Our 15 Favourite Family Rafting Trips in the USA

1.Whitewater Rafting in Jackson Hole : Family Standard Raft

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 965 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $120 a head Our pick

Join Dave Hansen White Water Scenic River Trips for an 8-mile Snake River run through Class II and III rapids, including Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna. The standard raft holds up to 16 people, with 10 paddle positions. Guides such as Bryce, Hailey, Zach, and Savannah are known for clear instruction and lively river commentary.

“Bryce was a very skilled river guide and also a lot of fun. We would love to ride down the snake with him again.”

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2.Family Friendly Gallatin River Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 316 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $150 a head

Paddle a family-friendly stretch of Montana’s Gallatin River for about three hours, with guides such as Dom, Tom, Ariel, and Charlie leading the way. You’ll pass through Gallatin National Forest, handle continuous Class I and II-style rapids, and wear provided wetsuits, booties, splash tops, helmets, and paddles. The trip begins and ends at 63960 Gallatin Road.

“Had a great time. Very well organized and everyone was ver professional. Our Guide Charlie was very conscientious And ensured everyone was safe and had fun”

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3.Beginner Whitewater Rafting on Historic Clear Creek

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 284 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $70 a head

You’ll learn basic river safety, suit up, ride a shuttle to Clear Creek, and paddle several miles of family-friendly rapids with a trained guide. Guides such as Johnny, Brian, Sarah, Kurt, and Tippy have led memorable trips for first-timers. Equipment is provided, but bring proper river shoes.

“We had a great time. Kevin was a great tour guide. The day was hot and the water was clear and cool. Did not get as wet as I thought we would, unless you jumped in the water, which you had an opportunity to do about half way through. No special equipment needed. They have everything you need.”

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4.Durango Rafting – Quarter Day Family Friendly Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 268 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $65 a head Cheapest seat

Paddle the Animas River through Durango on a two-hour, family-friendly trip led by a certified guide. You get a life jacket, helmet, transport, and free parking. Guides such as Shiloh, Katie, Hannah, Shay, and Steve are known for clear safety instruction, local stories, games, and well-timed splashes. Minimum age is four.

“The rafting was so much fun. Our guide Shiloh was very entertaining and knowledgeable. It was very good for first time rafters and experienced ones.”

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5.Durango Rafting – Half Day Family Friendly Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 260 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95 a head

Paddle the Animas River with Mountain Waters Rafting on a beginner-friendly half-day trip for ages 4 and up. Certified guides such as Courtney, Bobby, Shiloh, and Dory lead small groups through gentle rapids, river scenery, and Santa Rita Park. Free parking, gear, and shuttle transport are included.

“Really enjoyed the water park area. Bobby our guide was great. It was a lot tamer than we expected. Would have been nice for a few more rapids & splashes but, I guess that’s up to the river”

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6.Whitewater Rafting, Jackson Hole – Family Friendly Classic Raft

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 250 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $120 a head

Take a family-friendly 8-mile raft trip through Snake River Canyon with Lewis & Clark River Expeditions. Guides such as Danny, Billy, Ben, Charley, and Izak combine calm instruction, river stories, and playful humor. Expect Class II and III rapids, wildlife sightings, cold water, and about 90 minutes on the river.

“So much fun! Everyone who worked at the company was rad. We booked same day and had no issues. Would recommend!”

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7.Durango ~ 2.5 “Splash “N” Dash” Family Rafting Lower Animas River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 242 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $79 a head

Paddle the Lower Animas River for about an hour on this 2.5-hour Durango outing. Your guide handles instruction, navigation, and safety while you enjoy gentle water, small rapids, and mountain scenery. The trip suits children from age 3, includes gear and shared transport, and may offer fun extras such as river surfing when conditions allow.

“They didn’t waste a lot of our time getting gear and riding bus to entry site or back after the trip which was really cool. Our guide Brandon was really chill and did a great job guiding us safely down the river. The river was a bit tamer and slower than what I expected so we were able to jump out of the raft and cool off. There were a few small rapids so my daughter who was a first time rafter got to experience a couple of mins of challenging water at the end which we all really enjoyed. It was a fun time and worth the money.”

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8.Family Friendly Rafting near Colorado Springs

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 190 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $149 a head

Meet Arkansas River Tours in Cañon City for a safety briefing, full rafting gear, and a 25 to 30 minute ride to the river. You’ll spend about two hours on moderate whitewater with a professional guide, possible bighorn sheep sightings, and broad Colorado scenery. It suits families with children age 8 and older.

“My family and I had a great time rafting with Arkansas River Tours. Austin was our guide and he was great. He kept us safe and made sure we had a fun time on the river. I would recommend this company to anyone looking to go rafting!”

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9.Family Rafting in the New River Gorge National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 138 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $85 a head

Raft the Upper New River with an experienced guide from West Virginia Adventures. This five-hour trip suits ages 5 and up, with Class I and II rapids, time to swim and play, national park scenery, and lunch on morning departures. Guides such as Cassie, Heather, Allison, Trent, and Will are praised for their river skills and family-friendly approach.

“We were looking for a gentle beginner experience. This trip was perfect. Guides were friendly and knowledgeable. They took time to point out local history, wildlife, and taught us about the river. They genuinely seemed to enjoy guiding. Scenery was gorgeous, rapids were fun, but not overwhelming for kids or beginners. A great way to spend and afternoon on the river.”

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10.Raft the Beginner stretch on Clear Creek!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · from $85 a head

Raft Clear Creek’s beginner stretch from Idaho Springs with Liquid Descent Whitewater Rafting. You’ll pass Chicago Creek, Dizzy Lizzy, Castle Falls, the Charlie Taylor Water Wheel, and the Argo Gold Mine before finishing at Class 3 Mister Twister. Guides such as Alan and Mileah are noted for clear instruction and a friendly manner.

“The smiles on my family’s faces. Can’t wait for the next rafting experience. Alan, our guide, made the experience extra memorable. #forwardone”

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11.Middle Clear Creek Beginners Whitewater Rafting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 3 hours · from $87 a head

Raft Middle Clear Creek with an English-speaking guide on a three-hour beginner trip from Downstream Adventures in Empire. After a safety briefing and a short bus ride, you will tackle class I-II rapids such as Initiation Falls, Mister Twister, and Speed Limit 55. Wetsuits, equipment, transport, and a dry bag are included.

“Fantastic time. Perfect for beginners. I was worried about my 11 year old, but it was needless. Wonderful guide who told us about the area as well as keeping us all safe. You won’t regret this experience.”

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12.Durango ~ 4.5 hr “Half-Day” Family Rafting Lower Animas River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $94 a head

Spend about four and a half hours rafting the Lower Animas River from Santa Rita Park with Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours. You’ll paddle through Class I, II, and III rapids with a trained guide, using provided equipment and shared transfers. Guides such as Derick, Veronica, and Berry are known for good stories, river knowledge, and a relaxed approach.

“Our raft guide Veronica was a good guide and did a good job. My daughter enjoyed the trip and body surfing the rapids.”

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13.Milk Run Family Rafting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Paddle a calm Arkansas River stretch near Buena Vista with a guide, included equipment, and Rocky Mountain views. The one-hour float welcomes children from age two, making it a good first rafting trip. Guides such as Free and Drew are known for mixing humor with careful river safety, while Browns Canyon adds a memorable setting.

“Man did we have a blast yesterday river rafting for Father’s Day! I asked to go rafting as my gift, and we took our two young boys (11 and 8) along with the rest of the family. What a friendly, stress-free operation! Eli and her compatriots at the front desk were happy, helpful and professional. I started with a reservation for 4 and then added two separately a few hours later; Eli called me, made sure we were the same group, and put us all together - that might seem a small task, but the fact that she did it sets her apart from your typical clerk behind a counter.…”

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14.Rogue River Family Float & Discovery Park-Rafting and Kayaking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $111 a head

You’ll float the Rogue River from Ashland through gentle class I and II rapids, with a guide such as Logan or Trevor sharing wildlife facts and jokes. The six-hour outing includes round-trip transport, time to swim or kayak, and an hour at the river-access-only Rogue Discovery Park, where you can buy food and drinks.

“We had the absolute best time on our relaxing river raft trip. Noah’s Adventures was so attentive in terms of communication. Our guide, Trevor, was knowledgeable, kind, and entertaining. Zach was able to follow along and was great as well! We will definitely be returning!!”

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15.Cañon City: Family Float Rafting With Lunch, Photo & Wetsuit

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 9 reviews · from $109 a head

You’ll float six miles of the Arkansas River near Cañon City with guides such as Mattie and Leland leading the way. Expect gentle rapids, wildlife, river stories, provided wetsuits and boots, a BBQ meal, and up to 20 downloadable photos. It’s a good first rafting trip for families, but not for non-swimmers or children under 2.

“Mattie was a great guide and was great with the kids. We felt safe and had a relaxing ride down the river. We would have liked a little more "white water" action but we will do that the next time. We saw some beautiful cranes along the river and one in flight. That was special! Some cows were wading at one spot and we got a chance to do a little swimming in a shallow pool. Thanks, we will be back the next time we come to Colorado!”

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