Adventure Outdoors logo

Family Rafting Adventures

Video Placeholder
5

Perfect for Families with Young Kids

Experience Colorado’s Best Family Rafting Adventures
Looking for the perfect family-friendly rafting trip in Colorado? Our Family Float Adventures offer a safe, affordable, and unforgettable way to enjoy the river with young kids, first-time rafters, and multi-generational families. These beginner-level rafting trips feature gentle rapids, calm waters, and plenty of smiles making them the ideal introduction to whitewater rafting. Conveniently located near top Colorado resort destinations and Denver. Our family rafting trips are the perfect way to explore the outdoors and create lasting memories together.

This is rafting at its most relaxed and accessible—no white-knuckle rapids, no intimidating drops—just laughter, light waves, and quality time on the water. Your trip starts at one our many outposts throughout the state, where we’ll get everyone outfitted in safety gear and go over an easy, kid-friendly safety talk. Then we’ll head out to the best available stretch of river, chosen for its calm water, easy access, and family-focused fun.

Maggie

Guide Tip

Maggie

River Guide

"Listen to your guide ... they've got your back ....Our guides are trained to lead you through everything from basic strokes to big rapids. Pay attention during the safety briefing and follow paddle commands like “Forward!” or “Get down!” during the trip. When the guide’s in charge and everyone’s working together, the boat moves like magic."

Location

  • Glenwood Springs
  • Vail / Beaver Creek
  • Buena Vista

River

Roaring Fork River

Upper Colorado River

Arkansas River

River Rating

Class II

Choose Your Experience

Glenwood Springs Family Float

Location

Glenwood Springs

River

Roaring Fork River

Adventure Time

2 hours

Total Time

2.5 hours

Tags

Family Experiences

Great for Groups

Kid Friendly

Per Guest

Adult (13+): $65

Youth (13-17): $60

Kids (6 & Under): $50

Must be at least

30 pounds

Available

Apr 30 - Oct 30

Adventure level

Fun for Everyone

Gentle Glenwood Family Float

Looking for the perfect first-time rafting trip the whole family can enjoy? Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies and designed with families  in mind our Glenwood Springs Family Float is a relaxing, scenic, and splash-filled two-hour river adventure ideal for guests as young as 3 years old and up into their golden years. This playful journey down a calm stretch of river features easy Class II and mild Class III rapids think light riffles, small waves, and lots of laughter. Whether you want to paddle, kick back in the sun, or hop in for a refreshing swim, this trip offers just the right amount of fun and freedom for all ages.

Looking for the perfect first-time rafting trip the whole family can enjoy? Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies and designed with families  in mind our Glenwood Springs Family Float is a relaxing, scenic, and splash-filled two-hour river adventure ideal for guests as young as 3 years old and up into their golden years. This playful journey down a calm stretch of river features easy Class II and mild Class III rapids think light riffles, small waves, and lots of laughter. Whether you want to paddle, kick back in the sun, or hop in for a refreshing swim, this trip offers just the right amount of fun and freedom for all ages.

Kids will be grinning ear-to-ear as they help paddle, spot wildlife, and splash through gentle waves. There’s space to swim, soak up the sun, and simply enjoy being on the water together. Our friendly, professional guides know how to engage young adventurers and create an experience that’s safe, interactive, and unforgettable. Parents love the ease. Kids love the fun. Everyone loves this trip.

Vail Valley Family Float

Location

Vail / Beaver Creek

River

Upper Colorado River

Tags

Family Experiences

Great for Groups

Kid Friendly

Per Person

Adult (13+): $115

Kids (7-12): $90

Kids (6 & Under): $75

No Extra Charges – Ever

Must be at least

30 pounds

Available

May 15 - Sep 13

Adventure level

Fun for Everyone

A Peaceful Escape Near Vail, Beaver Creek & Summit County

Visiting Vail, Beaver Creek, or Summit County? Trade the crowds for calm on our family river adventure, a two-hour scenic float trip that showcases the best of Colorado’s natural beauty. Perfect for all ages, this family-friendly river trip meanders through a tranquil stretch of the Upper Colorado River, featuring gentle Class II–III riffles, dramatic canyon walls, and chances to spot bald eagles, and more.

Visiting Vail, Beaver Creek, or Summit County? Trade the crowds for calm on our family river adventure, a two-hour scenic float trip that showcases the best of Colorado’s natural beauty. Perfect for all ages, this family-friendly river trip meanders through a tranquil stretch of the Upper Colorado River, featuring gentle Class II–III riffles, dramatic canyon walls, and chances to spot bald eagles, and more.

Kids will have a blast splashing in the river, helping their guide paddle, and even jumping in for a refreshing swim in calm sections. Our guides encourage young adventurers to be part of the journey—steering the raft, spotting wildlife, and learning about the local ecosystem along the way.  This isn’t just a float, it’s an immersive river experience your family will never forget.

Arkansas River Family Float

Location

Buena Vista

River

Arkansas River

Adventure Time

2 hours

Total Time

2.5 hours

Tags

Family Experiences

Great for Groups

Kid Friendly

Per Guest

Adult (13+): $90

Kids (7-12): $90

Kids (6 & Under): $90

Must be at least

30 pounds

Available

Jun 18 - Aug 31

Adventure level

Fun for Everyone

Adventure & Ease in Browns Canyon

Ready for an unforgettable Colorado family adventure? Located in beautiful Buena Vista, just a scenic drive from Vail, Beaver Creek, and Summit County, our Family Rafting Trip delivers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation for all ages. This two-hour guided rafting experience floats you through a stunning natural playground known for its sparkling waters, granite cliffs, and panoramic views of the Collegiate Peaks. Along the way, you’ll navigate gentle Class II–III rapids, ideal for first-time rafters, young paddlers, and families seeking an approachable yet thrilling day on the water.

Ready for an unforgettable Colorado family adventure? Located in beautiful Buena Vista, just a scenic drive from Vail, Beaver Creek, and Summit County, our Family Rafting Trip delivers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation for all ages. This two-hour guided rafting experience floats you through a stunning natural playground known for its sparkling waters, granite cliffs, and panoramic views of the Collegiate Peaks. Along the way, you’ll navigate gentle Class II–III rapids, ideal for first-time rafters, young paddlers, and families seeking an approachable yet thrilling day on the water.

Kids absolutely love this trip! From the moment they step into the raft, they’ll be laughing, paddling, and splashing through gentle waves. There are plenty of calm sections where little ones can jump in for a swim, play games, and even help guide the raft with their paddle. Our expert guides keep the energy high and the experience interactive—sharing fun facts about the river, local wildlife, and the surrounding area.

Glenwood Springs Family Float – Private Raft

Location

Glenwood Springs

River

Roaring Fork River

Adventure Time

2 hours

Total Time

2.5 hours

Tags

Family Experiences

Great for Groups

Kid Friendly

Per Boat

$520

UP to 8 people, plus your guide.

No Hidden Fees!

Must be at least

30 pounds

Available

Apr 30 - Oct 30

Adventure level

Fun for Everyone

Gentle Rapids, Big Smiles, and the River All to Yourselves

Vail Valley Family Float – Private Raft

Location

Vail / Beaver Creek

River

Upper Colorado River

Tags

Family Experiences

Great for Groups

Kid Friendly

Per Boat

$920

Up to 8 People, plus your guide.

No Hidden Fees!

Must be at least

30 pounds

Available

May 15 - Sep 13

Adventure level

Fun for Everyone

A Scenic Escape, Just for You and your Family

Escape the crowds and experience the Colorado River on your terms with our private family river Adventure. This peaceful float trip offers a gentle stretch of river with Class I–II rapids, making it ideal for families, multi-generational groups, photographers, and anyone seeking a quiet, customizable outdoor experience.  With your own private raft and personal guide, you set the pace. Pause to swim, explore hidden riverside trails, or simply float in silence beneath red rock canyons and wide-open Western skies. Whether you’re new to rafting or a seasoned paddler, this personalized trip invites you to slow down, soak it all in, and reconnect with nature, your group, and yourself. This is more than a rafting trip, it’s a private retreat into Colorado’s wild beauty, where every bend of the river brings a new chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect.

Escape the crowds and experience the Colorado River on your terms with our private family river Adventure. This peaceful float trip offers a gentle stretch of river with Class I–II rapids, making it ideal for families, multi-generational groups, photographers, and anyone seeking a quiet, customizable outdoor experience.  With your own private raft and personal guide, you set the pace. Pause to swim, explore hidden riverside trails, or simply float in silence beneath red rock canyons and wide-open Western skies. Whether you’re new to rafting or a seasoned paddler, this personalized trip invites you to slow down, soak it all in, and reconnect with nature, your group, and yourself. This is more than a rafting trip, it’s a private retreat into Colorado’s wild beauty, where every bend of the river brings a new chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect.

Arkansas River Family Float – Private Boat

Location

Buena Vista

River

Arkansas River

Tags

Family Experiences

Great for Groups

Kid Friendly

Per Boat

$450

8 People per Raft, plus your guide.

No Extra Charges – Ever

Must be at least

30 pounds

Available

Jun 18 - Aug 31

Adventure level

Fun for Everyone

Splashy Fun in Colorado’s Favorite Whitewater Playground

Topo Adventure

Trip Details

  • Professional, family-friendly river guide
  • Raft, paddle, helmet, and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
  • Wetsuits, splash jackets, and river shoes (weather-dependent)
  • Pre-trip safety instruction designed for young kids
  • Shuttle transportation to and from the river
  • Optional post-trip snacks and water
  • Memories that last way longer than screen time
  • Waiver: All guests must sign a waiver. Children under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign on their behalf.
  • Minimum Age: Typically 4 years and up, depending on river conditions. We’ll confirm age suitability at booking.
  • Clothing: Wear quick-dry clothing or swimsuits, and secure water shoes or sandals with a heel strap (no flip-flops).
  • Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, and a hat.
  • Change of Clothes: Have dry clothes and a towel for after the trip. We have changing areas at the outpost.
  • Arrival Time: Please arrive at time stated in your confirmation email for check-in, outfitting, and your family-friendly safety talk.
  • Health & Comfort: Let us know in advance if anyone in your group has medical conditions, allergies, or water anxiety—so we can tailor the experience accordingly.
  • Water Bottle (Optional): Bring a labeled, reusable water bottle.

Our Family Floats are more than just a rafting trip—it’s a chance to unplug, connect, and create lasting memories in one of Colorado’s most beautiful natural settings. Designed specifically for families with young kids and first-time rafters, this trip offers a gentle introduction to the river without sacrificing excitement. Guides tailor the experience to your group’s comfort level, helping nervous paddlers feel confident and making it a fun, engaging ride for kids of all ages. Expect interactive moments on the water—like mini water fights, wildlife spotting, and opportunities to splash and play in the current (conditions permitting). With short float times, calm waters, and an emphasis on safety and fun, this trip is the perfect low-pressure way to introduce your family to the joy of rafting.

What age is this trip suitable for?

Typically kids ages 4+ are welcome, depending on water levels. Our team will help you determine the best trip for your child.

Is it scary or intense?

Not at all. This trip is designed for beginners and families. It’s smooth, splashy, and more fun than intense.

What should we wear?

Quick-dry clothing, water shoes or sandals with a strap, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for after the trip.

Can we bring a camera , GoPro or phone ?

Yes but we recommend waterproof cases and secure mounts. Ask your guide for the best times to snap a family photo.

Can we book a private raft just for our family?

Yes! Private raft options are available—just let us know when you book.

How long is the trip?

Around 3 hours total, including shuttle time and about 2 hours on the river.

Wave Background

Related Adventures

Cowboy Cookout
Great for Groups

Cowboy Cookout

Book this adventure!
Great for Groups

1 Hour Horseback Ride

Book this adventure!