Planning Your River Rafting Trip With The Kids

Copyright © 2008 Norm Schoenhoff

Most kids will be thrilled to go on a whitewater rafting trip or adventure, and it's a terrific opportunity for a family vacation or get-together. You'll need to pack a few extra items to make sure the trip is fun and safe for everyone involved, and kids will need to dress appropriately for both water and on-shore activities.

Rafting with kids also requires a few extra safety precautions and considerations, and you may need to contact the outfitter to find out about extra amenities, safety protocol, and rafting lessons for your kids' first experience.

Here are some other key things to keep in mind as you plan your adventure:

Activities for Kids

Many whitewater rafting trip packages offer a number of activities beyond the river. From camping on the riverfront to hiking across the wilderness, kids can take part in a variety of fun and exciting outdoor activities as part of their experience. If your kids have special needs, you'll need to make sure they will be all right with any activities, games, or adventures scheduled along with the trip.

Types of Trips Available

Beginner's whitewater rafting trips are usually perfect for kids, as these contain milder waterways and rapids. Review the different options available; there are many wonderful and exciting beginners' trips in Northern California, and these offer unique views, attractive camping sites, and adventurous rivers to watch the area's wildlife and scenic landscapes. You'll need to find a whitewater rafting trip that is simple, fun, and not too challenging; the South Fork American is one of the most appropriate whitewater rafting adventures for beginners, and is a great choice for kids of all ages.

Length of the Trip

Not all kids will enjoy an entire day or overnight trip for their first whitewater rafting adventure, so you may want to consider just a half-day trip instead. Many outfitters offer a wide range of packages and trip options, and you can still enjoy some of the best trips with just a half-day course. Consider different options depending on your kids' skill level, age, and general interest.

Rafting Company or Outfitter Protocol

Find out what the rafting company allows and doesn't allow for your trip. Some outfitters will provide all rafting gear and food for your entire trip, and others will offer facilities and camping equipment for your trip. You'll need to let them know how many kids will be joining you on the trip so that they can accommodate accordingly. If the outfitter is providing food and snacks, make sure they are aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies so that you have the right type of food on hand throughout the trip.

Packing Comfortable Clothing

Kids need to wear comfortable clothing that's appropriate for their trip and rafting experience. They'll need clothes that can be worn on the raft, and also the right clothing for any camping and nature trails that will be a part of the trip. Sandals, light shoes, and swimsuits work well for kids as they go on the water; then they'll need to layer for any hiking or camping activities on the shore. Pack these in a backpack or tote that's waterproof, so your kids can travel with exactly what they need.

Sleeping Bags and Camping Gear

If your whitewater rafting trips will last longer than a day, make sure you've packed along the right sized sleeping bags and camping gear. These can be stored in waterproof bags, and need to be kept separate from all dry clothing in case they do get wet along the trip. Make sure the kids have plenty of snacks - granola bars, non-perishable foods, and a few pieces of candy - to keep up their energy level until meal time.

Appropriate Shelter

Whitewater rafting trips that extend overnight need to include appropriate shelter and facilities for a good night's rest, this is not negotiable. This is especially important if you're sending kids off on a rafting adventure on their own; still, you'll need to plan for an appropriate camping spot that is safe and secure. Plan ahead by reviewing guides and maps from your outfitter, and get recommendations from experienced whitewater rafters in the area to find out where to set up camp.

Organizing a whitewater rafting adventure for kids is a great way to encourage them to try something new and exciting in the great outdoors. Just keep these important considerations in mind as you plan that trip, and be prepared for a unique and memorable adventure!

About the author: Norm Schoenhoff and his crew have been leading river rafting trips down four of the most beautiful Northern California white water rivers, since 1978. Whitewater Excitement provides trips designed for beginners to experienced rafters, with "Best in Class" standards of safety, service, pricing and quality. Church groups, business organizations, families, and groups of friends regularly make the fun and exhilarating trip down the rivers, with the expert rafters from Whitewater Excitement. Learn more by visiting: http://www.whitewaterexcitement.com/

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Family Trip Tips

Contrary to the popular notion that family holiday vacations are best spent on amusement parks, there are a lot of other places that your family can go to and enjoy its few days of fun and relaxation. Here are a few ideas you can chew on while looking for that best vacation spot for the whole family.

A Trip to the Wild

Camping can be a very good alternative to amusement parks. Not only will this be your chance to teach your son a few things about surviving in the wild and living it rough, this will also give your family the chance to appreciate the beauty of nature well away from the city. A few camp stories, sizzling barbeque's, singing around the camp fire, mallows and hot dogs and this may yet be the best family vacation ever.

Make sure to check your supplies and things though before starting out as there are a few things worse than lacking an essential tool or supply at the campsite itself. If you’re not that confident or no one in the family has any experience in camping out before, make sure that you have a guide to see to it that nothing unfortunate happens.

A Look at the World Beyond

You may also take family holiday trips as a chance to show your kids the world beyond the country. A trip to the exotic pacific island perhaps or across the scorching desserts of Egypt to take a look at the ancient pyramids will always perk up your children’s interest in the world like nothing else before.

This moment can also be a chance for your kids to know a little about the different cultures of the world, learn how to use chopsticks, learn a new language, try out some delectable dishes local to the place or buy something unique from a bazaar.

A Cross Country Expedition

You don’t even have to go far just to see something new. A cross country trip will also achieve the same goals for less the cost. All you will need is a good trailer van, plenty of food supplies, spare gas and some regular stuff and you’re good to go. Take your child out to see and be amazed of the Grand Canyon, the historical monuments of Gettysburg, Mount Rushmore and many more. This way, your family gets to enjoy its time together while learning about the country and appreciating its unique beauty more.

A Time for the Beach or the Sea

You and your family could also opt to spend their vacation time on a cruise or on the beach. This way you really get to relax while acquiring a tan. Vacationing on a beach resort is definitely less of a hassle than all the other options above, you might not get to see much but at least you’re not running around all the time.

A cruise can also be a good option especially for those families who wants to go as far from civilization as possible. The salty air of the sea, coupled with an amazing view of the stars at night might be the type of vacation that’s perfect for you and your family.

About the Author: Susan Esterbill particularly enjoys Travel, Festivals, and Family Holiday Traditions.

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