Not every rafting trip needs big rapids. The Splash and Dash is a quick, family-friendly float on the lower Animas River, built for groups that include younger kids, nervous paddlers or anyone who wants a taste of the river without committing a whole morning. The route runs through the same scenic stretch of river as the longer trips, with cottonwoods, red rock banks and views back toward the mountains, but the pace is easy and the rapids are mild. Guides keep things light, with water fights, games and stories that keep children entertained from start to finish. The appeal of a short trip is flexibility. You can fit it in before lunch or after an afternoon nap, combine it with other plans and still have energy left over. Because the trip is brief, it is also easier on budgets, which matters when you are booking for a whole family. As with all river trips, safety comes first, so expect life jackets, a safety talk and clear instructions. Check the product details for the minimum age, weight limits and departure times, which can vary with the season and the water level.
Water level again shapes the trip. In early summer, when the river runs high, the operator may adjust the route or recommend a calmer section for young children, and in some conditions trips for the youngest ages may not run. Later in summer and into early autumn the flow is lower, the water is warmer and the trip feels even more relaxed. Guides will tell you whether the conditions are suitable for your group, and it is wise to follow their advice, even if it means rescheduling.
Prepare the family before you arrive. Dress everyone in swimsuits or quick-drying clothes, with water shoes or sandals that strap on, and pack sunscreen, hats, towels and a complete change of dry clothes. Leave phones, wallets and keys in the car or at the hotel, or use a waterproof pouch. Slather on sunscreen before you leave, since the glare on the water is stronger than you expect, and bring water to drink afterward. Children should be comfortable in a life jacket, so let them try it on and listen to the safety briefing carefully.
The best plan is to treat the trip as a highlight of a larger family day. Start with a train-themed morning at the depot, rafting before lunch and a visit to an ice cream shop on Main Avenue afterward. Or, if you prefer the hot springs, book the river in the morning and soak in the afternoon. For older children who want more action, consider the half-day trip, which has more rapids, or a kayaking outing for teens. Whichever you choose, book ahead in July and August, when the most popular times fill quickly.
Do not underestimate how much children enjoy the preparation. Letting them pick their own helmet, test their paddle and sit in the front of the raft turns the safety briefing into part of the game. If your family has mixed ages, ask the operator how they seat people and whether there are weight limits for the front positions. Bring a towel and a plastic bag for wet clothes, and plan a snack for the end of the trip, since fresh air and splashing make everyone hungry.
What to expect
The experience
A short, gentle guided raft trip for families on the lower Animas River, with mild rapids and plenty of splashing.
Best time
Midsummer through early autumn, when the water is warmer and calmer.
How long
About an hour and a half to two hours.
Tips
Check minimum ages, dress in swimwear with secure shoes, pack a dry change and follow the guide's safety talk.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with young children and first-time rafters.
- Families
- The best low-pressure introduction to rafting for kids, subject to age and water-level rules.
- Couples
- A light, fun hour on the river if you want less intensity.
- Pair with
- Ice cream on Main Avenue or a visit to the depot.
- Time needed
- Two hours or less.
Good questions
Is this trip suitable for young children?+
It is designed for families, but minimum ages and water-level limits apply, so check before booking.
How long does the trip last?+
Roughly one and a half to two hours on the water and transport together.
How wet will we get?+
Expect to get splashed and possibly soaked. Bring a complete change of clothes.
Are there big rapids?+
No. The route is mellow compared with the longer trips, though the river is always unpredictable.
What if the river is too high?+
Operators may adjust the route or reschedule when conditions are unsafe for young children.