Rafting is a great activity with kids because many of the logistics that make outdoor trips challenging (like specialized gear, shuttles, and entertainment) are already taken care of. Plus, you’ll have a fully-immersive experience outdoors with a unique on-the-river perspective. If you’re looking for summer vacation activities to do with your family that are easy to plan, book, and enjoy, here are 3 tips to help you go rafting with kids.
Have Kids Help Make Decisions
Inviting your kids to help decide parts of the experience can be a good way to gain their interest and enthusiasm. Even if it’s just deciding between a ham and PB&J sandwich, having some sense of control over the day can help kids overcome anxiety about a new experience. If they love the water and are already enthusiastic, they’ll enjoy having a bigger role in choosing the trip type.
Tip: Try and make safety lessons more fun by making a game out of important actions, like keeping a lifejacket (PFD) buckled and staying in the boat.
Go With A Group
Inviting other families not only makes the experience more familiar for your kids, but it also creates shared memories outside of your immediate family. If you have a circle of friends that also enjoy the outdoors, you can book private rafts. Some companies even offer kids-group specific trips, like the Pirate Float Party offered by Wild Blue Yonder which are great for birthday parties and summer camps.
Find Kid-Friendly Companies
Kids have specific needs, from shorter trips to plenty of snacks. Luckily most companies have kid-friendly options. Float trips take place on moving water, but are mellow enough that some can accommodate kids as young as 3. Use our interactive map to find float and easier whitewater trips (look for rapids designated as “Class I to Class II”) then check with the company for the age, size, and weight policies. If your family has infants, look for a company that offers overnight accommodations like camping or complementary activities that will keep active older kids entertained while still offering a relaxing change of pace for parents.
Kid-Friendly Rafting in BC:
The truth is, most of the rafting companies in British Columbia have options for kids. Use our interactive map (with filters!) to explore more easy to intermediate trips that work for families and groups of kids.