Rafting for All Ages: How to Choose the Right Trip for Every Generation
Rafting: The Perfect Family Adventure
Few activities bring generations together quite like a day on the river. Whether it’s your child’s first time paddling or a grandparent’s first float in years, rafting creates shared memories, laughter, and connection that last a lifetime.
At Thunder River Adventures, we specialize in helping families of all sizes and ages enjoy the Roaring Fork River safely and comfortably. Our guides are experts at matching every group to the perfect trip — whether that’s calm scenic water or thrilling whitewater waves.
Trips Designed for Every Generation
Every family is different — that’s why we offer three main rafting experiences, each tailored to different ages and adventure levels.
🛶 The Scenic Float Trip (Ages 3 and Up)
This is our most family-friendly trip and perfect for multigenerational groups. The Scenic Float offers gentle Class I–II water, calm currents, and endless mountain views.
It’s common to see ospreys, eagles, and deer along the banks, and guides are happy to share stories about local history and wildlife. For families with young children or grandparents, this trip is relaxing, safe, and incredibly rewarding.
If requested in advance, guests can even choose to not paddle and simply enjoy the ride while the guide rows the raft downriver.
🌊 The Canyon Cruise (Ages 6 and Up)
For families with older kids, the Canyon Cruise offers the perfect balance between excitement and safety. It’s a Class III stretch of river — lively, splashy, and full of teamwork — but still accessible for first-time rafters.
Kids love the energy of this trip, and parents appreciate the professionalism of our guides, who make sure everyone is comfortable, confident, and having fun. It’s the ideal choice for families with mixed ages looking for an adventurous yet approachable experience.
⚡ The Slaughterhouse Section (Ages 14 and Up)
When families with teens or adult children are ready for a bigger challenge, the Slaughterhouse Section delivers. This Class IV run is six miles of nonstop whitewater, including technical rapids and a six-foot waterfall drop.
It’s a great bonding experience for adventurous families — full of teamwork, laughter, and adrenaline. Our guides vet each group carefully to make sure it’s the right fit, ensuring safety while delivering the thrill of a lifetime.
Why Rafting Works for Multi-Generational Families
Rafting brings everyone together — without phones, crowds, or distractions. Whether paddling through rapids or drifting past wildlife, the river offers something for each generation:
Kids love the excitement and splashes.
Parents enjoy sharing an active, outdoor experience with their children.
Grandparents get to sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Colorado from a front-row seat to nature.
Our guides are trained to adapt each trip’s pace and paddling expectations based on the group’s needs, ensuring everyone stays comfortable and has fun from start to finish.
How We Keep Families Safe and Comfortable
At Thunder River Adventures, safety and professionalism are our top priorities. Some of our guides have decades of Class IV and V experience, and all guides have at least three years of professional river guiding experience, along with certifications in swiftwater rescue and first aid.
Every trip includes a detailed safety and paddle talk, during which guests learn the basics of paddling and how to stay secure in the raft.
We also provide all the necessary gear at no extra cost, including helmets, life jackets, wetsuits, splash jackets, booties, and fleece layers when needed. Our goal is simple — to make sure every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, feels prepared and cared for.
Stories from the River
Some of our favorite memories come from multigenerational families. We’ve had grandparents in their nineties join our Scenic Float and love every minute of it. Our guides help them to the raft, make sure they’re comfortable, and handle all the paddling so they can simply relax and enjoy the ride.
For kids, rafting is often the highlight of their summer vacation — a chance to laugh, paddle, and see the river in a way they’ll never forget. Watching three generations share the same raft, smiling and splashing together, perfectly captures what Thunder River Adventures is all about.
Tips for Families Planning a Rafting Trip
Dress for the river, not the weather. The river can be cooler than it feels in town — we’ll outfit you with everything you need.
Choose the right trip for your group. Call us to discuss ages, comfort levels, and what kind of experience you’re hoping for.
Bring sun protection. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses with a strap are must-haves.
Pack a towel and change of clothes. You’ll appreciate it after your trip.
Trust your guide. They’re professionals who take pride in keeping every family safe and smiling.
Book Your Family Rafting Adventure
Whether your family includes toddlers, teenagers, or grandparents, Thunder River Adventures has the perfect trip waiting for you. From calm scenic floats to splashy rapids, you’ll share laughter, teamwork, and lifelong memories on the Roaring Fork River.
👉 Book your Aspen family rafting trip today and let our experienced guides help you create the perfect day for every generation.
