Family-Friendly Rafting in Bend: A Parent’s Guide to Success
Planning a family vacation in Central Oregon? Whitewater rafting is the ultimate way to unplug and bond, but we know that as a parent, you have questions. From "how young is too young?" to "what do I need to pack?", we’ve got you covered.
At Bend Backcountry Tours, we handle all the heavy lifting so you can focus on the smiles.
Choosing the Right River for Your Family
Not all rapids are created equal. Depending on the ages and "adventure levels" of your crew, you’ll want to pick the right stretch of water.
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The Splashy Fun of the Deschutes: Our Deschutes River Rafting Service is the classic choice for families. It offers the perfect mix of "Big Eddy" excitement and calm swimming holes.
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The Scenic Magic of the McKenzie: For families who want crystal-clear water and a lush forest canopy, our McKenzie River Rafting Service provides a stunning, slightly more technical experience that older kids love.
Check out our full breakdown of the Best Central Oregon Rivers to see which one fits your family's vibe.
Safety First (So You Can Relax Second)
We know safety is your #1 priority because it’s ours, too. We provide professional-grade, high-buoyancy life jackets for all sizes, including specialized PFDs for children. Our guides are experts at working with kids—making them feel like "assistant captains" rather than just passengers.
For a deep dive into our equipment and training, see our Rafting Safety & Gear Guide.
We Handle the Logistics, You Handle the Fun
The biggest hurdle for a family outing is the "stuff." At Bend Backcountry Tours, we’ve simplified the process:
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All Gear Included: PFDs, helmets, and even wetsuits for the little ones on chilly days.
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Expert Navigation: Our guides handle the rowing; you just enjoy the ride.
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Stress-Free Logistics: We manage the shuttles and the timing. You just show up at the meeting point.
Common Family Questions
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What is the minimum age? This varies by river and water level. For current age requirements and weight limits, please visit our Rafting FAQ page.
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What if my kid is nervous? Our guides are trained to "read the boat." We can take the "mellow line" through rapids or the "splashy line" depending on how your family is feeling.
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What should we bring? Just the basics! Check out our Ultimate Bend Rafting Guide for a packing list of what to wear so you don't end up with soggy sneakers.
Safety First (So You Can Relax Second)We know safety is your #1 priority because it’s ours, too. We provide professional-grade, high-buoyancy life jackets for all sizes, including specialized PFDs for children. Our guides are experts at working with kids—making them feel like "assistant captains" rather than just passengers.For a deep dive into our equipment and training, see our Rafting Safety & Gear Guide.We Handle the Logistics, You Handle the FunThe biggest hurdle for a family outing is the "stuff." At Bend Backcountry Tours, we’ve simplified the process:All Gear Included: PFDs, helmets, and even wetsuits for the little ones on chilly days.Expert Navigation: Our guides handle the rowing; you just enjoy the ride.Stress-Free Logistics: We manage the shuttles and the timing. You just show up at the meeting point.Common Family QuestionsWhat is the minimum age? This varies by river and water level. For current age requirements and weight limits, please visit our Rafting FAQ page.What if my kid is nervous? Our guides are trained to "read the boat." We can take the "mellow line" through rapids or the "splashy line" depending on how your family is feeling.What should we bring? Just the basics! Check out our Ultimate Bend Rafting Guide for a packing list of what to wear so you don't end up with soggy sneakers.