Looking to get out of town for a quick adventure? With its winding rivers and scenic landscapes, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is made for time in the sun. Here are some fun ways to spend warm-weather days in this mountain town.
Visit an Inflatable Waterpark
Bring the family to Harpers Ferry Waterpark, a water park of inflatables that opened last year. Modular inflatable structures on the water form obstacle courses composed of elements like slides, trampolines, climbing towers, and swings. The high-energy attraction is open to guests who can swim and are ages 5 and up. Tickets start at $29.99 for a 90-minute session. 408 Alstadts Hill Rd.
Go Bungee Jumping in a Quarry
A newly opened bungee jumping experience in Harpers Ferry claims to be the first of its kind in the Eastern U.S. The Great Bungee Company location at the Old Standard Quarry is the first quarry-based bungee jumping site and the first to offer body and ankle harness water dip jumps. Guests can choose their preferred harness style and whether they’d rather enter the water or stay dry after the 150-foot drop. Jumpers must be at least 16. First jumps start at $141.51 with discounts for additional jumps and group deals available. 50 Peregrine Ln.
Seek Thrills by Whitewater Rafting
Skip a lazy river and make your rafting adventure a workout. River & Trail Outfitters provides everything you need for the active adventure (including a trained and certified guide, a riverside snack, equipment, and shuttle) that travels about 5 miles on the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. These trips last three to four hours, start at $67 per person, and some allow rafters as young as 7. It’s one of Harpers Ferry’s signature summer experiences.
Sail Through the Treetops on a Zipline
The Harpers Ferry Canopy Tour offered by River Riders takes brave guests through a series of seven ziplines, two sky bridges, and a 50-foot free-fall jump. The guided adventure lasts about two to three hours and includes a 1,000-foot zipline that travels over the Potomac River. Most guests ages 5 and up can participate, with younger children tandem zipping on certain sections with a guide when needed. Pricing starts at about $73 per adult, with online booking discounts sometimes available depending on the date.
Relax with a Mellow River Tubing Session
For a relaxing, meditative float, consider a flat tubing session. A 1.5- to 2.5-hour self-guided float on the Shenandoah is the most popular option River Riders offers and is widely considered the best option for families with young children — guests ages 4 and up can participate if they meet the weight requirement. Floating coolers and cooler tubes are also available for rent. Prices start at $32.99 and include a standard tube.
Feature image courtesy Harpers Ferry Waterpark
