Kids & Families
Family Adventure Awaits
Our canoe trips are an ideal experience for families, and we’ve hosted family groups ranging from 4 years old to 90 years old.
Take the whole family on an adventure of a lifetime. A multi-day trip is the perfect way to connect to nature, unplug from technology and the stresses of life AND give your kiddos a chance to wonder and explore. The Upper Missouri River has incredible and fun hiking options - kids love to scramble around on the rocks, play in the mud, cast a fishing line and watch the stars.
Why our trips are great for kids & families:
Safe, Appropriate Adventure
The Upper Missouri River is rated as a Class One, meaning that it has no whitewater, making it a relatively safe environment.
Our canoes are very stable which minimizes the chances of capsizing
We do provide child-size life-jackets, which all children under 12 are required to wear on Montana's waters.
We have 3 and 4 -seater canoes for families that wish to paddle together or have little ones that wish to nap, enjoy the scenery or can’t paddle the whole time.
Children can also paddle with a guide (lucky!)
Accommodations for Kids
Kid-friendly food options: kids can be picky, so we will make sure there are options they will eat. We ask ahead of time if your little ones have preferences and do our best to make sure they are nourished and happy.
Celebrating a birthday? We will bake (yes, bake) a cake on the river and bring candles!
Family-size tents: We have large 4-5 person tents that can easily house your family together. OR, if the kids want their own tent, it can be arranged.
Our guides are exceptionally great with kids AND we feel extremely thankful as the younger perspective and wonder never fails to be inspiring and refreshing.
Fun activities
Fishing: kids 11 years and younger are not required to have a Montana fishing license. Feel free to bring a collapsible pole along. Kids can throw a cast out from the bank at camp.
Worried they will get bored? Well, we bring various games along! We have games ranging from cornhole to bocce ball to ring toss and more.
Hiking (yes, hiking). The kiddos absolutely love the hikes we offer (especially in the White Cliffs. They are able to climb rocks and explore.
Swimming and playing in the river. What kid doesn’t like to swim or play in the mud? This river could not be more ideal for both!
Recommended Trip Options
Families are, of course, welcome on any and all trips. The options below are recommended based on their length and itinerary (and our years of hosting kiddos and families groups). We are also happy to discuss options more in depth to curate the perfect trip for your family. If you are considering a trip but just want to talk to someone, please contact Haley (a mother of 2). She is happy to chat in depth about your kids specific abilities, needs, tendencies and can help you choose the right option.
White Cliffs 4 Day/3 night - Most popular short trip option
This trip is the best option for families with children. Time spent in the canoe is limited each day and spread out. Kids will have plenty of time for swimming, playing along the river bank and they love the hiking offered in this section. Whether your family is new to camping or seasons pros, this trip will feel like a big adventure, but you will leave wanting more (ideal!). Especially for small kids, this trip is manageable and doesn’t take up to much time as summer schedules tend to be extremely packed and busy.
However, if you are short on time (summers are busy) the 3 day/2 night trip is a wonderful option, and we offer the SAME hiking opportunities. Perhaps you are planning to visit a national park before or after the trip!
White Cliffs & Badlands 6 or 7 days
You are coming all the way to Montana, why not spend as much time as possible on a magnificent river with your family. We are continually impressed by the popularity of these trips for families. After a few days, the kids settle into river life and love taking on a role or duty, such as setting up chairs. Kids also enjoy trading off paddling with the guides. In the Badlands, we visit old, in-tact homesteads and spot Bighorn Sheep on the cliffs - both a fan favorite with the younger adventure crew. Afterwards, parents and kids feel a huge sense of accomplishment and enjoy the immense rejuvenation awarded by an extended trip away from cell phones, video games and the stressors of a packed activities schedule.
Again, please contact us (Haley) if you are unsure of what option is best - a conversation can truly help to make you feel confident in your decision.
Fort Benton to Virgelle - 2 days/1 night
Great option for first-timers!
Whether you are new to camping and boating activities or just simply short on time, this trip is perfect for experiencing the river but not worrying about if a long trip is doable. We hope this experience will motivate you to try for a longer adventure next time!
Day Trip
A day trip is also ideal for families with small children who might not be ready for several days of camping. This trip lasts roughly 5-6 hours. We stop regularly for breaks, snacks, lunch and stretch our legs by walking to viewpoints or exploring the many islands throughout the braided channels. The day are filled with peaceful paddling, relaxing in the boat and taking in the magnificent scenery.
“Would definitely recommend as an epic adventure for families!!”
“We had an incredible trip with Haley from Upper Missouri River Canoe Guides. All the details-- daily itinerary, delicious food, and wonderful conversations-- were our favorite highlights. It was such a treat to be able to experience the river in this way AND have quality family time without hassle.”
— Jess Swenson
Frequently Asked Questions
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We provide all necessary equipment, including canoes or kayaks (based on availability), paddles, life jackets, seat backrests, camp tables and chairs and dry bags for personal items. We offer expert guides and as must historical, geological and wildlife interpretation you can handle. We will provide a packing list for your convenience.
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We require a $75 deposit per person to secure your spot. We require final payment one week prior to the trip departure. Reservations made within one week of trip departure must be paid in full at the time of booking.
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Deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel a week prior to the launch date, you will not be charged the final payment amount. If you cancel within the week, and we have collected the final payment, this full amount is also non-refundable.
If you need to change the dates, we may be able to transfer your funds to that dates, but we can’t guarantee this. Each cancelation or rescheduling request will be handled on a case by case basis. We understand cancelations happen, but we also need to provide regular and guaranteed work for our amazingly hard working guides. Thank you for your understanding.
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In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
For more information on the available plans click here or contact Travelex Insurance 800-228-9792 and reference location number 26-0056.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. V94
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We will provide a gourmet lunch (locally sourced or food from our own garden or that we foraged, hunted or fished), snacks and beverages including, cold water, iced tea/lemonade & seltzer water. We can loan you a cooler and provide ice if you wish to bring additional beverages. Browse our sample menu page and get hungry for our amazing food.
Have additional questions?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us below.