Family Rafting Trips and Nature Activities for Kids
Posted August 2, 2010 by Malina
Here at our home-base on the South Fork of the American River we take lots of families with younger kids because the South Fork’s class III rapids are a great introduction to the sport. Plus, we know from the letters we receive that family rafting trips are an activity that kids actually think is better than a video game–no really! We get letters every year saying just that! Scoff all you want, but it’s true.
For families wanting to stretch their trip into a weekend adventure there a lots of fun stuff to do in the valley. For instance we have several awesome wineries. Oh lord, I’m kidding. No, I’m not advocating you take the wee ones out drinking. Anyhoo. The Marshall Gold Discovery Park is just down the road and that’s a great way to get good and close to some major American history. You can see the sawmill, the old chinese store, and Native American grinding stones. The hike up to the Sutter Memorial is pretty mellow and the view is great!
Also in the park is the American River Conservancy’s Nature Center. They have cool displays of local flora and fauna and lots of info for kids. They also do cool activities like hikes and star-gazing evenings–check out their website for more info on that stuff.
One more cool idea for fun after a family rafting trip is just to camp out for the night before or after your trip. S’mores, a campfire, twinkling stars and some good old-fashioned conversation…..hide those blackberries, iPhones, and ear buds and live in the now!