More families than ever are traveling together — not just across miles but across generations.
According to the Family Travel Association and Travel Pulse, 35 percent of families are now planning multi-generational trips that include grandparents, parents and kids, with 69 percent of parents expressing a strong desire for their children to spend more vacation time with grandparents. American Express Travel reports that 58 percent of Millennial and Gen Z parents plan to bring extended family on future vacations.
“Rafting gives every generation a shared role and a sense of purpose,” says Kam Wixom, marketing director at Western River Expeditions. “We see it every day – grandparents lighting up as they help their grandkids spot desert bighorn sheep, parents reconnecting with their teens without screens between them, and stories passed down around a campfire instead of through FaceTime.”
Why River Rafting Is the Perfect Multi-Gen Vacation
- All-Ages Adventure: With trips suited for guests as young as 5 and as experienced as 85, rafting breaks barriers and invites everyone to join in.
- Unplugged Time, Real Connection: No screens, no distractions – just rapids, laughter, storytelling and shared discovery.
- Low Stress, High Reward: With expert guides handling meals, gear and logistics, families can relax and truly enjoy each other.
- Nature as Equalizer: Whether paddling inflatable kayaks or watching stars from a riverside cot, generations interact in ways that daily life rarely allows.
Multi-Generational Trips That Create Core Memories
Green River – Desolation Canyon, Utah (5 days)
Gentle Class II–III rapids and comfortable summer water temps make this trip perfect for ages 5 and up. Paddle your own inflatable kayak or relax in a guide-rowed boat. https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon
Rates: Adults $2,125 | Youth (5–15) $1,350
Main Salmon River, Idaho (5 days)
Raft 82 scenic miles of Class II–IV rapids through the River of No Return Wilderness. Warm water, sand beaches, and Wild West lore included. https://www.westernriver.com/main-salmon-river
Rates: Adults $2,150 | Youth (6–14) $1,850
Lower Salmon & Snake Rivers, Idaho (5 days)
Western’s “Family Magic” trips feature dedicated kids’ guides, earlier mealtimes for little ones and riverside gourmet dinners for grown-ups. https://www.westernriver.com/lower-salmon-river
Rates: Adults $1,990 | Youth (5–15) $1,860
Grand Canyon Rafting (3–7 days)
From 3-day intro trips for ages 9+ to full 6–7-day expeditions (ages 12+), these legendary journeys combine thrilling rapids, helicopter exits and once-in-a-lifetime scenery. https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-rafting
Rates: Starting at $1,995
https://www.westernriver.com/expeditions.
Photo Courtesy of Western River Expeditions