Is River Tubing a Good Activity for Families?

Yes, river tubing is a great activity for families

If you’re planning a mountain vacation and wondering whether river tubing is a good activity for families, the answer is yes! — and for many families it becomes the highlight of their trip. After welcoming guests since 1978 at Wahoo’s Adventures, we’ve watched thousands of families float the river together. Parents, grandparents, and kids share the same relaxing experience while drifting through the beautiful scenery of the New River in Boone, North Carolina.

Here’s why tubing is one of the best family activities in Boone, NC.

Tubing Lets Families Relax and Spend Time Together

One of the things families tell us most often after their trip is how nice it was to simply slow down and enjoy time together.

Unlike many activities where everyone is doing something different, tubing keeps the whole group connected. Families can strap their tubes together and float as one group while enjoying the outdoors and watching for wildlife along the riverbanks.

Parents often tell us that tubing is one of the few activities where everyone from grandparents to young kids can participate together.

River Tubing Is Perfect for All Ages

One reason family tubing on the New River works so well is that it requires no experience or athletic ability.

You simply:

• Sit in a tube
• Float with the current
• Relax and enjoy the scenery

The New River is known for being calm and slow-moving, making it ideal for families with children.
Because of this, many families who vacation in the Boone area return every year to float the river together.
Learn more about our New River Tubing Trips near Boone, NC.

Comfortable Tubes Make the Experience Even Better

Today’s tubing trips are much more comfortable than people expect.

Our premium tubes include features like:

• Headrests for relaxing
• Cup holders for drinks
• Tubes with bottoms to keep you dry
• Open bottom tubes to stay cool
• Cooler tubes for snacks and drinks

We also provide complimentary straps so families can connect their tubes together, creating a floating
group experience while carrying drinks and snacks in the cooler tube.
Many guests describe it as a relaxing river picnic while floating through the mountains.

Families Often Surprise Themselves

Over the years, we’ve seen many guests who were unsure about tubing end up loving it.
One grandmother joined her adult kids and grandkids on vacation but said she didn’t want to tube because she wasn’t a fan of water. Her family convinced her to give it a try just to spend time together.

When she returned from the river, she said:

“That was the highlight of the trip!”

We laughed so hard and chatted about the fabulous time they that afternoon! The best part?? – They loved it so much the entire family came back and tubed again the next day.

Stories like this happen all the time.

Many families visiting Boone tell us that tubing becomes the most memorable part of their mountain vacation.

Tubing Creates Screen-Free Family Moments

One of the biggest benefits of tubing is that it naturally encourages families to disconnect from devices and reconnect with each other.

For a few hours, families float through:

• Peaceful mountain scenery
• Fresh air and sunshine
• Wildlife along the river

Without screens and schedules, families enjoy something increasingly rare — uninterrupted time together outdoors.

Choosing the Right Tubing Outfitter Matters

Not all tubing trips are the same, and choosing the right outfitter can make a big difference in your experience.

At Wahoo’s Adventures, we’ve been welcoming guests since 1978 and focus on making the tubing experience easy and relaxing for families.

Guests especially appreciate:

• ALL-Day Tubing on the New River (the only outfitter offering it)
• Convenient location 15 minutes from downtown Boone
• A quick 7-minute shuttle ride to the river
• Parking directly at our outpost
• No waiting for a shuttle when your trip ends

When your float is over, you simply walk right out of the river where your car is parked.

That means no waiting around for pickup — just an easy, relaxing day on the river.

The New River itself is also special. It’s the second oldest river in the world, known for calm waters, scenic
mountain views, and wildlife.

Many families return year after year because they say tubing at Wahoo’s feels like part of their family
tradition.

Plan Your Family Tubing Trip in Boone NC

If you’re looking for a relaxing outdoor adventure the whole family can enjoy, river tubing on the New River near Boone, NC is one of the best activities you can choose.

Whether you’re visiting the mountains for the first time or continuing a family vacation tradition, tubing offers a chance to slow down, laugh together, and make lasting memories.

Explore our family tubing trips on the New River near Boone

FAQ: Family Tubing in Boone, NC

Is tubing on the New River safe for families?

Yes. The New River near Boone, NC is known for being calm and slow-moving, which makes it a great river for relaxing family tubing trips. Many families with children of all ages enjoy floating together.

Can kids go tubing on the New River?

Yes. Families frequently bring children on tubing trips. Because tubing requires no special skills, it’s a fun
outdoor activity that parents, kids, and grandparents can enjoy together.

Where is the best place for family tubing near Boone, NC?

Wahoo’s Adventures on the New River is the best place for family tubing near Boone. Offering UNLIMITED ALL DAY tubing; premium tubes. easy shuttle access, a beautiful park like setting with convenient river access directly from their outpost, picnic tables, snacks, soft drinks and famous Hershey’s hand dipped ice cream!