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Top Flying Adventures In Philadelphia

Spread your wings and take off on the adventure of a lifetime. Your spirits will soar beyond your imagination as you explore the Philadelphia area from above. Experience the world through aviator goggles from your seat in an open cockpit biplane. Cross skydiving off your bucket list, or live your dream of floating over the countryside in a hot air balloon. Check out these great destinations to try your hand on a zip lines, jump out of a plane, or get a bird’s eye view from a helicopter or hot air balloon.
CBK Mountain Adventures
One Camelback Road
Tannersville, PA 18372
(570) 629-1661
www.cbkmountainadventures.com

Not far from Philadelphia in the Pocono Mountains, CBK Mountain Adventures offers guests the year-round opportunity to take a thrilling ride on one of their zip line rides over treetops. Fly through the trees and over the ski slopes 85 feet above the ground on one of the 1000 foot-long zip lines. Soar from the summit of Camelback Mountain toward the base at speeds reaching 60 mph on the 4000 foot-long tandem Zip-Flyer, touted as the longest and fastest in North America. Prices start at $15 and are subject to change without notice. Height and weight restrictions apply, and an adult must accompany any child under the age of 18.

Skydive Philadelphia
1100 North Ridge Road
Perkasie, PA 18944
(800) 505-5867
www.skydivephiladelphia.com

If you seek the ultimate thrill, skydiving is an experience that is hard to beat. Skydive Philadelphia, located near Philadelphia in Perkasie, is the destination for adventure seekers and bucket-listers alike, offering experiences tailored to your needs, from novice jumper to experienced skydiver. If you have never jumped before, Skydive Philadelphia recommends a tandem jump with a certified jump master. Later, you can train for a solo jump at Skydive Philadelphia or complete a seven-jump course that will certify you skydive anywhere in the world. Pricing varies but ask about specials, deals and discounts, including military discounts.

Independence Helicopters
9800 Ashton Road
Philadelphia, PA 19114
(215) 673-0100
www.independenceheli.com

Enjoy a bird's eye view of Philadelphia as you tour the City of Brotherly Love from above. Located at the Northeast Philadelphia Airport, Independence Helicopters provides the opportunity for flying lessons, aerial photography and spectacular tours. Tours range from rides over the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline, with special packages for romantic sunset or photography tours. Rides last from 30 minutes to two hours with pricing starting at $225 for a single passenger and varying depending on the tour package and number of passengers.

Related: How to Go Big For New Year’s Eve 2012 in Philadelphia

VanSant Historic Airfield
516 Cafferty Road
Erwinna, PA 18920
(866) 687-8359
www.866mustfly.com

Step back into another time and experience the thrill of riding in an open cockpit biplane. You won't forget your ride, barnstorming over the countryside or down the Delaware at sunset, complete with a leather flight helmet and goggles. Soar like a bird in the seat of a Swietzer 2-33 Glider with only the sound of the wind in your ears. Experiences range from $60 to $325, or ask for help designing your own "dream ride" within 25 miles of the airport.

Above & Beyond Ballooning
1012 N. Pottstown Pike
Chester Springs, PA 19425
(908) 208-1869
www.njhotair.com

Lift off in a hot air balloon to soar above and beyond it all. With its Eastern Pennsylvania launch site located in Chester Springs, your balloon adventure is just a 45 minute drive from Philadelphia. Explore the countryside around Philadelphia as you float above Chester, Montgomery, Berks and Lancaster counties. Above & Beyond Ballooning can provide a memorable hot air balloon experience for you, your family or a group. You can book one or more balloons that seat two to six or up to twelve passengers at a time for your next family outing, reunion or an unforgettable wedding. Pricing starts at around $200 per person and reservations are recommended.

Related: Top Dates For The Adventurous Couple In Philadelphia

 Head to Philadelphia's Best Of pages for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!

Christy Ayala covers sports, recreation, the outdoors, and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. She earned a masters degree in recreation administration from George Williams College and managed programs in the Midwest, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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