The Green and Colorado rivers vary from mild to wild and Moab rafting trips come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you paddle for a half-day or more than a week, hire rafting equipment or partake in an organized river trip be sure that the rafting adventure you select is commensurate with the age and interest of the kids. Take note, the minimum age and type of craft – jet boats, paddleboats or inflatable kayaks – utilized on commercials trips are more often than not dictated by river flow and difficulty.

Cataract Canyon, below the confluence of the Green and Colorado rivers, is a world-class stretch of white water. Here, the Colorado River's power and speed produces 14 miles of rapids, some of which are Class V. Whitewater rafting trips in Westwater Canyon traverse a dozen of the top whitewater rapids in the western United States. Little Dolores, Funnel Falls, Skull Rapid, and Sock-it-to-Me are but four. Desolation Canyon may not hold the allure of Cataract or Westwater but it is no less exciting and no less stunning. The rapids, Class I to III in peak season, make this section of the Green River an ideal choice for families partaking in their first multi-day whitewater rafting trip. The dramatic landforms, created by millions of years of erosion, will capture the attention of even the most jaded kids. The slow float in Castle Valley from Fish Towers to takeout beach is ideal for novice paddlers. Whether you partake in a half or full-day trip the kids will learn to raft yet have ample opportunity to swim.

Rafting on the Colorado and Green rivers is ideal from early May to late September. Rivers flow, dependent on rainfall and snowmelt, peaks, on average, between mid-May and late June. Yet the water level isn't the only thing you will need to consider when planning a self-guided rafting trip. A permit is required for all Green and Colorado River rafting trips through Cataract Canyon, Westwater Canyon and Desolation Canyon as well as all points in between. If you are planning a self-guided rafting trip in an area managed by more than one public entity request an interagency permit. It reduces the bureaucracy. Unless you plan to paddle both down and upstream, book your shuttle service first. Several of the take-out points are a long way from anywhere and companies offering river services are oftentimes fully booked weeks if not months in advance. In addition, consider the number of hours you intend to paddle each day as well as the amount of time you would like to spend exploring, hiking side canyons for example, when determining the length of any rafting trip.

Selecting the right outfitter is essential for a successful river rafting adventure with or without kids. Once you have established the type of adventure you wish to experience, determine the outfitter's knowledge of the area, experience with children as well as the number of hours you will be paddling each day. In addition, find out what is included in the cost; determine the size of the group, type of boat, length and difficulty of the rafting trip and whether other families have registered. And before you book, seek advice from other family travelers. Ask friends and pose questions on travel forums.

If you are partaking on a fully outfitted river trip you won't need much in the way of specialized rafting gear but there are a few things all families should consider. Don't wear cotton on the river it weighs more wet than dry and will quickly leaving you feeling chilled. Quick drying clothing - shorts, pants and tops – is ideal. Don't forget to think about your feet. Sturdy, water resistant shoes or sandals (no flip-flops or crocs) are a necessity even if you plan to spend all of their time in the boat.

There is little reprieve from the sun on Colorado and Green River rafting trips. Pack enough waterproof sunblock and sunscreen lip balm for repeated applications. Pack sunglasses with a cord and hats with a draw string, it is easier than you think to loose both to the water and the wind. Don't forget your camera, bathing suit, water resistant sandals or sport shoes, quick drying shorts, pants and tops, and insect repellent as well as a sport bottle for each member of your crew. Pack your personal items including your camera in resealable waterproof bags. Families embarking on a self-guided adventure will not want to forget guidebooks, maps and first aid kit.