Dallas
Thrill-seekers in Dallas can visit a wide variety of area lakes to test their water skiing and wakeboard skills in the warm seasons.
Another popular place to get the adrenaline pumping is Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park, which features five thrilling rides: Dallas Bungee Jump, Nothin' but Net (a 16-story free fall), Skycoaster, Skyscaper and Blastoff. You can purchase tickets for a specific number of rides or buy an all-ride pass. Zero Gravity: No wonder they call it a "thrill amusement" park — Photo courtesy of Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park
If you're looking for a local Flowrider, which offers simulated surfing, then head on up to Adrenalina in Plano. This indoor extreme recreation spot allows visitors to ride on a a mix of a skateboard, snowboard and wakeboard that's propelled by high-powered water jets.
San Francisco
Hang gliding is a good option for San Francisco thrill-seekers. Professional hang gliders get their thrills all year long from the constant Pacific uplift at Fort Funston Beach, and locals and tourists alike enjoy climbing the walls at Mission Cliffs.
But if you want an unforgettable view of not just San Francisco but of Mother Earth in all her Pacific and mountain glory, then sign up for a 30-minute helicopter ride through San Francisco Vista Grande tours. Easy online sign-ups and convenient van pick-up locations all over town make this a convenient (although pricey) thrill ride.
Instead of laboring up San Francisco's seven hills to catch the famous sites, you'll be buzzing over all the main attractions, including Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge. The big thrill: if fog hasn't enveloped the bridge, then you'll get to zoom right under this iconic structure.
Los Angeles
Thrill-seekers looking for some fun in Los Angeles should head both in the direction of surf and snow.
Take things up a notch from your normal beach day by trying windsurfing off the beaches of L.A. Windsurfing involves a board with a sail on it that catches the wind and takes you racing through the water and over waves. Check nearby kayak or surf shops to rent a windsurfing board for the day.
For a day in the snow, head to Mountain High Ski Resort in the winter months. Mountain High is located just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles and has beginner to advanced ski levels. Mountain High also has a half-pipe and terrain parks for adventurous snowboarders. If you don't have ski or snowboard equipment, then you can rent it at Mountain High. Mountain High Ski Resort — Photo courtesy of Jonathan Chen
Chicago
Serious athletes seeking adventure in Chicago might windsurf on Lake Michigan or crawl through the obstacles on one of the Chicago area's mud runs, both of which require advance reservations.
A more reliable dare is to take a few scary steps out onto the glass-enclosed ledge jetting off the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, one of the world's tallest buildings.
Afraid of heights? Try the new indoor skydiving businesses in west suburban Naperville or the suburb of Rosemont, which is adjacent to O'Hare Airport.
Boston
Boston thrill-seekers get their kicks on the water when they board Codzilla. This "water coaster" rips through Boston Harbor at 40 miles per hour for a full 40-minute adventure you won't soon forget. Codzilla ripping through the waters at Boston Harbor — Photo courtesy of Boston Harbor Cruises
Codzilla is a 70-foot boat made of marine aluminum, and is equipped with two turbo-charged diesel engines that are the force behind state of the art waterjets, allowing Codzilla to make its way through the water at 2,800 horsepower. With its unique hull design, Codzilla can make 360-degree turns with ease. You'll find Codzilla swerving, curving and spinning and leaving you breathless with screams of delight, as you make your way around the Harbor seeing Boston in a way you've never seen it before.
New York City
If you're thrill seeking in New York City, then you can't overlook the Trapeze School of New York. Located in Manhattan at Pier 40 and the South Street Seaport, the Trapeze School of New York offers numerous classes from beginner level to professional, so everyone can take advantage of flying through the air with a wonderful view of the East River.
The Trapeze School of New York also offers options for parties and events, so you can share your Peter Pan moments with friends and family. Dress sporty. Think fitted yoga pants, a long-sleeved T-shirt and sneakers. If you have long hair, then don't forget a hair band.
Go online to reserve a class in advance. Children can also take part in this fun activity.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas may be known for its many thrills on the casino floor, but risking your life savings on black isn’t the only way to get an adrenaline rush in this town.
One of the city’s most popular adventurous attractions is Vegas Indoor Skydiving, America's first indoor skydiving facility. Here, guests can experience the rush of jumping out of a plane without the actual dangers involved with, well, jumping out of a plane. Thanks to a vertical wind tunnel that’s powered by a 1,200 horsepower electric motor, guests can enjoy the simulation of a free fall sans airplane and parachute. The entire experience takes about an hour and costs just $75 per person. Since participants only have to be 40 pounds to fly, even the littlest thrill-seekers can dive into the fun!
To raise the stakes a bit, head on over to the Stratosphere, where brave souls 14 and older can actually leap off from the 108th floor of the Stratosphere Tower while riding SkyJump - best described as a vertical zip line. The controlled free falls lets guests jump from the 108th floor of the Tower and safely plummet to its base. At the SkyJump platform 855 feet above the ground, you can take in breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip. Tickets cost $109.99 per jump, with photo and wrist video packages also available. See Las Vegas like never before with SkyJump — Photo courtesy of Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower
Or maybe taking a plunge into the 1.3 million-gallon shark exhibit at Shark Reef Aquarium will get your pulse pounding. Open exclusively to hotel guests of Mandalay Bay Resort and THEhotel, as well as Shark Reef Aquarium annual pass holders, Shark Reef Aquarium offers a Dive with Sharks program that will have scuba-certified participants ages 18 and older feeling like they’re a part of "Sharknado," as they dive side-by-side with dive guides surrounded by more than 30 sharks. Wetsuits and equipment are provided, and the $650 fee ($1,000 for two divers booked together) also includes a guided tour of the aquarium and a video of your supervised 45-minute dive to commemorate the experience.