One of my favorite kinds of multi-day trips is spent out on the river. That’s probably quite obvious, given my profession in kayaking. When it comes to any multi-day river trip, I personally prefer to head out on a raft. I know the idea of rafting can be really intimidating for some. There are so many moving parts that you have to figure out.
This article includes all the reasons why I think multi-day rafting trips are an amazing experience for families. I think it will change your opinion entirely. Out of all the adventures, the best family adventure vacations has to be rafting down the river as a family.
Rafting Brings Families Together
When you’re rafting, you don’t have a lot of things with you. That ultimately forces you to work together, play together, and ultimately strengthen your skills as a team. On the water, you need to come up with solutions to problems. Instead of picking up your phone and typing or speaking questions to Google, you have to figure it out. Being out in the open really changes the vibe of the family. I think multi-day rafting trips are the best example of bringing your family together.
Rafting Isn’t as Hard as it Seems
Now, I know the idea of taking a multi-day rafting trip can be intimidating. There are so many resources out there to help you along. Start Googling or looking into outfitters that provide rafting equipment or guides that can take you. I’m sure, regardless of your skill level or experience, you’ll find a rafting trip that works for you.
Immersed in Nature
The best family adventure vacations are when our kids are immersed in nature. Kids nowadays don’t spend enough time outdoors. There is nothing better than watching my kids engage with nature from sun up to sun down. When out on a multi-day rafting trip, they’re fully immersed in being outside. I think nature is one of life’s best teachers.
Forest Fires
On the last two multi-day rafting trips that we’ve done, we’ve dealt with major forest fires. On our most recent trip, we encountered rattlesnakes and bears. There really is no better way to teach your kids about the impacts of environmental change than by actually experiencing it and basically seeing the hillside on fire.
When it came to learning to be aware of the rattlesnakes and bears, it really helped my kids be aware that we’re not alone and everything’s not about us. They have this opportunity while rafting to see some of the animals in their natural element. Instead of watching the animal in a video.
Groover is your bathroom
If you don’t know what a groover is, the groover is the name for the bathroom while you’re rafting. While trying to use the groover on a western trip, sure enough, there was a bear. We were prepared and aware and my kids then found this respect for wildlife that they didn’t have before.
Your Kids Will Appreciate the Small Stuff
When rafting, you need to set up everything. From your bathroom and your cooking water to your tent or your sleeping shelter. All the things that you need to survive as a human. You set up yourself, and with necessities not being easily accessible or right in front of you, it takes effort to cook a simple meal or even go to bed at night.
Disconnecting the kids from home
A lot of kids, including mine, are used to their home where everything is on hand, so disconnecting them from all that and showing them what you need to do for basic survival really makes them appreciate the little things.
Rafting Boosts Creativity
Without access to toys on the water, creativity really does blossom. Your kids will start to think up fun games to play. Ways to interact with the water, and how to interact with each other. It doesn’t mean there aren’t going to be times when they feel frustration, but at the same time, watching that engagement and interaction that they have with one another while rafting is something that I haven’t found anywhere else.
Best family adventure vacations
Multi-day rafting trips will always be at the top of my best family adventure vacations simply for the bond and connection it creates for the family. Be sure to follow us on YouTube. Check our social media at Great Family Adventure and comment down below what other tips and tricks you’d like to know to help get your family enjoying the great outdoors.
Dry bags: NRS Outfitter Dry Bag
Waterproof Camera: GoPro Hero 11
Sunglasses: Wiley X
Kayaks: Jackson Fun Kids Kayak
