Skydiving is about as big as a day out gets: a plane ride up, close to a minute of freefall, then several quiet minutes under the parachute floating back to earth. Jumps happen at drop zones, usually small airports on the edge of town with a hangar, a big grassy landing area and a crowd of regulars who jump most weekends.

First-timers make a tandem jump. You're harnessed to a certified instructor who handles the exit, the parachute and the landing. Your job is to pay attention during a short briefing, arch your body when told, and lift your legs for landing. If you catch the bug, most drop zones also run solo training programs that take you step by step toward jumping on your own.

The Date Activity

Skydiving is a lot for a first date, but it makes an unforgettable day for a couple who both want to do it, and a great gift for a big birthday or anniversary. Book your jumps together and you'll usually go up on the same plane and land minutes apart, close enough to share the rush on the ground. If only one of you wants to jump, the other can watch from the landing area, which is a show in itself.

Many drop zones sell photo and video packages, shot by your instructor or a separate camera flyer, and they're worth it if you want proof. Afterward, come back to earth gently with a long, celebratory dinner. If you'd rather see the sky at a calmer pace, a hot air balloon ride offers the views without the freefall.

On Your Own / With Friends

Group jumps are popular for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties and bucket-list days, and many drop zones offer group discounts. Book well ahead, and expect the group to go up in waves, since a plane carries only so many tandem pairs. Friends who'd rather stay on the ground can still come along to cheer. Plenty of people show up alone, too, and the drop zone crowd is usually friendly to newcomers. Want the feeling of flight with a slower start? Try paragliding or hang gliding.

Good to Know

Plan for the whole day, not a quick morning. Weather holds for wind, clouds or rain are common, and the schedule moves with the sky, so bring snacks, water and patience. If the weather cancels your jump, drop zones generally reschedule. Tandem jumps have a weight limit and a minimum age, usually 18, and some charge extra for heavier jumpers, so check before you book. Wear comfortable clothes for the weather and athletic shoes that lace up, not sandals or boots with hooks. Skip alcohol the night before, and talk to a doctor first if you have heart, back or other health concerns. Choose an established drop zone with certified tandem instructors (in the US, look for a United States Parachute Association member drop zone), and read the waiver before the day so there are no surprises.