Family River Trips in the Poconos: A Parent's Guide

The Delaware River is one of the best family outdoor destinations in the Northeast — and it's closer than most people realize. Less than 90 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia, the stretch through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers clean, calm water, gorgeous scenery, and a handful of ways to get on the river that work for just about any age. Here's how to plan a trip your kids will actually love (and talk about for weeks).

What Age Is Right for a River Trip?

The short answer: it depends on the activity. For canoes and rafts, there's really no age floor — parents paddle while little ones ride along, and toddlers in properly fitted life vests do just fine. Rafts are especially solid for young children because the boat is wide and stable and the whole group stays together. Canoes offer more flexibility and gear storage, which parents tend to appreciate.

Tubing is more of an independent experience — each person floats in their own tube — so it works best for kids who are old enough to sit comfortably in a tube and follow basic safety instructions. Most families find that kids around 7 or 8 and up are ready for tubing, though every child is different. If you're unsure, a canoe or raft is the safer call for younger kids.

Which Trip Is Best for Families?

All three main options — canoes, rafts, and tubes — have something to offer families. Here's how they break down:

• Canoes are flexible and forgiving. You have storage for snacks, gear, and dry bags. Dogs are welcome. You can go at your own pace and stop wherever you want. Great for families who want the full paddling experience without being locked into a group raft.
• Rafts are the most stable option on the water — a wide, flat-bottomed boat that's hard to tip. If you've got young kids who might squirm or a family member who's nervous about the water, this is often the best pick. Everyone rides together, which young kids tend to love.
• Tubes are the most relaxed and social option, and a lot of fun for older kids and teens who want their own independence on the water. The whole group drifts together but each person floats in their own tube — think of it as a lazy river with actual scenery.

What's the Shortest Trip for Families?

If you're bringing young kids or it's the family's first time on the river, the Smithfield to Kittatinny route is the one to start with. It's 6 miles and takes about 2 hours — long enough to feel like an adventure, short enough that no one's melting down in the boat by the end. It's the route we'd recommend for first-timers of any age.

Once you know what the experience is like, longer routes open up. The Bushkill to Smithfield stretch (10 miles, about 3.5 hours) is a natural next step for families ready for a bigger day. Check the trip guide for a full breakdown of routes and distances.

Can Kids Swim in the Delaware River?

Yes — and most kids end up in the water at some point whether they planned to or not. The Delaware through the Water Gap is one of the cleanest river stretches in the eastern U.S., with clear water and a sandy/rocky bottom. There are natural swimming spots along every route, and the river is calm enough in most sections for kids to wade and splash around.

Life vests are provided and required while you're in the boat. Swimming happens at your own discretion, but the river is generally shallow and slow-moving enough to be safe for confident young swimmers. Always keep an eye on younger kids near the current.

What Should Families Pack?

A few things make a big difference with kids on the river:

• Sunscreen — lots of it. You're on the water for hours with no shade. Pack a full-size bottle and apply before you launch.
• Water shoes for the kids. Flip-flops float away. Closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers stay on at the rocky launch and takeout points.
• Extra dry clothes. Kids get wet. Having a dry outfit waiting at the car makes the ride home infinitely better.
• Snacks and drinks. Coolers are welcome (no glass). Kids do better with snacks on demand. A small soft-sided cooler fits in a canoe easily.
• A dry bag for your phone, keys, and anything that can't get wet.

For a full packing list, the what to bring guide covers everything in detail.

Can You Bring Your Dog?

Dogs are welcome on canoes and kayaks — and honestly, most of them love it. The river is calm, there's plenty of room to settle in the hull of a canoe, and the swim spots make for a great dog day too. Just bring a leash for the launch and takeout areas.

Dogs are not permitted on tubes or rafts due to the risk of puncture and the difficulty of keeping a pet safely secured. If the dog's coming, plan for a canoe trip. The dog on the river guide has tips for first-timers.

Ready to Plan Your Family Trip?

Chamberlain Canoes has been running family trips on the Delaware since 1968. We handle the gear, the shuttles, and the logistics — your only job is showing up ready to have a good day. For most families with younger kids, we'd start with a canoe trip on the shorter Smithfield to Kittatinny route. It's the right mix of adventure and ease, and it almost always turns into an annual tradition.