Best River Tubing Spots for a Family Adventure
The picturesque landscapes of New England offer a plethora of opportunities for river tubing, with options suitable for families with children of all ages. Here are some of the top destinations for a fun-filled, safe, and enjoyable tubing trip.
In Massachusetts, the Deerfield River stands out as a popular choice. With two distinct sections, the wilderness area starting in Conway and the more accessible stretch from Florida to Charlemont, the Deerfield River caters to both adrenaline seekers and families looking for a relaxing day on the water. Local outfitters in the area offer tubes and shuttles for a convenient tubing experience. It's recommended to go tubing when rivers are flowing, after a light to moderate rain, but not during flood stages. To ensure comfort, wearing shoes, bringing a picnic, and outfitting an extra tube for lunch and drinks are essential.
For a more secluded experience on the Deerfield River, put in at the Bardwells Ferry Bridge on Bardwells Ferry Road in Conway, Mass. and float downstream to the Stillwater Bridge on North Road for a 3.5 mile float.
New Hampshire's Pemigewasset River is another great option, particularly for those seeking a quieter river experience. The river runs from the White Mountains south towards Concord, offering light tubing use, sandy beaches, and secluded spots. The put in at Holderness Road bridge in Plymouth, N.H. and the takeout at the Daniel Webster Highway (NH 3) bridge in Ashland, N.H., which is 4.4 miles long, is a preferred run.
Connecticut's Farmington River is renowned for its gentle currents and family-friendly atmosphere. Farmington River Tubing offers tubing trips where children can float safely with provided tubes and life jackets for around $30 per person, making it an ideal choice for families.
In Maine, the Androscoggin River, particularly the section from Gilead to Bethel, offers a 10-mile tubing trip featuring mostly gentle stretches suitable for families with kids wanting a relaxing day on the water. The Kennebec River, popular for whitewater rafting, also offers kid-friendly rapids and experienced guides to ensure safety and fun, making it accessible for children aged 8 and up.
Summer is a popular time for river tubing in New England, with activities such as swimming, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and fishing common during trips. For a more challenging adventure, the Presumpscot River offers a more serious run for those who continue downstream for another couple miles to the takeout on the Presumpscot River Preserve.
Tubing is a multi-generational activity in New England, with many preferring to bring at least one canoe or kayak along on the trip. However, it's not advisable to tie tubes together with rope.
The Clean Water Act of 1972 led to the cleanup of many New England rivers, making them safer for swimming and tubing. These pristine waters provide a natural oasis for residents and visitors alike, offering a refreshing escape from the city heat during the summer months. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, the Presumpscot River in Portland, Maine is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day and find a natural oasis during your visit to the city.
Additional options include tubing trips in the Connecticut River area, which have gentle rapids and scenic views suitable for families, and various locations in the White Mountains of New Hampshire offering guided rafting trips with calm sections that are child-friendly.
So, grab your tubes, sunscreen, and essentials, and head out to the rivers of New England for a memorable family adventure this summer!
Enjoy a blend of outdoor-living and home-and-garden relaxation by packing a picnic for your tubing trip on New England's rivers, enhancing your lifestyle with moments of tranquility amidst picturesque landscapes. After an invigorating day of tubing, unwind on secluded beaches, taking in the natural beauty of these pristine waters, creating lasting memories for your whole family.
