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Ready to take your family to the great outdoors? White water rafting is a great option–it’s bonding and a complete blast–but, you have to know where to go and what trips are best for your family and their experience level. That’s why we’re here, to take you through the best family white water rafting trips and all the details.
Let’s get started! The best white water rafting trips are listed below by state, in no particular order, they are all great!
River: Colorado River
Name/Area: Upper Grand Canyon
About the Trip: Traveling through towering canyon walls, traversing rapids, observing and exploring grottoes, and gazing at sand beaches are just some of the characteristics of this trip that make it so unique.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: It’s a great new perspective on the Grand Canyon, and families love it for the quality time, incredible adventure, and beautiful views. The Upper Grand Canyon is also beloved as a more accessible (but still thrilling) stretch of water–making it great for families.
Class of Rapids: II, III
Not sure what river classifications mean? Find out here.
Age: 3+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: The OARS 5-day rafting trip rafts a smaller section of the Colorado River that’s more family-friendly. With an average river classification of level III rapids, it’s perfect for families and first-time rafters. On this trip, you will get to raft, hike, and explore the Grand Canyon.
Nearest Cities: Flagstaff, AZ—about 2 hours from Phoenix and 2.5 hours from Mesa
River: Truckee River
Name/Area: Tahoe City River
About the Trip: This trip is super relaxing and friendly for all ages. It is a great float through clear waters and a beautiful stretch of forest.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: This is a loved family rafting trip because of its chill float that allows for a large age range. It’s a great adventure for each member of the family and is a great way to get your family unplugged and outdoors.
Class of Rapids: I, II
Age: 2+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Truckee River Raft has a temperate 2-3 hour rafting trip down the Tahoe City River. This float includes gliding over clear waters, some fun (but chill) rapids, lots of sunshine, stops for swimming, and time for a picnic. Now that’s a great day of family whitewater rafting!
Nearest City: Tahoe City, CA—1 hour from Reno, NV, and about 2 hours from Sacramento
River: Arkansas River
Name/Area: Bighorn Sheep Canyon - Royal Gorge
About the Trip: Bighorn Sheep Canyon is full of stunning canyon views, calm waters between rapids, and the very Bighorn Sheep that inspired the name. It’s one of the most family-friendly whitewater rafting trips in Colorado—for its views and mild rapids.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: Bighorn Sheep Canyon is loved by all ages because it’s a great introduction to rafting and has something for every experience level. Even though you won’t be raging, you’ll catch some waves and have plenty of views and experiences to enjoy.
Class of Rapids: II, III, (IV at high water)
Not sure what river classifications mean? Find out here.
Age: 6+ (8+ at high water)
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Our Royal Gorge Rafting Trip through Bighorn Sheep Canyon is an awesome option for families. With full and half-day options, you can choose which length of adventure is best for your family. We also offer in-house photo services and the photographer will be with you throughout the whole trip to capture your family adventure. As another huge bonus, we include all rafting gear, free of charge.
Nearest Cities: Cañon City, CO—1 hour from Colorado Springs and 2 hours from Denver
River: Arkansas River
Name/Area: The Royal Gorge
About the Trip: The Royal Gorge boasts incredible views of the Royal Gorge Bridge and the Royal Gorge Arch as you raft 1000 ft. below the rim of the Gorge. This trip takes you through the well-known rapids of Sunshine Falls, Sledgehammer, and The Narrows. It’s truly some of the best white water rafting in colorado for families that love a challenge and thrill.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: This trip is loved because of its unique views and epic rapids. If your family is full of thrill-seekers, this one’s for you. It is great for experienced rafters or first-timers who are looking for a little more of a challenge. You are sure to walk away saying, “That was epic!”
Class of Rapids: III, IV, (V at high water)
Age: 13+ (16+ at high water Late May/Early June)
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Our Royal Gorge Rafting Trip is one of the best options to raft the Royal Gorge. The trip is available in half and full-day lengths with river gear free of charge. We also have a support kayaker on every trip, specifically there for your safety, so even though these rapids are more challenging, your safety is secure. We also have an in-house photographer that takes photos throughout the whole trip that are available for purchase.
Nearest Cities: Cañon City, CO—1 hour from Colorado Springs and 2 hours from Denver
River: Snake River
Name/Area: Hell’s Canyon
About the Trip: This trip takes place in the deepest gorge in North America–Hells Canyon. With a mix of moderate and challenging waves, you can expect stretches with varying intensity. No matter the rapid, you are sure to be surrounded by gorgeous rockscapes.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: Kids and parents love this trip because of the amazing rapids and unique landscape. The experience offers multiple classes of rapids in so many different parts of the gorge, so families always leave without being able to pick one aspect of the trip as their favorite.
Class of Rapids: III, IV
Not sure what river classifications mean? Find out here.
Age: 7+ (12+ at high water)
Rafting Trip Recommendation: OARS has a 3-5 day rafting trip full of rafting, hiking, learning, bird-watching, and so much more. This longer trip allows you to see and experience more rafting and scenery. It makes for a great family trip.
Nearest Cities: Lewiston, ID—about 2 hours from Coeur d'Alene and about 5.5 hours from Boise
River: Salmon River
Name/Area: Lower Salmon River
About the Trip: This trip is another that has pools that separate many of the rapids (making it a great place to swim). The rapids reach the awesome class IV rapids, but you will also see class II and III rapids, creating a solid balance between chill and challenge. At various points in the trip, you will marvel at the beautiful gorge that surrounds you. You will also see many white sand beaches and plenty of wildlife!
Why Kids and Parents Love it: This is a great family rafting trip because kids and their parents love the balance of relaxation in the deep pools and the excitement of the rapids. They also love the endless views of canyons, trees, and wildlife. Between the adventure and the scenery, there is always something to entertain.
Class of Rapids: II, III, IV
Age: 5+ (10+ at high water)
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Row Adventures has a rafting trip through the Lower Salmon River spanning 4-5 days. On this trip, you will raft, camp, swim, enjoy the white sand beaches, learn about the American history of the landscape, and watch for mule deer, river otters, and lots of local birds.
Nearest Cities: Lewiston, ID—about 2 hours from Coeur d'Alene and about 5.5 hours from Boise
River: Salmon River
Name/Area: Middle Fork
About the Trip: While traversing through a diverse, classic western landscape, you will see frequent rapids on this trip. This trip takes place in the largest protected wilderness area in the lower 48 states, meaning awesome waters and even better views.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: Families love this trip for its constant excitement and its true western landscape. If your family is looking for a more challenging trip packed full of sick rapids, this one is for you. Kids and parents both rave about the different terrains that you get to see because, with this vast wilderness, you get to see a lot.
Class of Rapids: I, II, III, IV
Age: 7+ (12+ at high water)
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Row Adventures has a 5-6 day rafting trip through the consistent rapids with built-in stops to hike, spot rainbow trout, visit old pictographs and pioneer homesteads, and camp for the night.
Nearest Cities: Salmon, ID—about 5 hours from Boise, Coeur d'Alene, and Lewiston
River: Kennebec River
Name/Area: Upper and Lower Kennebec River
About the Trip: This trip is half raging rapids (Upper Kennebec River) and half scenic float (Lower Kennebec River). While you fly over the waves for the first half and drift the second half, you will be surrounded by the beautiful Kennebec River Gorge.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: Families love this trip because it offers thrills for the thrill-seekers and peaceful waters for those who like to take it slow.
Class of Rapids: II, III, IV
Not sure what river classifications mean? Find out here.
Age: 8-10+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Northern Outdoors has a 4-6 hour rafting trip through both the Lower and Upper Kennebec Rivers. The full-day trip starts with the more challenging Upper Kennebec River, breaks for lunch, and finishes on the calmer Lower Kennebec River.
Nearest Cities: The Forks, ME—about 2 hours from Augusta and 2.5 hours from Portland, ME
River: Penobscot River
Name/Area: Lower Penobscot River
About the Trip: Looking for a more challenging family whitewater rafting trip? This trip is a step up in challenge and intensity, making it a good fit for families with kids 12 and up. With both class IV and V rapids, this trip offers some seriously fun rafting, full of waves and drops.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: This trip is loved by families with older kids that are looking for a little more adventure because of its sick rapids. If you have a family of thrill-seekers, this trip is sure to please.
Class of Rapids: III, IV, V
Age: 12-14+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Northern Outdoors has a 4-6-hour rafting trip that starts with its most intense rapids, takes a break for lunch, has time to hang out, and then finishes off with its class IV rapids. It is a full day of rafting fun.
Nearest Cities: Millinocket, ME—a little over 2 hours from Augusta and 3 hours from Portland, ME
Rogue River (H3)
River: Rogue River
Name/Area: ‘Recreation Stretch’
About the Trip: This trip has kid-friendly rapids with calm pools in between. As you raft, you will be able to enjoy being outside, surrounded by hills, trees, and rocks.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: It’s easy for kids and parents to love this friendly float. Because it’s a laid-back adventure, it’s super inclusive for young families, giving kids and parents the opportunity to bond and enjoy the ride together.
Class of Rapids: II, III
Age: 6+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Adventures has multiple rafting trips from half-day to full-day trips down the Rogue River. Each trip begins with a lunch at Morrisons Rogue Wilderness Lodge and then you head down to the river for your rafting adventure.
Nearest Cities: Merlin, OR—40 minutes from Medford, about 2 hours from Eugene, and about 4 hours from Portland, OR
River: Youghiogheny River
Name/Area: Lower Yough
About the Trip: Lower Yough River is a 7.5-mile stretch of river that’s full of rapids separated by deep pools, so between each rapid, you get a chance to float, catch your breath, and take in the nature around you.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: This is a great family whitewater rafting trip because it’s ideal for first-timers, but still a ton of fun for more experienced rafters. The balance between thrill and chill means that there is something for everyone.
Class of Rapids: II, III +
Not sure what river classifications mean? Find out here.
Age: 10-12+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Wilderness Voyageurs has been in business since 1964 and has multiple rafting trips on the Lower Yough River. Between their different trips, there are 2.5, 3.5-5 hour options. You can choose between fully guided and guide escorted trips. Some of their trips include lunch and hiking, depending on their length.
Nearest Cities: Ohiopyle, PA—1.5 hours from Pittsburgh
River: Lehigh River
Name/Area: Poconos
About the Trip: This trip down Lehigh River is a pretty chill ride, with Class II-III rapids. While you glide down the river, you will be going at a great pace to take in the beautiful Pocono Mountains that surround you.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: This trip is loved because it’s great for the whole family, even the younger kiddos. So, if you are looking for a trip that will be chill enough for younger children while being a relaxing, fun, and beautiful trip for older children and adults, this is a great option.
Class of Rapids: II, III
Age: 4+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Pocono Whitewater has a great 3-4 hour rafting trip down the Lehigh River. As an awesome bonus, if you book your trip anytime between Memorial Day and Labor Day or on the weekends in May, September, and October, they offer a free BBQ lunch with your trip!
Nearest Cities: Jim Thorpe, PA—1 hour from Allentown, about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, and 1.5 hours from Harrisburg
River: Pigeon River
Name/Area: Lower Pigeon River
About the Trip: The Lower Pigeon River is a calm river trip perfect for every age and skill level. On this trip, you will get awesome 360-degree views of the Smoky Mountains.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: Kids and parents love this trip because it is a super chill introduction to the world of whitewater rafting and is super inclusive for all ages. People also love this trip for the beautiful Smokies that surround the river.
Class of Rapids: I, II
Age: 3+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Raft Outdoor Adventures is one of the best options to raft the Lower Pigeon River. Their rafting trip is 2 hours long, and even perfect for the littles. This trip includes rafting and time to swim in the calm waters.
Nearest Cities: Pigeon Forge, TN—15 minutes from Sevierville, and 24 minutes from Gatlinburg
River: Pigeon River
Name/Area: Upper Pigeon River
About the Trip: The Upper Pigeon River has some awesome waves, drops, and splashes, in addition to some calm and relaxing waters. You will get great views of the Smokies on this trip.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: This rafting trip is loved by families because most of the waters are Class III, with some Class II and IV, so the trip has more challenges than the Lower Pigeon River, but is still friendly to families. It’s the best of both worlds!
Class of Rapids: II, III, IV
Age: 8+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: We love the Raft Outdoor Adventures Upper Pigeon River rafting trip. They have both a 2 and 4-hour option, giving you a choice of what length works best for your family. It’s great for experienced rafters and first-timers alike, making it a great family rafting trip.
Nearest Cities: Pigeon Forge, TN—15 minutes from Sevierville, and 24 minutes from Gatlinburg
River: Green River
Name/Area: Lodore Canyon
About the Trip: This trip is stunning and peaceful. The colorful green water contrasts with the brilliant red canyon walls and is a sight to behold. You will raft through fun but fairly tranquil rapids all while gazing at canyons walls, grottoes, waterfalls, beaches, and wildlife.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: It is easy for families to love this rafting trip because of the peaceful rapids, stunning colors, and large volume of wildlife to observe. There is always something to see, so families stay engaged and excited throughout the trip.
Class of Rapids: I, II, III
Not sure what river classifications mean? Find out here.
Age: No age minimum specified
Rafting Trip Recommendation: ARTA River Trips 4-day rafting trip in Ladore Cayon has great camping, opportunities to swim, and time to spot bighorn sheep, mule deer, bobcats, beavers, otters, muskrats, badgers, and lots of other wildlife that call this canyon home.
Nearest Cities: Vernal, UT—about 2.5 hours from Park City and 3 hours from Salt Lake City
River: Green River
Name/Area: The Flaming Gorge
About the Trip: On this trip, you can expect lots of fun and splashy class II rapids, with calm stretches in between. The river has gorgeous canyons with greenery sprinkled throughout the red rock formations.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: Families and especially young families love this trip because of the scenery, trout, wild west history, and chill waters.
Class of Rapids: II
Age: 5+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Dinosaur River Expeditions offers a super family-friendly 1-day rafting trip in the Flaming Gorge. Their trip is perfect for first-time rafters due to the length and calmer waters. They also provide a buffet lunch, transportation to and from the river, and all necessary river gear.
Nearest Cities: Vernal, UT—about 2.5 hours from Park City and 3 hours from Salt Lake City
River: Green River
Name/Area: Desolation Canyon
About the Trip: This part of Green River boasts deep waters and jaw-dropping red canyon walls. There are over 50 class II and III rapids that you will ride through on this trip meaning that there is a ton of excitement, without a huge challenge.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: Kids and parents love this longer rafting trip because of the number of rapids you get to experience and the amazing views, colors, and historical sights you get to see along the way.
Class of Rapids: II, III
Age: 5+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Western River has a 5-day rafting trip through Desolation Canyon that is great for all ages. On this trip, you will adventure through old outlaw hideouts, ancient dinosaur habitats, and a ton of Native American petroglyphs.
Nearest Cities: Moab, UT—3 hours from Provo and about 4 hours from Salt Lake City
River: San Juan River
About the Trip: Between calm rapids, you will gently float down the scenic San Juan River. During the trip, you will enjoy the back-and-forth zigzags of the river and the warm water you coast over. The cliffs and ancient rock art of this area will leave you in awe.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: The trip is loved by all ages because of the awesome bits of history that you get to explore in the canyon, the terrific hiking, and the beginner-friendly waters.
Class of Rapids: II
Age: 6+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: The OARS 4 to 6-day rafting trip is full of rafting class II rapids, moderate hiking, a ton of historical treasures, camping, scrumptious meals, swimming, and beach games. It’s a great bonding time for the whole family.
Nearest Cities: Bluff, UT—2 hours from Moab and about 5 hours from Provo
River: Yampa River
About the Trip: This river trip takes you through many class III and one class IV rapid straight into the heart of the Dinosaur National Monument. Along the way, you will gaze at the magnificent red, yellow, and orange coloring of the canyons around you.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: This rafting trip is a favorite for families because of the colorful canyon walls, the chance to see the Dinosaur National Monument, and of course the exciting rapids. Kids and parents also love learning about the fascinating Native American and outlaw history that is unique to this area.
Class of Rapids: III, IV
Not sure what river classifications mean? Find out here.
Age: 7+ (12+ at high water)
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Dinosaur River Expeditions has a 5-day rafting trip on the Yampa River that is great for families. On the trip, you will have amazing and nutritious food, beautiful camping spots, and plenty of time to explore the Dinosaur National Monument.
Nearest Cities: Vernal, UT—about 2.5 hours from Park City and 3 hours from Salt Lake City
River: Gauley River
Name/Area: Lower Gauley River
About the Trip: On this trip, there are some impressive class V rapids, that are sure to thrill. Whether you are fighting through some great waves or simply floating over the waters, you will be surrounded by towering canyons and cliffsides. During the fall season, you can also catch a glimpse of the changing leaves.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: This is a great trip for families ages 13+ for its exciting rapids that move the raft through awesome canyon views. Because the trip is great for experienced and new rafters, both parents and kids love that they can reach the thrill level they desire, while still being safe for all experience levels.
Class of Rapids: III, IV, V
Age: 13+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: New & Gauley offers a full-day rafting trip that takes you through all of the Lower Gauley River. This full-day experience is a great length for a true rafting experience without the commitment to an overnight trip.
Nearest Cities: Gauley, WV—1 hour from Charleston and a little over 1.5 hours from Huntington
River: New River Gorge
Name/Area: Upper New River
About the Trip: This this a calm trip down the Upper New River. You will ride over gentle rapids and just soak in the forest and cool rock formations that surround the river.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: Kids and parents love this trip because it's an easy way to unplug, be together, and enjoy nature. Who doesn’t love relaxing on the water?
Class of Rapids: I, II
Age: 5+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: West Virginia Adventures has a 6-hour family rafting trip down the Upper New River that includes lunch, mellow waters, and bird watching.
Nearest Cities: Glen Jean, WV—1 hour from Charleston and 2 hours from Huntington
River: Kananaskis River
Name/Area: Kananaskis
About the Trip: While winding through the picturesque landscape of Kananaskis Country, you will get just the right amount of adventure with a few class III rapids and end with relaxing waters.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: Kids and parents love this rafting trip because it is easy and fun, making it the perfect adventure for all ages. You get some splashing rapids and a tranquil float so there is something for everyone.
Class of Rapids: II, III
Age: 5+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Chinook Rafting has a 4-hour rafting trip on the Kananaskis River that offers every age a beautiful and adventurous Rocky Mountain whitewater rafting experience. They provide everything you need, from training to river gear, to complimentary photos that you can find online after your trip!
Nearest Cities: Banff, AB Canada—1.5 hours from Calgary
River: Bow River
Name/Area: Horseshoe Canyon
About the Trip: This trip has big waves that offer even bigger thrills. While you traverse some sick rapids, the Horseshoe Canyon shows off its breathtaking scenery.
Why Kids and Parents Love it: This is a loved family rafting trip for older families because its three major rapids satisfy your thirst for adventure while the calmer waters give you the perfect amount of relaxation you are looking for.
Class of Rapids: III, IV
Not sure what river classifications mean? Find out here.
Age: 12+
Rafting Trip Recommendation: Chinook Rafting has a 4-hour rafting trip that takes you through the thrilling rapids of Horseshoe Canyon. This fun tour also has an optional cliff jump for all of the extreme thrill-seekers.
Nearest Cities: Banff, AB Canada—1.5-hours from Calgary
Now we have covered tons of the best family white water rafting trips in different locations with varying levels of thrill and length so that you can find what best suits your family. Maybe Bighorn Sheep Canyon was your vibe, or maybe you want to level up to something a little more extreme–either way, now you have all you need to know to find the perfect adventure for your family.
Happy rafting!
