Whitewater Rafting Brings Families Together

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

In an age dominated by screens and digital distractions, Western River Expeditions is helping families unplug and reconnect through exhilarating whitewater rafting vacations. By navigating the rapids together, families are forging stronger bonds and creating lasting memories in the heart of nature.



Creating Unbreakable Family Connections on the River
“There’s a unique magic that happens when families face the river’s challenges together,” says Kam Wixom, Marketing Director at Western River Expeditions and a seasoned river guide since 1991. “Away from the constant buzz of technology, families engage fully with each other and the natural world, strengthening their relationships in profound ways.”

Wixom, who began his rafting career alongside his future wife and is now a father of five, has witnessed firsthand how whitewater rafting demands active participation and teamwork from every family member.

The River as a Catalyst for Family Unity

  1. Teamwork and Communication: Families must listen to guides and collaborate to navigate the river, fostering coordination and unity.
  2. Building Trust: Overcoming obstacles together strengthens trust and highlights the importance of relying on one another.
  3. Disconnect to Reconnect: Time away from devices allows families to engage deeply with each other and the environment.
  4. Developing Resilience: Facing the river’s challenges builds resilience and problem-solving skills in both children and adults.
  5. Creating Shared Memories: The excitement and beauty of the journey create unforgettable experiences that families cherish for a lifetime. 

“Unlike theme parks or beach vacations, whitewater rafting requires everyone to be present and engaged,” adds Wixom. “It’s an adventure that brings out the best in each family member.”

Plan Your 2025 Family Adventure Now
Being an early-bird and booking a family rafting trip now ensures securing preferred departure dates and accommodating busy family schedules. Western River Expeditions can recommend several family-focused and friendly rafting vacations:

2025 Green River 5-Day Desolation Canyon Adventure
Ideal for ages five and up, this trip offers fun rapids suitable for all ages, inflatable kayaks and easy hikes to historical sites like Moonshiner’s Cabin and abandoned ranches. 

2025 Moab “Southwest Sampler”
A 4-day package perfect for families with younger children, featuring a mix of activities in the Moab area and a two-day trip down the Colorado River through Castle Valley. 

2025 and 2026 Grand Canyon 4-Day Rafting & Ranch Tour
Experience cowboy charm at the Bar 10 Ranch on the remote northern rim of the Grand Canyon, followed by a helicopter ride into the canyon and three days of river rafting. 

2025 Lower Salmon River 5-Day Expedition
Select departures are exclusively for families, offering exciting yet manageable rapids and options for inflatable kayaks or guide-powered oar boats. 

For more family adventure options, visit www.westernriver.com/best-family-adventure-vacations

Plan a Trip Today
To request a 2025 catalog, check availability or make reservations, call toll-free 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit www.westernriver.com.

About Western River Expeditions
Since 1961, Western River Expeditions has been at the forefront of adventure travel, offering unforgettable guided rafting trips across Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Arizona. As the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the leading tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center, Western River has earned accolades from USA Today 10Best and Newsweek Magazine as one of the top rafting companies in the U.S. The company has also been awarded Utah’s Best of State honor for twenty-one consecutive years (2004-2024).