty. If you prefer something less strenuous but equally scenic then an oar raft might be more suitable.
4. Canyoning in Utah
Canyoning is an exhilarating hybrid adventure that allows participants to hike, rappel and scramble their way through Utah’s breathtaking wet slot canyons. Canyoning provides an unforgettable way to explore Zion National Park while simultaneously challenging both physically and mentally.
Zion National Park provides many canyoneering adventures for beginners and experts alike, including short and narrow routes suitable for newcomers. Meanwhile, Cedar Mesa boasts more advanced canyoneers dramatic and technical routes like Robbers Roost.
Utah offers stunning red rock country to explore and Zion National Park is an absolute must! There’s also great canyoneering opportunities in North Wash and Capitol Reef areas of Utah. For an unforgettable road trip experience, head west.
5. Ziplining in Twin Falls
Make an unforgettable adventure that’ll have your adrenaline racing by exploring Twin Falls. Hike up to spectacular Shoshone Falls or head down Snake River Canyon; this Idaho town offers something exciting for every adventurer.
Silver Streak Zipline Tours in Wallace offer an enlightening zipline experience, providing breathtaking views of both canyon and mountains from above. Their guides were outstanding and kept us engaged during this three-and-a-half-hour adventure!
Are you in search of an exhilarating adventure? Look no further than Perrine Bridge BASE Jump – an awesome mix between skydiving and cliff jumping that provides an exhilarating rush! Just don’t forget to open your parachute!
6. Whitewater Rafting in California
Whitewater rafting offers an exciting adventure without all of the fuss or bother, providing plenty of laughter-inducing adrenaline pumping fun for people of all skill levels, budgets and schedules alike. In California alone there are numerous thrilling trips tailored specifically to you and your adventure desires – you don’t need to travel far!
From high-water spring trips on the unruly North Fork American River to an intense 10-mile run of class IV+ rapids along Nordheimer Run in northern California, this Wild & Scenic River delivers an intense paddle experience. Paddlers should expect intricate boulder gardens, rushing waterfalls and big drops such as Clavey Falls.
Tuolumne River runs through Yosemite National Park’s stunning wilderness, offering a heart-pounding experience for adventure seekers of all types. Perfect for family outings, corporate team building events, or simply some splashy fun with friends – don’t miss the Tuolumne Meadows for some breathtaking scenery as a side trip!
7. Snorkeling with Manta Rays
Few experiences in the ocean can rival swimming with manta rays as an unforgettable memory. Famed for their majestic and graceful beauty, these gentle giants boast high intelligence with one having the largest brain-to-body ratio among fish species. Furthermore, each individual manta bears unique markings which serve as their fingerprints – creating truly breathtaking memories!
During winter months, thousands of ocean manta rays gather off Thailand’s western coast in the Similan Islands to feed on plankton-rich waters. Join a liveaboard to increase your chances of encountering these majestic animals!
Experience manta ray night snorkeling off of Hawaii’s Kona Coast on an exciting tour. Your guides will use strobe lights to illuminate the water and attract plankton; while you float at the surface and observe graceful manta rays grazing upon this abundance of plankton below – no scuba certification necessary! This exciting activity promises unforgettable memories!
8. Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
Hiking is an ideal way to exercise all parts of the body while taking in breathtaking sights. The Smoky Mountains boast some of the finest hiking trails in America, boasting picturesque landscapes and unique wildlife species.
Hikers in the Smokies can find challenging hiking excursions of various sorts in this park, from leisurely family-friendly walks to challenging climbs for advanced climbers. Notable trails include Appalachian Trail.
Abrams Falls Trail is an incredibly scenic hike featuring an attractive waterfall that hikers can walk behind, offering moderate difficulty and roundtrip distance of approximately five miles. Also popular among Smoky Mountain hikers is Laurel Falls Trail which features two 80-foot waterfalls on two tiers that offer moderate difficulty but are definitely worth your efforts.
9. Ziplining in Sandusky
The United States offers unforgettable adventures and experiences that draw thrill-seekers from around the globe. Whether it’s music festivals, international sports tournaments, or legendary road trips like Route 66 that draw your interest, America offers something exciting and adventurous for everyone!
Experience Ohio’s breathtaking landscapes while flying above caves and rock cliffs with Valley Zipline Tours in Hocking Hills. This outdoor adventure company has transformed this industry, where guests can spend three hours defying gravity while gliding across treetops on an aerial canopy tour above natural gorges and sandstone rock formations on seven thrilling lines and 13 platforms at high speeds – giving a bird’s-eye view of native plants, wildlife, safety precautions are taken before sending guests flying – with experts at Pipestem Peaks making sure safety measures are in place before sending you off on this unforgettable journey.
10. Whitewater Rafting in Alaska
Whitewater rafting in Alaska is an unforgettable way to experience its wild beauty. No matter your level of excitement or preference for rollercoasters or scenic float trips, Alaska offers river trips for every level.
Experience the excitement of Six Mile Creek’s Class IV and V canyons, framed by towering mountain walls. This run boasts salmon and Dall sheep aplenty – perfect for adventurous types looking for an easy workout!
For an enjoyable journey, take a leisurely cruise on the Taiya River – ideal for children as young as 3! Glide through gentle rapids while watching out for bald eagles in their natural habitat; an activity best enjoyed during a two-night stay near Denali National Park.