White Water River Rafting Trip

Whitewater rafting is a thrilling experience, and if you're on the right Class of river -- all rivers are classified by the same system-- even young kids can enjoy the ride.

Holiday Expeditions, a 36-year-old family-run company, has river rafting trips in Utah, Colorado and Idaho, including family trips of several sorts.

• Ranch and Raft combination trips begin in eastern Utah at a century-old working cattle ranch, altitude 10,000 feet. Families stay in private cabins and can horseback ride, hike, go four-wheeling, hike, and generally sample Western ranch life. Then a private plane carries guests down to the desert canyon, where a raft awaits.

• Several Family Adventure river raft trips are offered in summer.

• Prices on these trips compare with multisport "family adventures" offered by adventure travel companies where fine lodgings and dining are part of the trip. For example, a 4-day trip might start at $774 per adult, $655 for youths.*

• some trips may be designated 'Family Only'.

• Youth prices are offered on most trips, with extra discounts on certain trips which can take kids as young as five.

• A River Sage trip combines history, culture, and ecology on the Yampa river in Dinosaur National Monument. The 5-day trip welcomes families with kids eight and up.*

Besides rafting, trips might feature outdoor games, discovery hikes, fireside stories and songs. After all, kids just wanna have fun wherever and whenever: so why not play dress-up on a rafting trip?

Trip price include meals, snacks, iced water, lemonade and a couple of sodas per day; check web site for current details and rates. Guests can either bring their own tent and sleeping bags, or pay to rent a sleeping bag, pad, pillow and rain gear, and/or tent.