White Water Rafting For Kids | Class II & III

Enjoy Family Whitewater Rafting Vacations

Whitewater rafting with kids is about experiencing the outdoors in an exhilarating and unique way. From the scenic views to the blood-pumping rapids, whitewater rafting is unlike anything else in the world, and is a fantastic way for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to experience the great outdoors. Family rafting can grow with you and once you get a taste, you will be KODI Family for life!

Best Whitewater Rafting in Colorado For Families

We offer paddle trips (everyone has a paddle and helps maneuver the raft), paddle-assist (where we row and kids get to dig in when they want), as well as a full-on oar rig where you sit back and enjoy the ride while your guide does all the work, and you just need to hold on and enjoy the scenery.

Rapid Classifications

A common misconception is that all family whitewater rafting trips involve crazy, high-intensity whitewater. This is a myth! In fact, there are 6 different classes of rapids, and several of these make excellent whitewater rafting adventures for kids, all available in the state of Colorful Colorado!

Class I – Easiest

Class I family whitewater rafting is defined as moving, mostly flat water featuring small waves, few obstructions, and is by far the easiest to navigate.

Class II – Easy

Class II family rafting features easy rapids with small waves. The river’s path is unobstructed, and little maneuvering of the raft is needed. The river channels are wide and easy to navigate. This is a good place to start for young children. Whitewater rafting for toddlers and children as young as 3 to 4 will enjoy class II water.

Class III – Moderate

Class III offers some of the best whitewater rafting experiences for kids. While the rapids are exciting and at times irregular, Class III whitewater blends adrenaline with safe maneuvering. Waves are moderately sized, and obstacles are easily avoided. The river current is more powerful than the lower class ratings, moving the raft along at a faster rate. Children as young as 6 years old and 50 lbs. can participate on certain Class III family whitewater rafting vacations we offer depending on river flows and conditions at launch time.

Class IV – Advanced

Class IV whitewater rapids feature long, technical rapids that require precise maneuvering in a fast current. Each section of rapids can be longer and passages become more constricted (or narrow). Precise maneuvering is required. Young adults must be 14 years of age before participating in our Class IV family whitewater rafting trips.

Class V – Challenging

Class V family whitewater rafting is the most challenging that is commercially raftable. Rivers are often obstructed by unavoidable obstacles. There can be drops, holes, and shoots and these trips are only recommended for physically fit individuals looking for an adrenaline-filled experience. Past river rafting experience is highly recommended, leaving this class V for the teens and strong kids, eighteen years of age and up!

*Class VI – Extreme

Class VI rapids are not commercially raftable. They present extraordinary difficulty with unpredictable outcomes. Don’t worry, we won’t do any rafting of this type at Kodi!

Best Family Whitewater Rafting Trips

Whitewater rafting with kids is a great addition to any family vacation – through feedback and reviews, we’re often told that whitewater rafting was the highlight of our guests’ vacation trips. Family rafting in Colorado is such a fun way to create a family bonding experience with memories to last a lifetime and the photos to prove it.

During family rafting every paddler is outfitted with PFD’s (personal flotation devices), helmets, and wetsuits when necessary to stay warm and comfortable. Raft trips always kick off with a safety talk and river guide familiarization session. Kids are just as much a part of the raft team as adults, and they’re always welcome on KODI trips.

5 Tips To Remember For Family Whitewater Rafting

Family whitewater rafting trips are experiences your family will remember forever. To make the most of it, here are some quick tips to have the best time.

1. Prepare for the elements

The weather can change rapidly on the river and in the river canyons, so it’s important you’re ready for anything since we depart rain or shine! Layers for warmth, sunscreen, a sun visor under your helmet, and maybe even paddling gloves can come in handy.

2. Dress to get wet

You’ll definitely get wet, so wear quick-drying clothes or synthetics underneath your wetsuit. Cotton stays colder when wet during your trip rafting with kids and is not recommended. Don’t worry, we have wetsuits and splash jackets we can provide you to keep everyone comfortable throughout the trip.

3. Don’t bring valuables

Leave the expensive jewelry, hats, sunglasses, and other accessories in your car. You’re likely to donate them to the river unintentionally while you’re with your family rafting and we don’t want any sad faces or rubbish in the river!

Cell phones are common casualties on family whitewater rafting trips, and we recommend leaving them behind. We hate to see you wishing you would have backed up all of the photos on your phone as you see it floating away down the river. If you must bring your phone, ensure it’s in a waterproof bag and tethered to you in some way.

4. Hydrate and Fuel

Family rafting is a work out, and the sun and elevation can affect everyone differently, so be sure to hydrate and fuel up before your trip. We don’t stop for snacks and discourage generating potential trash on the river with wrappers or water bottles. Full day trips offer a riverside lunch to keep up your energy.

5. Listen to your guide

Your guide has extensive river navigation, rescue, and medical training. Plus they can tell you about the history, flora, and fauna of the surrounding areas – and may even have a few jokes.. Help them do their job (which is to keep you safe and have a great time!) by listening to them at all times to have your best family whitewater rafting trips with Kodi!