Summer in Idaho is made for river days — and if you’re looking to beat the heat, make memories, and let the kids enjoy some splashy fun, there are plenty of family-friendly floats.
Whether you’re floating for an afternoon or planning a weekend adventure, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to float with the whole family!
🌊 1. Boise River Float (Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park)
Location: Boise, ID
Distance: 6 miles
Duration: 2–3 hours
Best For: First-timers, families with young kids
The Boise River float is a beloved summer tradition for locals and visitors alike. Starting at Barber Park and ending at Ann Morrison Park, this six-mile stretch offers a calm, scenic float through the heart of the city. It’s scenic, gentle, and super accessible — perfect for kids and first-time floaters. The river typically opens for float season at the end of June or early July
Why it’s great for families:
- Tube, raft, and kayak rentals available at Barber Park
- Shuttle service between parks makes logistics easy
- Life jacket loaner stations and safety videos available
- Shallow sections perfect for wading and splashing
- Urban views, bridges, wildlife sightings, and easy logistics with shuttles running daily in the summer.
Tip: Arrive early on weekends—parking fills up fast!
🛶 2. Cabarton Stretch – North Fork of the Payette River
Location: Near Cascade, ID
Distance: ~10 miles
Duration: Half-day guided trip
Best For: Families with kids 5+, nature lovers
The Cabarton stretch of the Payette River is a hidden gem for families looking for a bit more adventure without the intensity of big whitewater. Guided by the experienced team at Cascade Raft, this trip includes a mix of Class II and mild Class III rapids, perfect for introducing kids to river rafting (10+ recommended)
Why it’s great for families:
- Customizable experience based on your child’s comfort level
- Wildlife sightings (moose, eagles, deer) are common
- Includes a riverside lunch and all gear
- Ends with a lazy float near Smith’s Ferry
Tip: You’ll want a guided trip or experienced paddlers with proper gear and PFDs.
🏞️ 3. Salmon River Family Rafting Trips
Location: Central Idaho
Duration: Multi-day wilderness trips
Best For: Families with older kids, camping enthusiasts
Known as the “River of No Return,” the Salmon River offers a wilderness experience like no other. Despite its rugged reputation, it’s incredibly family-friendly—especially in July and August when water levels drop and conditions mellow out
Why it’s great for families:
- Huge sandy beaches perfect for games and campfires
- Deep pools for swimming and floating
- Choose-your-own-adventure style rapids
- Ideal for multi-generational trips
Tip: Book early—these trips are popular and often fill up months in advance.
🌲 4. Weiser River (Near Council, Idaho)
A lesser-known gem, this calm river offers a peaceful float surrounded by Idaho farmland and rolling hills — a great off-the-beaten-path float for families with younger kids.
- Distance: Varies
- Location: Best access is near Council, Idaho (ask locals or outfitters for the safest stretch for floating)
Perks: Quiet, less crowded, and perfect for a relaxed day on the water.
🌊 5. The Selway River
If you’re up for an unforgettable family river adventure a bit beyond Boise, the Selway River in North Central Idaho delivers wild beauty, kid-friendly water, and a float you’ll never forget. This isn’t your average afternoon float — it’s a magical journey through rugged wilderness where the spirit of Lewis & Clark still lingers, and the water flows clear and cool beneath towering evergreens.
Location: Put in at O’hara Bar Campground on Selway Road
This sandy beach is ideal for launching, parking, and setting up. There’s plenty of shade and space to prepare your boats and gear.
Distance: ~6 miles
Duration: about 3 hours
Best for: Perfect for a half-day trip or make it a slow adventure with stops for lunch, fishing, or rock skipping
Final Thoughts
Idaho is full of river treasures, and floating with your family is one of the best ways to explore them. Whether you’re sticking close to Boise or heading up north for the Selway experience, these kid-friendly floats are sure to become cherished summer memories.
