I’ve been on a lot of river rafting trips, but the best one I’ve ever taken was with my family. We went on a three-day trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, and it was an amazing experience. The scenery was breathtaking, the rapids were thrilling, and the time we spent together as a family was priceless.
If you’re thinking about taking a family river rafting trip, I highly recommend it. It’s a great way to bond with your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime. Just be sure to do your research and choose the right river and outfitter for your needs.

Introduction

I’ve been on a lot of river rafting trips, but the best one I’ve ever taken was with my family. We went on a three-day trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, and it was an amazing experience. The scenery was breathtaking, the rapids were thrilling, and the time we spent together as a family was priceless.

If you’re thinking about taking a family river rafting trip, I highly recommend it. It’s a great way to bond with your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime. Just be sure to do your research and choose the right river and outfitter for your needs.

Here are a few tips to help you plan your family river rafting trip⁚

• Choose the right river; Not all rivers are created equal. Some rivers are more suitable for families than others. Consider the length of the river, the difficulty of the rapids, and the scenery.
• Choose the right outfitter. The outfitter you choose will play a big role in your experience. Look for an outfitter that has a good safety record and that is experienced in taking families on river rafting trips.
• Pack the right gear. Be sure to pack everything you’ll need for your trip, including clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit.
• Be prepared for the weather. The weather can change quickly on a river rafting trip. Be sure to pack layers of clothing and a raincoat.
• Have fun! River rafting is a great way to have fun with your family. Relax, enjoy the scenery, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

I hope these tips help you plan your family river rafting trip. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Choose the Right River

When choosing a river for your family river rafting trip, there are a few things to consider⁚

• The length of the river. How long do you want your trip to be? Some rivers are only a few miles long, while others are hundreds of miles long. Choose a river that is the right length for your family’s needs and abilities.
• The difficulty of the rapids; Rivers are rated on a scale of I to VI, with I being the easiest and VI being the most difficult. Choose a river that has rapids that are appropriate for your family’s experience level. If you have young children, you’ll want to choose a river with mostly Class I and II rapids.
• The scenery. Some rivers flow through beautiful canyons, while others flow through more open areas. Choose a river that has scenery that you and your family will enjoy.

Here are a few of my favorite family-friendly rivers⁚

• The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This is one of the most popular river rafting trips in the world, and for good reason; The scenery is breathtaking, the rapids are thrilling, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring. However, it’s important to note that this trip is not for the faint of heart. The rapids can be challenging, and the trip is long and strenuous.
• The Salmon River in Idaho. This river is known for its beautiful scenery and its mild rapids. It’s a great choice for families with young children or for those who are new to river rafting.
• The New River in West Virginia. This river is known for its whitewater rapids. It’s a great choice for families who are looking for a more challenging rafting experience.

No matter which river you choose, be sure to do your research and choose an outfitter that has a good safety record and that is experienced in taking families on river rafting trips.

Choose the Right Outfitter

Once you’ve chosen a river, it’s time to choose an outfitter. This is an important decision, as the outfitter will be responsible for your safety and the quality of your trip.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing an outfitter⁚

• Experience. How long has the outfitter been in business? Do they have a good safety record? What kind of training do their guides have?
• Reputation. What do other people say about the outfitter? Read online reviews and talk to friends and family who have rafted with them before.
• Services. What services does the outfitter offer? Do they provide meals, camping gear, and transportation? What kind of boats do they use?
• Cost. How much does the trip cost? Be sure to compare prices from different outfitters before making a decision.

I’ve been on several river rafting trips with different outfitters, and I’ve found that the best outfitters are those that are experienced, have a good safety record, and provide excellent customer service. I’ve also found that it’s worth paying a little extra for a higher-quality outfitter.

Here are a few of my favorite family-friendly outfitters⁚

• O.A.R.S. This outfitter offers a variety of river rafting trips throughout the United States, including the Grand Canyon, the Salmon River, and the New River. They have a great reputation for safety and customer service.
• Wilderness River Adventures. This outfitter offers river rafting trips on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and the Salmon River in Idaho. They are known for their experienced guides and their commitment to sustainability.
• Whitewater Challengers. This outfitter offers river rafting trips on the New River in West Virginia. They are known for their challenging whitewater trips, but they also offer trips that are suitable for families with young children.

No matter which outfitter you choose, be sure to do your research and read reviews from other rafters.

Pack the Right Gear

Packing for a river rafting trip can be a bit daunting, but it’s important to bring the right gear to stay comfortable and safe on the river.

Here’s a list of essential gear for a family river rafting trip⁚

• Clothing. Pack quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothing. Avoid cotton, as it absorbs water and can make you cold. You’ll also need a swimsuit, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Footwear. Wear water shoes or sandals with good ankle support. Avoid flip-flops orcrocs, as they can easily come off in the water.
• Life jacket. This is the most important piece of safety gear you’ll need. Make sure your life jacket fits snugly and is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Sunscreen. Apply sunscreen liberally and often, even on cloudy days. The sun’s rays can be reflected off the water and can cause sunburn.
• Insect repellent. Bugs can be a nuisance on the river, so be sure to pack insect repellent to keep them away.
• First-aid kit. Pack a basic first-aid kit with antiseptic wipes, bandages, and pain relievers.
• Water bottle. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up before you go on the river. Staying hydrated is important, especially in hot weather.
• Snacks. Pack some snacks to keep your energy levels up on the river. Avoid sugary snacks, as they can cause dehydration.

In addition to the essential gear listed above, you may also want to pack the following items⁚

• Camera. Capture the memories of your river rafting trip with a waterproof camera.
• Binoculars. Bring binoculars to spot wildlife along the river.
• Book or e-reader. If you’re going on a longer trip, bring a book or e-reader to keep you entertained in the evenings.

Be sure to pack light, as you’ll have to carry your gear to and from the river. And be sure to pack everything in waterproof bags or containers.

Be Prepared for the Weather

The weather can change quickly on the river, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Here are a few tips⁚

• Check the weather forecast before you go. This will give you a general idea of what to expect, but be prepared for the weather to change.
• Dress in layers. This will allow you to adjust your clothing as the temperature changes.
• Bring a raincoat or poncho. This will keep you dry if it rains.
• Bring a hat and gloves. These will protect you from the sun and cold.
• Bring sunscreen. Apply sunscreen liberally and often, even on cloudy days.
• Bring insect repellent. Bugs can be a nuisance, especially in hot weather.
• Bring a first-aid kit. This will come in handy if you get any minor injuries.
• Bring plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important, especially in hot weather.
• Bring snacks. Pack some snacks to keep your energy levels up on the river.

If you’re going on a longer trip, you may also want to pack the following items⁚

• A tent or tarp. This will provide you with shelter from the sun and rain.
• A sleeping bag. This will keep you warm at night.
• A camp stove and fuel. This will allow you to cook food on the river.
• A lantern. This will provide you with light at night.

Be sure to pack light, as you’ll have to carry your gear to and from the river. And be sure to pack everything in waterproof bags or containers.

I’ve been on a lot of river rafting trips, and I’ve learned that it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. So take the time to pack everything you need, and be prepared for anything the river throws your way.

Have Fun!

River rafting is a great way to have fun with your family and friends. Here are a few tips to make sure you have the best possible experience⁚

• Relax and enjoy the scenery. The river is a beautiful place to be, so take some time to relax and enjoy the views.
• Be adventurous. Don’t be afraid to try new things, like swimming in the river or jumping off a rock.
• Be a team player. River rafting is a team sport, so work together to paddle and navigate the river.
• Be safe. Always wear a life jacket and follow the instructions of your guide.
• Have fun! River rafting is a great way to create memories that will last a lifetime.

I’ve been on a lot of river rafting trips, and I’ve learned that the most important thing is to have fun. So relax, enjoy the scenery, and make some memories with your loved ones.

Here are a few specific examples of how I’ve had fun on river rafting trips⁚

• I’ve gone swimming in the river on hot days.
• I’ve jumped off rocks into the river.
• I’ve played games with my family and friends on the river.
• I’ve even seen some wildlife on the river, like deer and eagles.

No matter how you choose to have fun on your river rafting trip, just be sure to relax and enjoy the experience.