Adventurous Things to Do in Philadelphia During the Weekend

May 26, 2025

Philadelphia is arguably most famous for its storied past—the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and cobblestone streets ringing with the tread of founding fathers—but look beyond the colonial charm. This city is full of high-voltage, off-the-grid experiences tailored specifically for thrill-seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone in need of shaking up the same-old weekend cycle. So, if you need a dose of adventure in your weekend, there are a lot of things to do in Philadelphia. Here's an actual guide to the most daring things you can do in the City of Brotherly Love this weekend.

1. Kayak the Schuylkill River at Sunrise

Begin your weekend with something relaxing and thrilling—kayaking along the Schuylkill River. It can't be beat to paddle through the city as the skyline glows off the water. It's calming but stimulating, particularly early morning when the city's just waking up. A number of outfitters, such as Hidden River Outfitters, provide guided tours, including moonlight paddles for night owls like us, a must-visit on the list of things to do in Philadelphia. Pro tip: Go during golden hour. You’ll get epic views of Boathouse Row glowing like a postcard.

2. Tackle the Belmont Plateau Trails

Next on the line of list of things to do in Philadelphia is going on a hike. If trail running or hiking is on your agenda, then hit Fairmount Park's Belmont Plateau. You've got sweeping vistas of Philly's skyline, its woodland forests, and an honest sense of being outdoors—all without leaving the city. The trails are well laid out, curving through woods and fields, and lots of hills to give your heart rate some action. Adventure level: Moderate to extreme based on the trail. Bonus points if attempted on a muddy day.

3. Reach New Heights at The Gravity Vault

Indoor climbing is no rainy-day activity—it's a real adrenaline rush regardless of the weather forecast. Gravity Vault in East Falls has all that, from learning bouldering walls for beginners to hardcore routes that'll have you climbing by your fingers. Alone or with the crew, it's a great workout masquerading as play, a must-visit on the list of things to do in Philadelphia.

4. Visit Abandoned Sites (Legally, of course)

Philadelphia is every urban adventurer's dream destination. The city is sprinkled with historic (and occasionally creepy) abandoned sites. One of the lawful, jaw-dropping choices is Eastern State Penitentiary. This ghostly prison is eerie, intriguing, and wholly open to the public. You can wander through dilapidated cellblocks, look into Al Capone's old home, and perhaps even plan a ghost tour, a must-visit on the list of things to do in Philadelphia.

5. Walk the Forbidden Drive Trail

Don't be intimidated by the name—Forbidden Drive (in Wissahickon Valley Park) is indeed permitted and indeed fantastic. This five-mile, car-free gravel road follows Wissahickon Creek through woods, rock bridges, and even a pair of covered bridges, a must-visit on the list of things to do in Philadelphia.

6. Go Axe Throwing in Fishtown

There are a lot of things to do in Philadelphia. Sometimes adventure means tossing the sharp stuff at wooden targets with a beer in hand. It's chaotic, surprisingly meditative fun, and just what you need after a good day's work. Rent a lane, figure out the stance (tip: it's all hips), and toss axes.

7. Zipline Over the Zoo (Yes, really)

There are a lot of things to do in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Zoo's WildWorks ropes course and zipline is the last thing anyone would normally expect to find at an urban zoo. Along the top of animal enclosures, this obstacle course follows the perimeter, offering tightropes to balance on, swinging bridges to traverse, and a zipline that has you soaring over critters. It's half adventure, half ridiculously silly.

8. Go on a Foot or Carriage Ghost Tour

Spooky and history converge in Philly's well-known ghost tours. Walk cobblestone avenues or ride a horse-drawn carriage along Society Hill, and the ghost stories, darker histories, and Revolutionary War hauntings are chilling, a must-visit on the list of things to do in Philadelphia.

9. Indoor Skydiving in King of Prussia

Last but not the list, a must-visit on the list of things to do in Philadelphia is skydiving. Just beyond Philly proper is iFLY, an indoor skydiving facility where you get the freefall experience without jumping out of a plane. It's remarkably realistic—full flight gear, goggles, and that amazing floating feeling. It's not within Philly proper, but if you own a car, it's well worth the 30-minute ride. As per recent reports, Philadelphia is expected to see a rise in tourism in the year 2026, as the city is expected to host some big-ticket events in the upcoming year, including the nation's 250th anniversary, FIFA World Cup matches, and the MLB All-Star Game.

Final Thoughts

Adventure in Philly isn’t about mountains or oceans—it’s about finding excitement tucked between historic landmarks, city parks, and unexpected neighborhoods. There are a lot of things to do in Philadelphia. Whether you’re scaling a wall, paddling a river, or just navigating a ghost tour, this city serves up thrills in its own gritty, charming, uniquely Philly way. So take a pass on the Netflix binge next weekend. Lace up your running shoes, gather your pals, and pursue a little adrenaline in one of America's most unlikely adventure communities. PS: When in Philadelphia, do visit Las Vegas for a memorable experience. Check out our website for more details.