Family rafting trips are the stuff of lifelong memories, no question. But given the broad spectrum of difficulty encompassed by river-running—and the potential danger of the activity—parents are often understandably a bit apprehensive about planning such an adventure, not least being sure they’re going with the right rafting outfitter and the right route.
What should families look for when choosing a whitewater rafting company? You certainly want to key into a particular company’s reputation, ensure it’s properly certified and licensed, and inquire about the training and experience of the river guides. You’ll also need to explore the different levels of technical challenge presented by the company’s offered trips, as you’re going to want beginner-friendly options.
If you’re curious for more details on how to go about selecting the best family rafting company, we’ve got you covered with the following guide!
Prioritize Safety & Professionalism
When it comes to family rafting trips, nothing matters more than guide experience and safety training. Inexperienced guides or lax safety standards can turn a fun adventure into a stressful—or even dangerous—situation.
At Echo Canyon River Expeditions, our commitment to safety goes above and beyond. Our guides complete around five weeks of rigorous training—more than double the industry standard in Colorado. We carefully vet and prepare each guide to ensure they’re ready for anything on the river, especially when leading trips with kids and first-time rafters. (Bonus: they know how to keep the mood light with fun stories and plenty of dad jokes.)
When choosing a rafting outfitter, be sure to ask about guide-to-guest ratios and how safety briefings are handled. At Echo Canyon, both are top priorities, no matter the trip’s difficulty or duration. It’s all part of our mission to make sure every guest feels confident, comfortable, and well cared for.
Check Licensing & Certifications
Be sure any rafting company you’re considering is properly licensed and certified to industry standards, which covers details such as how many hours of on-the-river training guides undergo and various certifications. Our Echo Canyon guides and trip leaders are Wilderness Advanced First Aid- and CPR-certified.
Understand Safety Protocols for Families
Knowing what to expect on the river can ease nerves and build confidence, especially for families new to rafting. That’s why every Echo Canyon trip begins with a thorough safety briefing. Our commitment to safety is consistent across all experiences, from gentle family floats to adrenaline-pumping whitewater adventures. We ensure every guest understands the importance of listening to their guide and following instructions, creating a safer and more enjoyable trip for everyone.
Match the Trip to Your Family’s Skill Level
Choosing the right river route is key to making your family rafting trip fun and safe. If an outfitter doesn’t offer beginner-level options, it likely isn’t the best fit for families with younger kids or first-time rafters. Even if your crew has some experience, it’s important to base the trip on the skill and comfort level of the least experienced member.
At Echo Canyon, we offer three levels of whitewater adventures, including beginner-friendly trips that are perfect for families. Our Scenic Float is a relaxed journey ideal for kids as young as four, with mostly calm waters and a few gentle ripples to keep things exciting. For families with kids aged six and up—or anyone ready to level up—we recommend our Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip. This popular route features thrilling but approachable Class III rapids that are exciting without being overwhelming.
Looking for something more intense? Our Royal Gorge trip is for families with older teens and previous rafting experience, offering high-adrenaline Class III-IV rapids and unforgettable canyon views.
Whether you’re new to rafting or easing your kids into their first adventure, Echo Canyon has a trip that fits. From mellow floats to splashy rapids, we make rafting for beginners in Colorado safe, accessible, and fun.
Look for Class I-III Rapids
When choosing the right rafting trip, consider your family’s ages, experience levels, fitness, and comfort with adventure—some folks love a thrill, while others prefer to take it slow (both are totally valid!).
For most families, Class I (calm water with small waves), Class II (easy rapids for novices), and Class III (moderate, fun rapids) are the sweet spot. Unless your group has plenty of rafting experience, anything more advanced may be too intense. Our Bighorn Sheep Canyon trip is a great option for families ready for a little excitement, offering fun Class III rapids that are exciting but manageable. For those with younger kids or more cautious rafters, the Scenic Float offers gentle Class I waters—perfect for a relaxing introduction to the river.
Want to better understand how rapids are rated? Check out our blog, An Overview of Classes of Rapids for Whitewater Rafting, for a breakdown of the International Scale of River Difficulty.
Customizable Family Trips
Every family’s vacation style is different—some want a quick taste of adventure, others are ready to go all-in. That’s why trip length matters. Not all rafting outfitters offer flexibility in duration, so it’s worth checking before you book. At Echo Canyon, we’ve got options for every itinerary, from scenic half-day floats and full-day adventures to immersive multi-day expeditions. Whatever your timeline, we’ll help you find a trip that fits your schedule and your family’s comfort level.
Find Family-Friendly Perks, Services, and Comforts That Make a Difference
The logistics of a family trip tend to be a bit more complicated than a solo or grown-ups getaway. Here’s where a rafting outfitter’s perks and overall approach can really be dealbreakers: from providing accommodations, dining, and add-on activities—as we do here at Echo Canyon, thanks to our lodging partners Royal Gorge Cabins, our 8 Mile Bar & Grill right on site, and the various combo rafting adventure packages we offer—to less immediately tangible elements such as company mentality and safety commitments.
Overcoming Beginner Nerves
Everything from watching rafting videos to practicing oar- or paddle-strokes at home can help counter those inevitable beginner-rafter nerves, including among younger participants. Mental and physical preparation never hurts, after all.
Of course, being able to fully trust your river guide is essential, which is why it’s smart to ask any rafting outfitter about their training protocols. A reputable company will welcome your questions, especially when it comes to safety and potential risks on the river. At Echo Canyon, we’re always happy to connect before your trip to answer questions, ease concerns, and make sure your family feels confident and prepared for the adventure ahead.
Have the Adventure of a Lifetime With Echo Canyon River Expeditions
Turn this year’s family adventure into a story you’ll never forget — connect with our expert rafting guides and plan the perfect trip!
