For several years at Grand Canyon Whitewater, I’ve helped guests prepare for their river trips by answering questions, calming packing chaos, and witnessing the canyon work its way into people’s hearts.

Every summer, I’m lucky enough to step away from the office and experience the river for myself. It’s a great perk of the job, but it’s also a powerful reminder of why I love what I do.

This summer was extra special because I got the chance to take my whole family, my husband, and our two daughters, ages 10 and 11, on the river.

Even with all my experience and love for this place, I wasn’t quite prepared for how different it would feel seeing the canyon through their eyes.

They caught on quickly to the rhythm of river life. Early mornings, camp chores, and sleeping under the stars. It didn’t take long for them to feel at home out there. But life in the canyon is full of contrast. One moment you’re relaxing on a beach, and the next you’re shivering from a blast of 50-degree rapid water.
As the trip went on, I couldn’t help but think about the big rapids, the cliff-like trails ahead. Those moments that always make me glance at the guides for a little reassurance. Having my kids along made those moments feel even heavier. But kids have a way of surprising you. They charge ahead with a kind of fearless curiosity that’s hard not to admire.

And that’s what hit me the most. They weren’t just on the trip; they were living it. Meeting each moment fully, in a way that reminded me what this kind of adventure is really about.

Honestly, that mix of nerves and growth is exactly why I’d choose this trip again and again. Watching my girls rise to those challenges and surprise themselves was the highlight of my family’s experience. It’s not just about the stunning views; it’s about pushing through the tough parts together.

If you’re thinking about bringing your kids, just know…they might get more out of it than you ever imagined.