Your 2012 Philadelphia Extreme Recreation To Do List
Philadelphia can satisfy every adventure seeker, but in 2012 it's time to step outside of our comfort zones. From skydiving to cave exploration, there is an activity for folks at every skill level to conquer and this is the year to start making a dent in the bucket list. Start planning now for some of the most extreme, offbeat, and delightfully challenging activities in the Philadelphia area.
Indoor Rock Climbing
Hours: Mon to Fri - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sat to Sun - 10 a.m. 8 p.m.
Prices: Vary - check website for details
Test your fear of heights with an indoor rock climbing adventure. Go Vertical, is the largest indoor rock-climbing gym on the East Coast. The gym offers 250 climbing routes with a vertical range of 50 feet. It has a separate area for beginners and for kids. Go vertical offers a variety of classes for beginners each day.
Related: Guide to indoor rock climbing in Philadelphia.
Scuba Diving
Willow Spring Park offers an extreme adventure with its 55 foot underwater world. Explore a plane, school bus, caboose and a crane while diving. The park offers rental gear for all your diving needs. There are camping grounds at the park. They also offer fishing privileges to season pass holders and a guest. Willow Springs Park is sure to take you on an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Cave Exploration
Crystal Cave was discovered in 1871 and is Pennsylvania's most visited natural attraction. The tour includes a short video introduction. The shiny crystal appearance of the cave is formed by water seeping through the walls of the cave leaving behind calcium crystals. The results are a beautiful luminescent underworld. Crystal Cave and all of its attractions are located on 125 acres. You can also enjoy playing miniature golf, panning for gemstones and indulging in authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine at their Restaurant.
Skateboarding
Price: Free
FDR Skate Park was constructed by the city with help from volunteers involved in the skating industry and skateboarding enthusiast. The results are one of the best skateboarding parks in the country. The park is located under the I95 overpass, which protects the park from rain and snow. It remains open year round. It has endless speed lines, a mini ramp and vert ramp. It also has special features like the "Dome," which is a 4ft wall with an overhang; the "bunker," for vertical rides and also has the added benefit of cutting off the park from the highway traffic and noise. FDR Skate Park invites inline skaters and skateboarders from all skill levels.
Related: Best skate parks around Philadelphia.
Skydiving
Hours: Mon to Sun - 8 a.m. 9:30 p.m.
If you are a true blue adrenaline junkie then check out Skydive Philadelphia in Perkasie, PA. It is one of the largest skydiving facilities with a staff that has more than 30 years of experience. Skydive Philadelphia has state-of-the-art equipment, planes and training techniques. Test how extreme you're willing to go and try a sky diving excursion. You may find a new passion. Rates vary contact company for more details.
Related: Best destinations for skydivers near Philadelphia.
Christina Thompson is a freelance travel writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
