Family Whitewater Rafting Trips in Utah & Colorado

Whitewater Rafting Trips for Families

Family river rafting trips are an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones in a place where life slows down. Leave the rush of the modern world behind and discover the power of the river to bring people together. It’s amazing what families can learn about each other without the distractions of soccer practice, television, homework, and smart phones.

Try paddling an inflatable kayak, invent a new beach game, or pick a water fight with your kids. Or maybe you did a river trip as a child, and now get to share the magic with your children or grandchildren! Our guides take care of meals and chores, leaving you free to play, talk, relax, and reconnect.

Sharing new experiences together is what builds lifelong memories. As a family-owned company, Holiday understands what it means to create meaningful and memorable family river rafting trips. Let our family show yours what it means to be on river time.

Family Whitewater Rafting Trips
San Juan River Water Fight Boats

2 Day Fisher Towers

Starting Price: $725
Minimum Age: 5
Meeting Location: Green River, UT

  • Perfect for beginners with generally calm water and a few class I-II rapids
  • Breathtaking red rock and snowy alpine mountain scenery
  • Conveniently located just outside the town of Moab and Arches National Park
  • Expansive sandy beaches, perfect for camping, games, and relaxing
  • Ideal trip for youth groups or younger children

San Juan River Rafting

3–5 Day San Juan River

Starting Price: $1,370
Minimum Age: 5
Meeting Location: Bluff or Blanding, UT

  • Play in sand waves and class I–II whitewater, ideal for beginners and young kids
  • Swift moving river that cuts through astounding red rock landscapes
  • Numerous archaeological sites including dwellings and rock art
  • Geologic wonders, such as 1,000 foot canyon walls and features such as Cowboy Hat and Eagle Rock
  • Discover the hidden secrets left behind by gold miners, prospectors, and homesteaders

family rapids desolation canyon

5–6 Day Desolation Canyon

Starting Price: $1,790
Minimum Age: 5
Meeting Location: Green River, UT

  • A good blend of flat water and mellow class II-III whitewater rapids
  • Remote region with a landscape of towering walls and sandy beaches dotted with Cottonwood trees
  • Hike to archaeological sites, explore countless side canyons, and visit old homesteads
  • Paddle an inflatable kayak through the playful whitewater rapids, or try a stand-up paddle board
  • Skip the van ride to the put-in and take a scenic flight over the canyon

Lodore Canyon Whitewater Dee Boat

4-Day Lodore Canyon

Starting Price: $1,295
Minimum Age: 8
Meeting Location: Vernal, UT

  • Fun, playful class II-IV whitewater rapids every day
  • Visually stunning canyon walls with remarkably sheer cliffs and dramatic fault lines
  • Side canyons filled with waterfalls, clear streams, and indigenous rock art
  • Beautiful sandy beaches with groves of birch, maple, and box elder trees
  • Float by historic landmarks such as the confluence with the Yampa River at Echo Park

Yampa River Rafting Family Trips

4-5 Day Yampa River

Starting Price: $1,440
Minimum Age: 8
Meeting Location: Vernal, UT

  • Consistent class III-IV whitewater throughout the trip
  • Stunning canyon geology that varies mile to mile with impressive amphitheaters and overhangs
  • Diverse hiking options to archaeological sites, overlooks, and side canyon waterfalls
  • Float through Echo Park and enjoy the oasis at Jones Hole Creek
  • Marvel at the night sky in the certified Dark Skies Park

Westwater Canyon Family Rafting

2–3 Day Westwater Canyon

Starting Price: $549
Minimum Age: 8
Meeting Location: Green River, UT

  • Class III-IV whitewater and stretches of calm water, great for beginner and intermediate participants
  • Shorter trip duration fits in nicely with busy schedules
  • Narrow, remote canyon made of stunning billion year old black rock
  • Fun, thrilling stretch of rapids that compare to the Grand Canyon
  • Abundant wildlife including bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and river otter

Cataract Canyon Family Rafting Trips

5-6 Day Cataract Canyon

Starting Price: $1,660
Minimum Age: 8 (16 in May & June)
Meeting Location: Green River, UT

  • Many miles of calm water leading to class III-V whitewater, offering a truly balanced experience
  • Utah’s most thrilling whitewater section, containing over 30 rapids
  • Enjoy epic stargazing in this certified Dark Skies Park, Canyonlands National Park
  • Spend the time on calm water paddling inflatable kayaks and stand-up paddle boards
  • Hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, well preserved archaeological sites, and geologic marvels


Frequently Asked Questions

How old do kids need to be to go on a trip?

It depends on the trip. The minimum age we allow is 5 years old on our most beginner rafting trips.

What will there be for kids to do at camp?

On each trip, we bring along camp toys, such as horseshoes, bocce ball, and washers. Many campsites have mellow side hikes that the guides can lead, as well as calm water to swim in, and plenty of materials for sand castles! Unwind with a good book, play cards, or listen to guides tell river stories or offer lessons on the environment. The possibilities are only limited by imagination!

Do we need to bring our own lifejackets?

We supply lifejackets (also known as PFD’s, or Personal Floatation Devices) for everyone on each trip. We have sizes for adults, children, and extra-small kiddos.

Find more FAQ’s here!

family white water rafting
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Why Choose Holiday?

A family-owned company with family values. Our founder’s grandchildren hold key roles with the company and we are always striving to maintain the legacy Dee left behind.

So many of our river guides have worked with us more a decade or more and they are all part of our chosen family here. We have many pairs of siblings who have spent time rowing our boats, and many guides whom have found their life partners on the river.

Come float with us and join our extended river family.

Ready to book your trip?

Our office staff is ready to answer any questions you may have and help you find the perfect family getaway that is best for you. Give us a call today and let’s get your family on the river!