Cañon City: Family Float Rafting With Lunch, Photo & Wetsuit

If you’re looking for a safe, relaxed way to introduce your family to Colorado’s outdoor adventure scene, the Family Float Rafting experience in Cañon City might just be your perfect fit. This tour offers a gentle, scenic float along the Arkansas River, emphasizing comfort, safety, and fun—without the turbulence of whitewater rapids. Whether you’re traveling with little ones or just want a laid-back river outing, this experience combines beautiful views, engaging guides, and a tasty BBQ lunch into a well-rounded package.

What immediately catches the eye is the attention to detail: from wetsuits and river shoes to professional guides who prioritize safety and storytelling, this trip is designed to make everyone feel included and secure. Plus, the opportunity to download up to 20 photos taken during your float adds a special keepsake to your adventure. One thing to consider is that this experience is best suited for families with children over 2 years old or non-swimmers, so if you’re traveling with very young toddlers, you might want to explore other options.

This tour is ideal for families, first-time floaters, or anyone looking to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace. If you value authentic experience, good value, and beautiful scenery, this could be a highlight of your trip to Cañon City.

Key Points

• Family-friendly adventure suitable for ages 1 and up, with a focus on safety and comfort
• All-inclusive gear: wetsuits, river shoes, splash jackets, and life jackets provided
• Scenic float along the Arkansas River, with wildlife sightings and storytelling elements
• Delicious BBQ lunch included, with options for hotdogs and hamburgers
• Photos of your trip available for download to remember the experience
• Easy logistics: transportation, safety briefings, and guides handling the setup and paddling

An In-Depth Look at the Cañon City Family Float Rafting Experience

Arrival and Preparation: Starting Your Adventure

The journey begins at the Raft Masters location on E Main Street, a straightforward spot with ample parking and a friendly check-in process. The staff is quick to guide you through the gear fitting—expect wetsuits, river shoes, splash jackets, and life jackets. Their emphasis on safety and comfort is clear from the start, which sets a positive tone for the journey ahead.

Once suited up, you’ll hop onto a bus that takes you about five minutes to the river. This short ride offers a chance to chat with guides, who are often praised for their friendliness and expertise. One reviewer noted how guides like Mattie and Leyland made the experience enjoyable by balancing storytelling with safety, making everyone—including young kids—feel at ease.

The Scenic Float: What to Expect on the River

The 6-mile float is designed to be more relaxing than adrenaline-pumping, making it perfect for kids and those new to rafting. The guides steer the raft through gentle waves, splashes, and occasional wildlife sightings—think cranes, geese, and even cows wading in shallow pools, as some reviews beautifully describe. The focus is on enjoying the stunning Colorado scenery and the peaceful rhythm of the river.

One reviewer shared that their guide, Leyland, was especially good at engaging children and making sure everyone felt included. The storytelling element adds a layer of entertainment for kids and adults alike, transforming a simple float into a memorable adventure. The safety briefings and paddling instructions are clear, ensuring everyone knows their role without feeling overwhelmed.

Wildlife and Photo Opportunities

During the float, it’s common to spot local wildlife, and guides often take the chance to point out a crane in flight or a heron perched nearby. The opportunity to download photos taken during the trip means you can relive the memories without worrying about capturing every moment yourself. This added benefit helps justify the tour’s cost, as photos are a nostalgic keepsake.

Post-Ride Relaxation and Lunch at Eddy Out Café

After your float, you’ll head back to the office, where you can browse souvenirs, shirts, and view the photos taken during your trip. For those on a morning tour, a BBQ lunch waits at the Eddy Out Café, featuring juicy burgers and hotdogs paired with chips, cookies, and refreshing fountain drinks. This laid-back meal is a nice way to unwind and share stories from the day.

Several reviews mention how the guides and staff make this part of the experience special, emphasizing the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a simple but satisfying way to conclude your river day.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour lasts around 3 hours, with starting times varying—so it’s worth checking availability in advance. Transportation to the river and back is included, making logistics hassle-free. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before adds flexibility to your planning.

The cost of $109 per person balances affordability with the high-quality experience offered. The gear provided—including wetsuits and water shoes—ensures comfort even if the weather turns cooler, and the safety equipment keeps everyone secure throughout the float.

What We Love and Consider

The knowledgeable guides, like Leyland and Mattie, are a highlight, making the trip engaging while ensuring safety. The scenic views and wildlife sightings bring a tranquil, authentic Colorado vibe that’s hard to beat. And the inclusion of photos and lunch adds real value.

A possible consideration is that this float doesn’t feature the adrenaline of whitewater rapids, which might disappoint thrill-seekers. Also, children under 2 aren’t suitable, so younger toddlers will need other options.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for families, especially those with young children or first-time river floaters. It also suits travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day out with minimal physical challenge but maximum natural beauty. If you’re looking to introduce kids to Colorado’s outdoors in a safe, guided environment while enjoying good food and photos, this is an excellent choice.

Final Thoughts

The Cañon City Family Float Rafting tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, safety, and family fun. The guides’ expertise and storytelling make the trip more than just floating down a river—they turn it into a memorable adventure that’s perfect for all ages. The included gear, wildlife sightings, and BBQ lunch elevate the experience from basic to special, especially for those wanting a laid-back day immersed in Colorado’s stunning landscape.

While it doesn’t have the wild thrills of whitewater rapids, its emphasis on comfort, safety, and natural beauty makes it a smart pick for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting a peaceful escape. The value for money is evident in the quality of the guides, the photos, and the scenic experience—making this tour a great way to enjoy Colorado’s outdoors without the stress.

If you value authentic, relaxed outdoor activities that bring your family closer to nature, this float is likely to become a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s recommended for ages 1 and up, though children under 2 are not eligible. Kids over 2 will enjoy the gentle float and wildlife sights.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. All water gear (wetsuits, shoes, splash jackets) is provided for comfort and safety.

Do I need to be a good swimmer?
No, the tour is family-friendly and safety-focused, with guides managing paddling and safety instructions. Non-swimmers are suitable.

How long does the tour last?
The overall experience is about 3 hours from start to finish, including transportation, the float, and post-ride activities.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, a BBQ lunch with hotdog or hamburger, chips, a cookie, and fountain drink is included for morning tours. Lunch is served before the afternoon trip.

Can I see wildlife during the float?
Absolutely. Guides often point out birds and animals, and some reviews mention seeing cranes, geese, and even cows wading in shallow pools.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a range of mobility needs.

To sum it up, this tour offers a peaceful, scenic, and well-organized introduction to Colorado’s riverscape, perfect for families and those seeking a relaxed outdoor experience.