Family Friendly Rafting
AT A GLANCE
- Minimum age: 3 years (Short & Mild), 5 years (Half Day/Full Day), 12 years (Shoshone trips)
- Best first trip for most kids: Half Day (ages 5+) or Short & Mild (ages 3+)
- Kids do not need to know how to swim
- Life jackets are worn by everyone — no exceptions
- Wetsuits are available to rent and strongly recommended for spring trips
- Whitewater Rafting LLC guides family groups every day throughout the season
- Book online: coloradowhitewaterrafting.com or call (970) 945-8477
Family Rafting in Glenwood Springs — Trip Guide for Kids Ages 3 & Up
Every summer, thousands of parents ask the same question:
Is my kid ready for this?
The concern is understandable. The river looks fast. The raft looks small. The kids are excited in ways that make parents slightly nervous.
Here’s the reality: Whitewater Rafting LLC has been guiding family rafting trips in Glenwood Springs, Colorado since 1974 — taking kids as young as four through Glenwood Canyon every day throughout the summer. Nervous first-timers often end the day asking to do it again. And parents who nearly canceled frequently call it the highlight of their family vacation.
Here’s what you actually need to know before booking your family rafting adventure.
The Minimum Age Rules — And Why They Exist
Age requirements aren’t arbitrary. Different trips require different levels of physical ability, attention, and comfort on the water.
Short & Mild Trip (Minimum Age: 3)
Difficulty: Class I-II
Gentle current, beautiful scenery, and easy paddle commands make this the ideal introduction to rafting for younger children.
If your child is between four and five years old, this is the recommended option.
Half Day Trip (Minimum Age: 5)
Difficulty: Class III Shoshone Rapids
This is where real whitewater begins. Most six-year-olds have the coordination, strength, and focus necessary to become active members of the raft crew—and most absolutely love it.
Full Day Trip (Minimum Age: 5)
Difficulty: Class III
The same great rapids as the Half Day trip, but with more time on the river and a riverside lunch included.
Children who enjoy being outdoors for longer periods typically do very well on the Full Day experience.
Double Shoshone & Double Extreme Shoshone (Minimum Age: 12)
These trips are designed for older kids and teens looking for maximum adventure, featuring two complete runs through the Shoshone section.
Which Family Trip Should You Book with Your Kids?
Here’s the simplest way to decide on your Glenwood Springs rafting adventure:
- Ages 3–5: Short & Mild — the clear choice.
- Ages 5–9 (first-time rafters): Half Day is the standard recommendation.
- Ages 6–9 (nervous kids): Start with Short & Mild to build confidence.
- Ages 10–11: Half Day or Full Day both work well.
- Teens 12+: Any trip, including Double Shoshone adventures.
- Mixed-age groups: Plan around the youngest child.
“There was also plenty of time to float down the river and take in the scenery. JC took great care of our kids throughout the trip — gave them extra tasks and challenges: a chance to steer the boat, a balance challenge on the bow, an opportunity to jump in and swim.”
— MeredithVanV, TripAdvisor Review
Do Kids Need to Know How to Swim?
No.
Every guest, including every child, wears a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket for the entire trip.
Guides are trained in Swift Water Rescue, and non-swimmers participate safely every day.
If your child isn’t comfortable in the water, simply let the guide know during check-in so they can provide additional reassurance and ensure the life jacket fits perfectly.
Read: Is Rafting Safe for Non-Swimmers?
What to Pack for Kids
Wear on the Water
- Quick-dry shorts or swimsuits
- Synthetic shirts or rash guards (avoid cotton)
- Secure water shoes or old sneakers with straps
- Wetsuits for spring trips (available for rent and highly recommended)
Bring in the Car
- A complete change of dry clothes
- Towels
- Snacks for after the trip
- Sunscreen applied before launch
- A small dry bag for phones or cameras if needed
Leave at Home (or in the Car)
- Expensive or irreplaceable items
- Cotton clothing
- Good shoes
- Flip flops or loose sandals
How to Prepare a Nervous Kid (Or a Nervous Parent)
Talk Through the Day
Explain the river rafting process ahead of time—the bus ride, life jackets, paddle commands, rapids, and calm sections. Kids handle new experiences better when they know what to expect.
Watch a Video Together
A short rafting video can make the experience feel familiar and manageable before you even arrive.
Frame It as a Team Adventure
The guide is the captain, and every child becomes part of the crew. Kids love having responsibilities and working together.
Trust the Guides
Working with nervous kids is something experienced rafting guides do every single day.
“Honestly the most incredible staff and experience of our trip!! We had Tater as our guide and I couldn’t be more grateful! He was absolutely phenomenal with our kiddos ranging from 5–9!!”
— Mikayla James, Google Review
What the Day on the River Actually Looks Like for Families
Arrival & Check-In
Families sign waivers, get fitted for life jackets, and meet their guides.
Safety Briefing
Guides explain paddling commands, teamwork, and safety procedures in a way kids understand and enjoy.
Bus Ride to the River
The excitement builds during the short shuttle ride to the launch point.
Time on the Water
Kids paddle during rapids, enjoy the scenic stretches, and often get special tasks from the guides, including opportunities to help steer or even swim during calm sections.
The Take-Out
By the end of the trip, most families are already planning their next visit.
Photos
Professional trip photos are available—and worth it for capturing those first big waves and unforgettable family moments.
Family River Rafting Booking Tips
- Book early for summer weekends. July and August fill quickly.
- Morning trips work best for younger children. Kids have more energy and temperatures are cooler.
- Rent wetsuits in spring. Cold kids are unhappy kids.
- Call with questions. The staff has helped thousands of families choose the right experience.
Phone: (970) 945-8477
“We brought three families — 12 people total, including six kids ranging in age from 5 to 14 — and every single person had a fantastic time from start to finish.”
— Jennifer Mueth, Google Review
Book Your Family Trip
👉 Short & Mild Trip (Ages 3+)
👉 Half Day Trip (Ages 5+)
👉 Full Day Trip (Ages 5+)
👉 Group & Private Trips
Call (970) 945-8477 if you’d like help choosing the best option for your family’s ages and comfort levels.
Related Reading
- Age & Weight Limits for Whitewater Rafting
- Is Rafting Safe for Non-Swimmers?
- What to Wear Whitewater Rafting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for whitewater rafting with kids in Glenwood Springs?
The minimum age is 3 years old for the Short & Mild trip, 5 years old for the Half Day and Full Day trips, and 12 years old for Double Shoshone adventures.
Which rafting trip is best for young children?
The Short & Mild trip is ideal for ages 3-4, while the Half Day trip is the most popular option for children ages 5–12.
Do kids need to know how to swim to go rafting?
No. Every child wears a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and non-swimmers participate safely every day.
What should kids wear on a rafting trip?
Quick-dry clothing, synthetic shirts, and secure water shoes are best. Wetsuits are strongly recommended during cooler months.
Can toddlers go whitewater rafting?
No. The minimum age is 3 years old. Children ages 5 can participate in the Short & Mild Class I-II trip.
How do I prepare my nervous child for their first rafting trip?
Talk through the experience beforehand, watch videos together, frame the adventure as teamwork, and trust the guides to help children feel comfortable and confident.
Is rafting safe for kids?
Yes. With proper equipment, age-appropriate trips, and experienced guides, rafting is a safe and memorable family activity. Whitewater Rafting LLC has been guiding family trips since 1974.
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