7 Summer Bucket List Adventures In Eastern Pennsylvania

In celebration of the official start of summer, we've put together a list of fun warm weather activities to do in eastern Pennsylvania over the coming months.

Rafting on the Delaware

Pack your lunch, snacks, drinks, and whatever else you need for a day of tubing on the Delaware River. Rafting trips are offered up and down the river; many outfitters also offer canoes or kayaks. Trips vary in distance from just an hour, to three or four hours, to all day long. If you decide to head up to the Delaware Water Gap, you can even camp on an island in the middle of a river (learn more about "river camping" here).

Outfitters:

• Delaware River Tubing
• Bucks County River Country
• Indian Head Canoes
• Kittatinny Canoes

Knoebels Amusement Park

Billing itself as "America's largest free admission amusement park," the Elysburg-based resort includes free parking, free admission, free picnic areas, and free entertainment. Rides, the famous Crystal Pool, golf, and more are all available here. The park is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Learn more here.

Ziplining in Fairmount Park

The relatively new Treetop Quest Philly, located in the heart of Fairmount Park on 51 Chamounix Drive, includes obstacle courses, zip lines, ropes courses, and more, high up in trees. Adventures from ages four and up are available. Make reservations and learn more here.

Parks on Tap in Philadelphia

Part traveling beer garden, part weekly festival, this event tours some of the city's most iconic outdoor destinations, from the Schuylkill River Banks to Belmont Plateau. The dog and kid-friendly event usually lasts for four days - Thursday through Sunday - for 23 weeks at 23 different city parks. Food and drinks, free yoga, bike races, free outdoor movies, games, and more are includes. Find details here.

Exploring French Creek State Park

French Creek State Park is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The park's innumerable trails, lakes, and picturesque creek offer opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, running, biking, kayaking, and swimming. It's also been designated an "Important Bird Area" by the National Audubon Society, so there are abundant birdwatching chances as well. Camping information and details here.

Philadelphia Water Adventures

If you don't want to embark into the deeper wilderness, or are interested in seeing Philadelphia from a unique vantage point, there are several ways to explore the city's waterways.

• Hidden River Outfitters: Kayak in Manayunk
• Paddle Boats at the Independence Seaport Museum
• Explore Darby Creek and the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum

Baseball

The Phillies are in the playoff hunt and playing the most exciting baseball the city's since since 2011. But you don't need to live near the city to enjoy America's favorite pasttime. The Phillies Triple A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, is home to the future stars of the big league team. Tickets are as low as $8 and fireworks shows are pretty much weekly (fireworks schedule here, tickets here). The Trenton Thunder, the Yankees Double A affiliate, are also just a short drive across the river.

The Phillies, meanwhile, will host two fireworks shows on June 29 and June 30 when the host the Washington Nationals. The Yankees are also coming to town next week for a rematch of the 2009 World Series, from June 25 to June 27.

If you want to take a hike out to central PA, the Little League World Series, which brings together some of the best young players from around the world, is set for Williamsport in August.

Summer Concerts

From big name events to free weekly series, here are some of the best live music options in the region.

• Lehigh SteelStacks Free Summer Concert Series
• The first ever Chester County Country Music Festival
• The Mann Center events: Jason Mraz, Cake, Ben Folds, Gladys Knight, Dashboard Confessional, Ziggy Marley, Jethro Trull, Dispatch
• Summer Wine and Music Series in Bucks County
• Festival Pier events: Dr. Dog, Paramore, Coheed and Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, Arcade Fire, Beck, O.A.R., Slightly Stoopid, and more.
• The 57th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival in Upper Salford

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