Family Rafting on the Kern River: Best Class II–III Trips for Kids

Why the Kern River Is Perfect for Family Rafting

Not every river is built for families.

Some are too remote, too technical, or too cold for kids to enjoy safely.

The Kern River checks every box that matters to parents: warm canyon air, stunning scenery within the Sequoia National Forest, and a variety of trip options that scale perfectly to different ages and comfort levels.

The Class II–III sections we use for family trips offer exactly the right amount of excitement,  enough whitewater to get the adrenaline going, but controlled, predictable rapids that our guides navigate with ease.

Your kids will feel like adventurers. You'll feel completely at ease.



Not sure which trip matches your family? Use our Kern River trip guide to find your perfect match in under two minutes.

Best Kern River Trips for Kids: A Family-Friendly Overview

We offer two trips that are specifically designed  and loved by families.



Here's how they compare at a glance:

Lickety Split — The Best Rafting Trip for Young Kids (Ages 5+)

If you've got young children and you're not sure they're ready for 'real' whitewater, the Lickety Split is your answer.

This playful two-to-four-mile stretch of the Upper Kern runs right from our Kern Outdoor Center in Kernville and is the most beginner-friendly rafting experience on the river.

The Class II–III rapids are splashy and fun without being overwhelming.



Trips run in either a Single Lickety (one pass of the stretch) or a Double Lickety (two passes) perfect if your little ones are loving it and don't want to stop.

At 1.5 to 2.5 hours, it's short enough to keep young attention spans fully engaged from start to finish.

Lickety Split at a Glance

Class II–III  •  2–4 miles  •  1.5–2.5 hrs  •  Ages 5+ (minimum 50 lbs)  •  April – July

Trips run daily at 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 3 pm

Ready to book?  View Lickety Split trip details and availability

Jungle Run — Half-Day Adventure for Older Kids (Ages 9+)

For families with older kids who are ready to push things a little further, the Jungle Run on the Lower Kern is hands-down our most popular family trip.

You'll cover nearly nine miles of gorgeous granite canyon over four hours, taking on a series of mild Class III rapids that deliver genuine thrills without ever feeling out of control.

One of the highlights families always talk about is the Jump Rock stop, a natural rock formation where kids (and brave adults) can leap into a calm pool below.

It's the kind of spontaneous, unscripted moment that makes a trip unforgettable.

The canyon scenery along the Lower Kern is stunning, towering granite walls, crystal-clear water, and the kind of quiet you can only find an hour away from the city.

Your kids will be completely unplugged and completely absorbed.

Jungle Run at a Glance

Class II–III  •  8.5–9 miles  •  ~4 hours  •  Ages 9+  •  April – September

Curious about the full Lower Kern experience? Explore all Lower Kern River trips

How Safe Is Whitewater Rafting for Kids?

It's the first thing every parent asks,  and it's exactly the right question.

The honest answer is: on the right river, with the right guides, Class II–III whitewater rafting is a very safe activity for children.

Here's what that looks like in practice at Whitewater Voyages.

Age Minimums and Weight Requirements Explained

We set minimum age and weight requirements not to be restrictive, but because they reflect the physical reality of safely fitting and using a life jacket. Our guidelines:

• Lickety Split: Ages 5 and up, minimum 50 lbs.

• Jungle Run: Ages 9 and up.

• Big Five and Sierra Escape: Ages 12 and up, for families with older teens ready for more challenge.

Children who don't yet meet the minimum age or weight for a trip cannot participate on that specific run.

We're happy to help you find the right alternative, just call us on 800-400-7238 and we'll point you in the right direction.

Safety Gear and Equipment Provided

You don't need to bring a thing when it comes to safety equipment.

Every guest, adult and child,  is fitted with:

• A properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD/life jacket)

• A safety helmet

• Splash gear and wetsuits where conditions call for them

Our guides fit each child individually before the trip begins.

A PFD that fits correctly is one of the most important safety factors on the water, and we take it seriously.

Before every trip, your guide will run through a full safety briefing: how to hold your paddle, what to do if you fall in, basic river commands, and what to expect at each rapid.

By the time you push off from the bank, your kids will know exactly what they're doing.

What to Expect on a Family Rafting Trip with Whitewater Voyages

From the moment your raft hits the water, the Kern River has a way of making everything else disappear.

For kids, it's an immediate, full-sensory experience: the sound of moving water, the cool spray on their faces, the effort of paddling as a team, and the electric buzz of anticipation before each rapid.

Don't be surprised if your typically screen-obsessed child is the one asking to stay longer. The river has a way of doing that.

Your day will generally look like this:

•  Arrival & Check-In: Meet at the Kern Outdoor Center in Kernville. Our team will greet you, go through waivers, and get everyone fitted for gear.

•  Safety Briefing: Your guide covers everything you need to know, paddle commands, safety positions, what each rapid involves.

•  On the Water: You paddle as a team, with your guide steering and calling commands. At calmer sections, there's time to take in the       canyon scenery and (on the Jungle Run) stop at the Jump Rock.

•  Take-Out: You'll end at the take-out point, dry off, change, and relive the highlights on the ride back.



What to Bring

Water shoes or secure sandals (no flip-flops)  •  Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)

A change of clothes and a towel  •  Water bottle  •  A willingness to get wet

Leave at home

Jewelry, cotton clothing, valuables you'd mind losing

Our Guides: Trained, Certified, and Great with Kids

The difference between a good rafting trip and a great one almost always comes down to the guide.

Ours are certified, river-experienced, and genuinely good at what they do, which includes reading families and adjusting the energy of the trip accordingly.

Whitewater Voyages has been operating on the Kern River since 1975 under Special Use Permit from the Sequoia National Forest.

That's five decades of local river knowledge, refined guide training, and accumulated wisdom about how to run safe, joyful trips for all ages.

When our guides are with your family on the water, they're not just steering a raft, they're watching your kids, reading the river, and making sure everyone has the best possible time.

Families regularly mention their guides by name in reviews.

That's not a coincidence, it's a reflection of how much our guides invest in every trip they run.

Tips for Preparing Your Kids for Their First Rafting Trip

A little preparation goes a long way, especially with first-time rafters. Here are a few things that make a real difference:

•  Talk it through beforehand. Kids feel braver when they know what to expect.Tell them about the safety briefing, the gear they'll wear,   and the fact that their guide will be with them every step.

•  Let them ask questions. If your child is nervous, encourage the questions,  and loop in the guide at the start of your trip. Our guides are   great at putting anxious kids at ease.

•  Dress for water. Synthetic fabrics dry faster than cotton. Pack a full change of clothes for after the trip.

•  Eat beforehand, but not a big meal. A light snack about an hour before is ideal. Avoid large meals right before time on the water.

•  Book the right trip. Age 5–8? Start with the Lickety Split. Ages 9 and up? The Jungle Run is the natural first choice. When in doubt, our   team is happy to help you decide.

Book Your Family Kern River Rafting Trip

Booking is quick and easy. Trips run daily from April 1st through the season, with multiple departure times available for the Lickety Split (10 am, 12:30 pm, and 3 pm) to fit your family's schedule.

Browse availability and book online at whitewatervoyages.com/river-rafting-packages, or call us at 800-400-7238 if you'd like help choosing the right trip for your group.

We also offer a range of discounts and special pricing, including group rates that work well for larger families or multi-family trips.

Check our discounts page when you're booking to see what applies to your group.

One last thing: the Kern River season runs April through September, with spring being the most popular time for families (snowmelt levels make for the best water conditions).

Dates fill up quickly in April, May, and June, so if you're planning a spring break or early summer trip, book sooner rather than later.

Ready to make memories?

Browse family trips and book your date online at whitewatervoyages.com

Questions?

Call us at 800-400-7238 or email fun@whitewatervoyages.com