Family Rafting in Colorado

Popular! Trips fill quickly

Best for most families

Raft Bighorn Sheep Canyon

The ultimate family rafting experience in Colorado. Our most sought-after adventure – perfect for the little adventurer or the kid-at-heart.

Class I-III rapids (class IV at higher flows)
Minimum age recommendation 6+ years
Half-day and full-day trips
Lunch included on full day raft trips
Raft through the heart of big horn sheep country
$119 per person | FREE wetsuit gear use

Best for relaxing

Scenic family float

Take a relaxing float down the Arkansas River while you take in the sights, sounds, and wildlife with your family and friends.

Class I-II (class III at higher flows)
Minimum age recommendation 4+ years
Half-day trip lasts a total of 3 hours, with about 1.5 hours on the river
Wetsuit gear available at no additional charge
Splash, paddle, laugh, and bring out the kid in everyone.
$119 per person | FREE wetsuit gear use

Family Rafting Fun in Colorado

Create unforgettable memories and lasting bonds with a family rafting adventure in Colorado.

Colorado boasts some of the most exciting whitewater and breathtaking scenery in the country. Family rafting in Colorado offers an ideal combination of thrill, relaxation, and connection to nature.

At Echo Canyon River Expeditions, we’ve been taking families for the ride of their lives since 1978. Whether your family is made up of young kids or teenagers, we have you covered. We offer white water rafting for kids of all ages and experience levels.

With half-day, full-day, multi-day, and package options, we have a family rafting trip built just for you. Take a relaxing float down the river on our Scenic Float trip, or if your kids are a bit older and looking for more excitement, give our Big Horn Sheep Canyon Trip a try.

Get your splash on!

Adventure– family style

Family-friendly (ages 6+) whitewater rafting combined with wildlife and amazing views make for a day of smiles for the whole crew.

Let us handle the details

Our experts can help you plan your perfect trip including rafting, activities, food and drink, chill time and lodging.

Why families raft with echo canyon

Safety comes first, and always

We take our fun seriously

Striking a balance – between serious fun and serious safety throughout the entire trip
Big thrills and time to chill – we know when and where to add extra adventure and when to tone things down and take it easy
Every kid is unique – we make sure they all feel welcome, included, and engaged in the action

Planning made easy

Kid-approved

More trips to explore

There’s so many family-friendly activities in the area. Check out a few of our favorites and build a full-day of adventure.

Scenic Float Rafting Trip

Relax with your kids on this gentle, laid-back float down the Arkansas River. The Scenic Float includes class II to III rapids, and is available as a half-day raft trip.

Bighorn Sheep Canyon Raft & Zipline Package

Embark on an action-packed full day of family fun and adventure; whitewater rafting at Echo Canyon and a Colorado zipline tour near Colorado Springs.

Raft-n-Bridge Package

Combine a half-day white water rafting trip through the family-friendly Bighorn Sheep Canyon with an afternoon at the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Raft-n-Rail® Package

Combine a half-day Bighorn Sheep Canyon rafting trip with a Royal Gorge train ride. Between activities you’ll have time to grab a bite at the 8 Mile Bar & Grill.

Raft & ATV

Add an ATV tour to your rafting adventure. Side by side ATVs carry up to 3 passengers in addition to the driver. Single person ATV machines are great for those age 16 and up. Raft trip not included in tour price.

Need a place for the family to stay and play?

When you’re done with your rafting adventure, kick-back and relax in one of our on-site Glamping tents or luxury cabins.

Family Rafting FAQs

Which trip is best for my family?

We recommend reading up on all our trips to get a good sense of the best fit for your family. Big Horn Sheep Canyon is by far our most popular family trip with the Scenic Float coming in a close second for a tamer adventure. The Royal Gorge is designed for families with older teenagers looking for a wet-and-wild adventure.

What's the best time to go rafting?

There is no “best time”, however we would suggest planning based on seasonal weather and flows. Our regular season runs from mid-April through mid-September. The Arkansas River typically reaches its peak sometime between mid-May and early July producing some of the best whitewater in Colorado. May and June tend to have cooler air temperatures and a chance for late afternoon showers. July through early September are the warm and sunny months with somewhat lower water levels.

Are food and drinks available?

Of course! We have grab-and-go snacks, drinks, as well as a full restaurant, 8-mile Bar and Grille on site with options for the whole family.

Does everyone need to know how to swim?

No! Every person on the trip will be issued a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type V Personal Flotation Device, better known as a PFD. They’re designed to float your head above the surface of the water even if you do not know how to swim.

Is rafting safe for my family?

Safety is our top priority for our guests and staff. Having said that, there are inherent risks with river rafting that we cannot always foresee or remove from the activity. To keep you as safe as possible we train our guides more extensively than any other outfitter in the state of Colorado, and we have in place a number of safety protocols to minimize risk wherever possible. We’re looking out for you!

Are there changing rooms on-site?

Yes. We offer clean, family friendly changing rooms with bathrooms for before and/or after your rafting adventure.