How to Choose the Best California Rafting Trip for Your Family (By Age)

Planning a family whitewater rafting trip is easier than you think – especially once you know which river trip best fits your crew. Here’s a clear, age-based guide to help you find the perfect California river adventure for everyone in your family.

What to Consider Before Picking a Trip

While age guidelines are helpful, also think about your child’s:

• Height and weight
• Swimming ability
• Comfort in moving water
• Temperament and willingness to paddle

Each kid is different, and that’s part of the fun of choosing the right adventure.

Best Rafting Trips for Kids Ages 5-7 (Class I–II)

Recommended option:

» Tom Sawyer Float Trip on the easy section of the South Fork American

Families with little ones will love starting here. The South Fork’s mellow Class I–II stretch through the Coloma-Lotus Valley is calm enough for young adventurers, but still feels like a “real” rafting trip.

I may be biased – as the daughter of AO’s first non-Armstrong guide, I was a river kid from day one. I spent my toddler years knee-deep on the riverbank waving at rafters. But the day I finally climbed into a raft? Game changer. That’s the magic the Tom Sawyer Float Trip delivers.

Trip highlights:

• Gentle current perfect for 5-7 year olds
• Adult-guided inflatable kayaks for added fun
• Swimming spots galore
• Riverside berry picking when the season’s right

Even though this trip is custom-built for younger kids, older siblings, parents, and grandparents have a great time too!

Best Rafting Trips for Ages 7+ (Class III)

Recommended option:

» South Fork American River (Half-day, 1-Day, 2-Day)

Once your kiddo hits age seven, the world of whitewater starts opening up. The South Fork’s two classic sections – the Upper “Chili Bar” and the Lower “Gorge” – are exciting but approachable, ideal for first-timers and families with mixed ages. With options ranging from Half-Day trips to 1-Day or overnight adventures, it’s easy to tailor the experience to your group. The “pool-drop” style whitewater (rapid – pool – rapid) keeps things exciting but not overwhelming.

Lower “Gorge” section (great for first-time Class III):

• Starts with Class I–II warm-ups
• Bigger Class III rapids later in the day

Upper “Chili Bar” section (great for confident beginners):

• Starts with splashy Class III action right away
• Calms down in the second half

It’s no surprise the South Fork is the most popular rafting river in California. The river is fun, easy to reach – just about an hour from Sacramento on the way to South Lake Tahoe – and surrounded by charming Gold Country towns. Put it all together, and you’ve got the perfect setup for an amazing family getaway.

Best Rafting Trips for Ages 12+ (Intro to Class IV)

Recommended options: 

» Middle Fork American (Class III-IV)
» Tuolumne River at summer flows (Class IV)
» Merced River (Class III-IV)

Once you have a pre-teen or teen, you can start considering rivers that introduce Class IV rapids into the mix. The Middle Fork American and summertime Tuolumne are the perfect next step – big fun without jumping too far into the deep end. And since paddling 16 or 18 river miles can be a lot for anybody, think about splitting up the distance by opting for a multi-day trip with a dreamy overnight under the stars.

Middle Fork American River Rafting Trips:

• 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day trip options just 1 hour east of Sacramento
• Famous Tunnel Chute rapid and river tunnel
• Best enjoyed as a multi-day trip with riverside camping, optional inflatable kayaks and side hikes to hidden waterfalls

Tuolumne River at summer flows:

• 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day trips near Yosemite National Park
• Wild & Scenic remote river canyon
• July and August are the prime months to go for younger teens (12+)

On the same challenge scale is an awesome day on the Merced River! Just outside of Yosemite Valley, this free-flowing stunner delivers massive Class III-IV waves in the spring and early summer without much technical maneuvering. Imagine a roller coaster but in water form!  I remember my cheeks hurt from smiling so much the first time I splashed through the huge waves of the Mighty Mer as a 12 year old.

Rafting Trips for Teens 15-17+ (Class IV-V)

Recommended options:

» Tuolumne, including spring flows (Class IV+)
» North Fork Stanislaus (Class IV+)
» Kaweah River (Class IV+)
» North Fork American (Class IV+)
» Goodwin Canyon (Class IV+)
» California Salmon (Class V)
» Cherry Creek / Upper Tuolumne (Class V)

Once your pre-teen blossoms into a proper teen or young adult, the door opens to more demanding Class IV+ whitewater. These are the trips that tend to create lifelong rafters, best suited for teens who can follow instructions, paddle as a team, and are ready for a bigger challenge.

A few things to know before choosing a Class IV+ rafting trip:

• Most Class IV+ rivers have a minimum age of 15; Cherry Creek / Upper Tuolumne requires 17+
• Prior rafting experience is recommended, but not always required
• Not sure if Class V is the right next step? When Are You Ready For Class V Rafting?

Age Guidelines vs Reality

Age is a helpful starting point, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. When recommending trips, we also consider:

• Anticipated river flows based on seasonal forecasts and historical patterns
• How comfortable your child is in moving water (for example, swim team experience or playing in the ocean surf)
• Listening skills, teamwork, and overall confidence
• Previous rafting or outdoor experience

Higher water flows, which can occur during spring in big snowpack years, can increase minimum age requirements. Our California Rafting Consultants are always happy to talk through the options and help you choose a trip that feels exciting in the right way for everyone in your group.

Can’t wait to see you and the fam on the river!

---

FAQs

What is the minimum age for rafting in California?
It depends on the river. Trips start as young as 5 years old on the South Fork’s Class I–II Tom Sawyer Float section, and range up to 15–17 for more advanced Class IV–V rivers.

What’s the best river in California for families with younger kids?
The South Fork American River is the go-to for families. It offers everything from gentle Class I–II floats to fun Class III whitewater.

Do kids need to know how to swim?
Swimming ability is not required on the South Fork of the American River, which is a great choice for kids who are still learning or feel less confident in the water. (Can I Go Rafting if I Can’t Swim?)

Updated December 18, 2025 by Lenka Bostian
Posted on August 4, 2021 by Emily Vernizzi, river enthusiast and Armstrong cousin.