YES! You want to talk about reconnecting with your kids? This is it. A few hours into the trip, they’ll realize that their cell phones don’t work and turn their focus to the amazing environment they are in.
We get questions about kids being bored and I will say that the daily routine is anything but. You’ll eat breakfast, pack the boats and then shove off in the morning; then raft for a few hours with rapids and flat water, then usually stop for a side hike to a slot canyon or a waterfall. Then back on the boats to raft a bit more, then stop again for lunch. Then back on the boats again, more rafting and maybe another side hike in the afternoon. After that you’ll get into camp, the guides will start making dinner and usually the kids are asleep soon after sunset (they’re so worn out!).
There is definitely a lot of variation during the day — you aren’t just stuck on the boat for 8 hours. There will be opportunities for the kiddos to get the wiggles out at all of the daily stops, as well as in camp.
The Grand Canyon and kids go hand in hand; it is a great place to enjoy your little ones without a TV, tablet or phone. Remember though, the Grand Canyon is a rugged backcountry environment and as fun as it can be, it can also be potentially dangerous. Make sure you kids listen well and can be responsible in the backcountry. If they can do that, they’ll have an awesome time.
Enjoy your kids again! We can take kids as young as 8 years old on our motorized raft trips and as young as 12 years old on our oar-powered raft trips.