White water rafting is a fun, exciting adventure that pretty much anyone can participate in. You can vary the difficulty level up alot by choosing which class of rapids you want to handle, what kind of boat, or in some cases, tube, and how long you want to go for.
Whitewater Rafting with Children in the United States
A whitewater trip with the family is tons of bonding opportunities. You are drifting through a beautiful area, there are moments where you really have to work together, and hilarious things invariably happen on a rafting trip. It will give you tons to talk about for years to come. The best times for rapids are Spring and Fall. Fall usually when dams are released.
Be careful to check the classes of rapids for the season. It can even vary by day if there’s been significant rain. So always check before heading out. Class one and two are good for beginners and young kids. Three and four are getting pretty serious, so I’d recommend saving that for the older kids, as well as five and six. Six is for experts only. Here are some great ideas for where to travel with your children on your next big family adventure
Lehigh River, Pennsylvania
The Lehigh River in the Pocono Mountains offers Class II and III rapids, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate rafters. The fall foliage along the riverbanks adds to the beauty of the experience. Companies like Pocono Whitewater and Whitewater Challengers offer guided rafting trips.
River Rider Family Adventure Resort, Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
Take the family on a variety of excursions at this one stop shop for everything fun. It’s year round as well. So there’s rafting, zip lining, e-biking and tubing in the winter. It’s only one hour from the DC and Baltimore Metro Regions, River Riders Inc. offers white water rafting, tubing, canopy tour/zip lining, aerial forest adventure parks, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, lodging options and fishing adventures on the beautiful Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers (class I-III) in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. You can get a full day Adventure pass to spend the day having fun with the family. For more information, check out The River Rider Adventure Resort.
Colorado River, Grand Canyon, Arizona
Rafting through the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking experience, offering both calm waters and thrilling rapids. There are various trip lengths available, ranging from short one-day excursions to multi-day adventures.
Snake River, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Snake River offers family-friendly rafting trips with Class II and Class III rapids, making it suitable for beginners and young kids. The picturesque Teton Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for your rafting adventure.
Salmon River, Idaho
Known as the “River of No Return,” the Salmon River provides a mix of gentle stretches and exciting rapids, making it an excellent option for families seeking both relaxation and adrenaline-pumping fun.
Deschutes River, Oregon
The Deschutes River offers family-friendly rafting experiences with Class II and Class III rapids. The scenic canyon and high desert landscape add to the charm of this adventure.
Nantahala River, North Carolina
This river is a great option for families with younger children or those new to rafting. It offers Class II rapids and a beautiful mountainous setting.
Arkansas River, Colorado
The Arkansas River provides a range of rafting options suitable for families, from mild Class II sections to more challenging Class III and IV rapids in other areas. There are many family-friendly rafting outfitters in this region.
Rogue River, Oregon
The Rogue River offers a mix of calm waters and moderate rapids, providing families with a memorable and scenic rafting experience.
American River, California
The American River features three forks, each with different levels of difficulty. The South Fork is suitable for families and beginners, offering Class II and III rapids.
Gauley River, West Virginia
If you have older kids or teenagers, the Gauley River can provide an exciting adventure with its intense Class IV and V rapids during certain times of the year.
Whitewater Rafting Destinations Outside of The United States
Futaleufú River, Chile
Located in Patagonia, the Futaleufú River is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and challenging Class IV and V rapids. The stunning mountainous landscape adds to the adventure.
Zambezi River, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Rafting on the Zambezi River provides an adrenaline-pumping experience, particularly near Victoria Falls, with some of the wildest Class V rapids in the world.
Pacuare River, Costa Rica
This tropical paradise offers an incredible rafting experience through lush rainforests and stunning canyons. The Pacuare River features Class III and IV rapids.
Ottawa River, Canada
The Ottawa River offers an array of rapids suitable for various skill levels, making it a great family-friendly option. The river flows through beautiful wilderness and features Class III and IV rapids.
Reventazón River, Costa Rica
Another gem in Costa Rica, the Reventazón River, provides a mix of Class II to Class IV rapids, surrounded by lush jungles and vibrant wildlife.
Franklin River, Tasmania, Australia
The Franklin River offers remote and challenging rafting trips through the wilderness of Tasmania. It’s a fantastic option for experienced rafters seeking an unforgettable adventure.
Tara River, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Tara River Canyon is the second deepest in the world and offers thrilling Class III to V rapids, cutting through stunning Balkan landscapes.
Sun Kosi River, Nepal
Rafting on the Sun Kosi River allows you to experience the beauty of the Himalayas while navigating through exhilarating Class III to IV rapids.
The White Nile, Uganda
The White Nile is a popular destination for rafters of all levels, offering challenging rapids, beautiful scenery, and opportunities to spot unique wildlife along the riverbanks.
Planning Your Trip
Remember, safety should always be a top priority when rafting with your family. Make sure to choose a reputable rafting outfitter that provides experienced guides and appropriate safety equipment. Additionally, check the minimum age and skill requirements for each trip to ensure it matches your family’s abilities and preferences.
When planning a whitewater rafting trip outside of the USA, it’s essential to research local regulations, choose reputable outfitters, and consider the best time of year to experience optimal water levels and weather conditions. Always prioritize safety by using appropriate gear and going with experienced guides.
Photo by Ramon Buçard on Unsplash