Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos With Kids: What Parents Should Know Before You Go

Whitewater rafting in the Poconos with kids has been one of our favorite family adventures for years, and it’s something my kids still look forward to as teenagers.

I actually started rafting on the Lehigh River as a teenager myself. Once my own children became comfortable in the water, we started taking them around age six, which happened to be the minimum age for the trips we were booking at the time. Since then, we’ve gone almost every summer.

During Covid, when so many things were shut down, we even bought our own raft so we could keep going. A few of our favorite trips were spent floating the Lehigh River on our own, although these days our busy travel sports schedule usually limits us to one rafting trip each summer. Our raft eventually gave out, so we’re back to going with outfitters, which honestly makes for a much easier day.

One of the things I love about rafting is that it feels like a real adventure without needing to be an extreme experience. There are rapids, plenty of laughs, and usually someone getting soaked on purpose.

If you’re wondering whether whitewater rafting is safe for kids, what age is best, what to wear, or whether it’s worth the cost, here’s everything we’ve learned after years of rafting the Lehigh River in the Poconos together.

Whitewater rafting is just one of the many reasons we keep coming back to this area year after year. There are so many other fun things to do in the Poconos with kids, but this has always been one of our favorites.

If you’re planning a family getaway, you can also browse all of our Poconos travel guides for more ideas, tips, and inspiration.

Is Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos With Kids Safe?

This is probably the question I hear most from parents, and honestly, it’s a fair one. Taking young kids down a river sounds intimidating, but we’ve always felt comfortable rafting with experienced outfitters on the Lehigh River.

Everyone wears a life jacket the entire time, and before the trip begins, the guides go through a safety lesson and explain the paddling commands you’ll use throughout the day. They show everyone what to expect, how to paddle, and what to do if someone accidentally falls into the water.

One thing I’ve always appreciated is how well the guides know the river. They are constantly giving instructions about where to paddle, which side of the river to stay on, when to paddle hard, and where it’s safe to jump out and float during calmer sections. Every trip we’ve done with outfitters has also had guides nearby in kayaks, which adds another layer of support and safety.

Strong swimming skills are definitely helpful and made me feel more comfortable taking my own kids around age six, but you don’t have to get out and swim. Plenty of people stay in the raft the entire trip.

Personally, I think following the guides and rafting with an experienced company makes a huge difference. Over the years, there have unfortunately been accidents involving people attempting rivers without proper guidance or experience. That’s one reason I appreciate having professionals who know the Lehigh River so well and can help families enjoy the adventure safely.

How Old Should Kids Be for Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos?

We started taking our kids whitewater rafting when they were around six years old. At the time, that was the minimum age for the trips we booked, but I think swimming ability, confidence in the water, and willingness to follow directions matter more than age alone.

Both of my kids were strong swimmers and excited about the adventure. They wanted to paddle, hit the rapids, and be part of the experience. That doesn’t mean every six-year-old is ready, though. Some kids may be happier waiting until they’re eight or nine, while others are eager to start earlier. As a parent, you know your child best.

One thing I appreciate about rafting on the Lehigh River is that the section used by most family trips is relatively tame compared to some other rivers. There are definitely rapids and plenty of splashes, but I’ve always thought it makes a great introduction to whitewater rafting.

Water levels also make a huge difference. After heavy rain or during scheduled dam releases, the river moves faster and the rapids become more exciting. Other times, there are long calm stretches where you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and wait for the next set of rapids. No two trips have ever felt exactly the same.

Personally, I think the Lehigh River offers a nice balance. There is enough excitement to keep kids smiling without feeling overwhelming. In fact, we’re looking forward to trying whitewater rafting on a river in Riviera Maya this summer, and I’m expecting it to feel quite a bit more adventurous than the family trips we’ve done on the Lehigh.

Even now that they’re teenagers, rafting is still one of those activities they get excited about doing. I love that something we started years ago is still on their list.

Which Whitewater Rafting Company Have We Used?

Over the years, we’ve used a few different outfitters for whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River. Honestly, I can’t remember exactly which company we used on every trip, but I know we’ve launched from areas around Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, and farther north near Weatherly.

Most of the companies operate in a similar way. You check in, get fitted for life jackets, listen to the safety talk, and then take a bus to the starting point along the river. From there, you’ll spend several hours rafting through Lehigh Gorge State Park before being transported back to the outfitter.

One thing I appreciate is that we’ve had consistently good experiences no matter which company we used. The guides have always been knowledgeable, safety-focused, and great with kids. Every trip included multiple guides nearby in kayaks and clear instructions throughout the day, which helped make the experience fun without feeling overwhelming.

The exact starting point and route can vary depending on water levels and whether there are scheduled dam releases, but we’ve always enjoyed the scenery and the mix of exciting rapids and calmer stretches.

If you’re planning your first trip, I wouldn’t stress too much about choosing the “perfect” company. The major outfitters all have years of experience on the Lehigh River and know how to make the day enjoyable for families.

Popular Lehigh River Outfitters

🛶 Jim Thorpe River Adventures  – Based in Lehighton, just outside Jim Thorpe.
🛶 Pocono Whitewater – Located in Jim Thorpe and offering both family-style and dam-release trips.
🛶 Whitewater Challengers  – Based in Weatherly and offering several options on the Lehigh River.

If you’re spending the weekend nearby, Jim Thorpe is one of the best areas to explore during a Poconos trip.

If your family enjoys active outdoor adventures, Blue Mountain Summit Adventure Park is another one of our favorite ways to spend a day in the Poconos.

What Kids Actually Think About Whitewater Rafting

My kids have loved whitewater rafting from the beginning, and I think a big reason is that it feels like a real adventure. Once we pushed away from shore, there was never any complaining about being bored.

Of course, everyone looked forward to the rapids, but some of their favorite memories came during the calmer sections. The guides would point out places where it was safe to jump in and float, and my kids always loved that part. There were plenty of times when one person started splashing and somehow everyone ended up soaked.

They also liked feeling like they were part of the team. Paddling through the rapids together made it feel like more than just sitting and enjoying the scenery. There was always excitement as we approached the next set of rapids and a sense of accomplishment after making it through.

During Covid, we bought our own raft after years of going with outfitters and floated the Lehigh River a few times on our own. Those trips gave us some extra freedom and created some great memories, but these days we’re happy to leave the logistics to the professionals and simply enjoy the day.

Now that my kids are teenagers, they’re still excited to go rafting. In fact, we’re planning another trip on the Lehigh River this summer, along with a rafting excursion in Riviera Maya. I love that something we started when they were six is still something they enjoy years later.

What My Kids Loved Most

✔ Looking forward to the next rapids
✔ Jumping in and floating during calm sections
✔ Working together to paddle through the rapids
✔ Splashing each other and ending up soaked
✔ Spending the whole day outside
✔ Feeling like they accomplished something together

What to Wear Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos

The good news is that you don’t need anything fancy for whitewater rafting. In fact, we’ve found that simple is best.

Everyone should expect to get wet, even on calmer trips. Depending on the water level and how much splashing is going on, you might end up completely soaked before the day is over.

For us, a bathing suit under the life vest, quick-drying shorts, and water shoes have always worked well. I usually wear a hat and sunglasses too.

Shoes are one thing I wouldn’t overlook. Flip-flops and loose sandals can easily get lost, especially if you decide to jump in during one of the calmer sections. We’ve always had much better luck with water shoes that stay securely on our feet.

What We Usually Wear

✔ Bathing suit under the life vest
✔ Quick-drying shorts
✔ Water shoes
✔ Hat
✔ Sunglasses
✔ Sunglasses strap
❌ Flip-flops
❌ Anything you would be upset about losing

What to Bring Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos

One thing we’ve learned after years of rafting is that you don’t need much. In fact, the less you bring, the better. Most of the day is spent enjoying the river, not digging through bags.

We always bring a dry bag for keys, phones, and anything we don’t want getting wet. Water and sunscreen are must-haves, especially on hot summer days. I also like having dry towels and a change of clothes waiting in the car for the ride home.

If you’re bringing sunglasses, a strap is worth it. Trust me, the river doesn’t give them back.

First-Timer Tips for Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos

After years of rafting on the Lehigh River, these are the little things I’d tell anyone planning their first trip.

✔ Water levels and dam releases can make the same river feel completely different from one trip to the next.
✔ Expect to end up wetter than you think.
✔ Secure your sunglasses with a strap or leave them behind.
✔ Don’t bring more than you need.
✔ Plan on everyone being hungry afterward.
✔ Have dry clothes waiting in the car.
✔ Younger kids often enjoy the calm sections just as much as the rapids.
✔ Don’t stress too much about choosing the “perfect” outfitter.

Is Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos Worth the Money?

For us, absolutely. Between the bus ride, guides, safety equipment, and several hours on the river, we’ve always felt like it was a good value. It’s one of those activities that everyone talks about afterward, and years later, my kids still ask when we’re going again.

If you’re comparing activities in the Poconos, rafting has consistently been one of the experiences we’ve repeated the most.

Final Thoughts on Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos With Kids

Whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River has been part of my life since I was a teenager. Looking back, I love that this has become one of those traditions that has grown with our family. What started as something I enjoyed as a teenager eventually became something we all looked forward to together.

I think that’s what I love most about it. Not many activities stay fun for that long.

The Lehigh River offers enough excitement to feel like a real adventure without being overwhelming, which is one reason I think it’s such a great introduction to whitewater rafting for families. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, there’s something special about spending a day outside, getting soaked, and making memories together.

If you’re planning a family getaway, don’t stop with the river. Be sure to explore all of my Poconos travel guides for more ideas and inspiration.

Families looking for more water-based fun can also read our comparison of Kalahari vs Great Wolf Lodge if you’re considering an indoor water park trip too.

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Our family travel photography © Stack the Miles. All family and attraction photos were captured during our Poconos trips. Select scenic and landmark images courtesy of trusted stock sources and tourism archives.

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