“Whitewater rafting with a family?” It might sound unexpected, but yes! When you picture Good Family Vacations, images of Disney parks, relaxing cruises, all-inclusive resorts, or sunny beaches often come to mind. For many, whitewater rafting might seem more suited for adventurous young adults or bachelor parties, not families with kids. The idea of putting children in a raft and navigating rapids can seem daunting, even risky.
However, after experiencing it firsthand during our own family vacation, whitewater rafting has completely changed our perspective. It turns out that “whitewater rafting” and “good family vacations” are a fantastic combination. Our trip down the river was not only safe but also incredibly fun and memorable for everyone.
family white water rafting
Our family geared up and ready for an exciting whitewater rafting adventure.
Living in Maine, we see many tourists drawn to the classic coastal attractions like Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach, Camden, and Acadia National Park. Maine’s stunning coastline with its islands, lighthouses, and lobster is undeniably appealing. While coastal Maine is wonderful, there’s another, less explored side to Maine: the vast North Woods. Here, you can escape the crowds and immerse yourself in mountains, forests, lakes, and pristine rivers. This region offers incredible opportunities for hiking, fishing, exploring, and, of course, whitewater rafting!
Seeking a vacation idea that would excite our tween and teenage kids, we looked north and discovered whitewater rafting. Initially, the thought of taking our four children, including some who weren’t strong swimmers, into river rapids was concerning. We wondered: Could a whitewater rafting family vacation be too adventurous or even unsafe?
After careful consideration, we decided to take the plunge and booked a trip on the Kennebec River. It turned out to be an amazing decision. Our family vacation was filled with laughter, huge smiles, amazing photos, and unforgettable moments. Everyone loved it, and now I wholeheartedly recommend whitewater rafting to any family visiting Maine. If you’re considering it for your family, our experience can guide you, starting with the most important question:
Is Whitewater Rafting Safe for Kids on Family Vacations?
My wife has written a detailed article specifically on rafting safety with kids based on our trip, which provides a more in-depth look at this topic. From my perspective, the answer is a resounding yes, whitewater rafting can be very safe for kids. Reputable rafting outfitters, like Northern Outdoors, prioritize safety above all else. They have age and weight restrictions in place to ensure that all participants are physically ready for the adventure.
Our trip was on the Kennebec River, and Northern Outdoors, like many responsible companies, has a minimum age requirement (in our case, ten years old). Our youngest child, a small ten-year-old who isn’t a strong swimmer, met the minimum age. We voiced our concerns to our guide, who was fantastic. He spoke directly with our son, gauging his comfort level and confidence. He offered the option to have our son picked up after the initial, more challenging rapids, but also mentioned he would miss some of the most exciting parts. Our son, wanting the full experience, opted to stay in the raft for the entire trip, and we supported his decision.
Interestingly, it was our thirteen-year-old daughter who ended up being the most nervous once we were in the raft. However, it was a positive, excited nervousness that pushed her boundaries in a safe environment. Like the rest of the kids, she emerged from the experience feeling proud of herself and immediately asking to go again, this time “on a bigger river!” That will have to wait, as Northern Outdoors has a higher age limit of fourteen for the Penobscot and Dead Rivers, which offer even more challenging rafting experiences.
So, while inherent risks exist in any adventure activity, whitewater rafting with a reputable outfitter is generally much safer than many families imagine. For a comprehensive understanding of safety measures, I highly recommend reading my wife’s article.
family white water rafting fun
Our family photo capturing the pure joy as we plunged into the rapids.
Understanding Whitewater Rafting Costs for Family Vacations
Asking about the cost of whitewater rafting for family vacations is similar to asking about the price of a car – it varies. Several factors influence the price, including the day of the week, rental needs, and accommodation choices.
We booked our trip mid-week, and Northern Outdoors offered a fantastic half-price discount for anyone under eighteen during the week. For a family with four children, this discount resulted in significant savings! Beyond the cost benefits, mid-week rafting offers a more relaxed experience for families. Weekends tend to attract a younger, party-oriented crowd, while weekdays provide a calmer, more family-friendly atmosphere. If your goal is to save money and enjoy a less crowded river, planning your trip mid-week is a smart strategy for good family vacations.
Another way to reduce costs is to bring your own necessary gear. Being first-timers, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect regarding equipment. While I wore my Tevas, some family members needed to rent water shoes. Bringing your own water shoes or old sneakers eliminates this rental fee.
whitewater footwear
A display of rental whitewater footwear options at Northern Outdoors, highlighting the importance of proper gear.
The same principle applies to clothing. Depending on the season, wearing appropriate synthetic layers is crucial. Some of us wore cotton t-shirts, which are not ideal for getting wet. The ladies in our group opted to rent splash jackets to stay drier. Wearing synthetic tops would have avoided this rental cost. Wetsuits are also available for rent, but are generally unnecessary in mid-summer.
Lastly, for those who wear glasses, like four of us, eyeglass retainers (cords to secure glasses) are essential. Northern Outdoors conveniently sells these in their lodge at standard prices, which was a quick solution, and now we have them for future rafting trips!
Rental costs are reasonable, so forgetting gear isn’t a major issue. However, for budget-conscious families planning good family vacations, preparing in advance and bringing your own gear can lead to noticeable savings.
For detailed pricing information, it’s best to visit the Northern Outdoors rafting page.
Important Note: The staff at Northern Outdoors are not just expert rafting guides; they are also excellent cooks! The rafting trip price includes a delicious riverside lunch freshly prepared by the guides. They also thoughtfully accommodated our son’s peanut allergy, demonstrating their commitment to guest well-being.
rafting guides cooking lunch
Northern Outdoors guides showcasing their culinary skills by preparing a delicious lunch for rafters right on the riverbank.
What to Expect on a Whitewater Rafting Trip: Fun for the Whole Family
Northern Outdoors guides prioritize fun, and rule number one is: rafting is fun! Your family should anticipate a thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to finish. The fun begins even before hitting the rapids, starting with the engaging and entertaining safety briefing. Guides deliver essential safety information in a way that is both informative and humorous, maintaining professionalism while creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Their passion for their jobs is evident, making the entire experience positive.
The rapids themselves are naturally thrilling, but the fun extends beyond the adrenaline rushes. Between rapids, when the river calms, rafters are encouraged to jump out of the raft for a swim or try inflatable kayaks brought along for the trip. If swimming isn’t your preference, simply relaxing and appreciating the stunning natural beauty of Maine’s North Woods is incredibly rewarding. Unlike crowded coastal areas, these rivers are surrounded by unspoiled wilderness – expect to see trees, birds, and perhaps the occasional kayaker, not houses and people.
After the rafting adventure, while you relax at the lodge’s restaurant/brewpub or hot tub, the staff works behind the scenes to compile a video and photo slideshow of the day’s trip. The guides then present this entertaining recap, providing lots of laughs as everyone sees their hilarious facial expressions captured during the most exciting moments on the river.
Family-Friendly Accommodations for Whitewater Rafting Vacations
Northern Outdoors offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and family sizes for those planning good family vacations centered around rafting on the Kennebec River. We chose one of the North Woods Cabins, which provided ample space for our family. Each child had their own room, and my wife and I enjoyed the loft area. We dined at the lodge one evening but otherwise brought our own food to cook in the cabin’s kitchen.
Other family-friendly accommodation choices include the more budget-friendly Timberdoodle Condo, Logdominiums, lodge rooms, and the most economical option, the Kennebec River Campground located just across from the lodge. The campground features traditional tent and RV sites, as well as cabin tents! Even campground guests have access to the pool and hot tub at the main lodge.
For families prioritizing cost-effectiveness for good family vacations, rafting mid-week, bringing your own river gear and food, and staying at the campground offers the best value. It’s hard to find a family vacation with a better fun-to-cost ratio than this!
northern outdoors cabin rentals
The charming North Woods Cabins at Northern Outdoors, offering a range of lodging options for families.
Beyond Rafting: More Family Activities in Maine’s North Woods
If you’re driving to The Forks for rafting (located on the scenic Old Canada Road), extending your stay beyond a single day is highly recommended. While our kids were happy relaxing by the pool and hot tub, numerous other activities are available in the area. You can rent ATVs for off-road adventures, hike to the stunning Moxie Falls, enjoy leisurely float trips down the river in kayaks, fish in the river, go moose watching along logging roads, and explore countless other outdoor pursuits. The region offers so much to do that you could plan an entire vacation there without even rafting!
A final fun family photo in a rafting pyramid formation, celebrating a successful and adventurous family vacation.
If you live in Maine, treat your family to the unique experience of rafting down one of Maine’s iconic rivers.
If you’re visiting Maine, don’t miss out on the “other” Maine, the less-seen wilderness beyond the coast. Venture north, explore Maine’s North Woods, and consider whitewater rafting for truly unforgettable good family vacations.
