Tips

Packraft rental with kids: here’s how to make it a successful adventure

24 March 2026 Michael

Father with children at a lake, ready for a packraft adventure in nature

Your child is at the water’s edge. Life jacket on, paddle in hand. And then that first push onto the water – the face he pulls, you won’t soon forget.

Packrafting with kids really is possible. But you have to get it right: the right river, the right age and the right equipment. This article tells you exactly how to make it a successful day.

From what age can your child join?

8-10 years: along in a duo packraft, with an adult
12-15 years: solo in a packraft, provided your child can swim well
Younger than 8 years: not recommended

The real barrier is not the paddling, but the lugging. A packraft with paddle and life jacket weighs 6 to 9 pounds. For an 8-year-old child, that’s heavy. So plan the walking distance short, or do you carry the packraft.

Which river do you choose with children?

Always choose calm, flat water. No rapids, no strong currents.

In the Netherlands:

The Biesbosch – best choice for families. Read our itinerary blog about the Biesbosch.
The Regge (Overijssel) – quiet river through forests and meadows. Read our route blog about the Regge.
Schalkwijk (Utrecht) – polder landscape, ideal for a very first time on the water.

In Belgium:

The Semois (Ardennes) – picturesque and peaceful. Read our route blog about the Semois.
The Ourthe (Ardennes) – something more sporty. Read our route blog on the Ourthe.

Duo or solo packraft?

For children under 12, we recommend a duo packraft. You steer, your child paddles along. This keeps you in control and your child involved.

Older than 12 and able-bodied in the water? Then your child can do just fine solo. Just keep visual contact and choose a route without strong currents.

What do you bring?

Life jacket – mandatory for everyone
Use a life jacket, not a lifejacket. A life jacket automatically turns an unconscious user onto his or her back. Check that the vest cannot be pulled over the head if all straps are fastened.

Clothing and shoes:

Water shoes or old sneakers (no flip-flops)
Dry spare clothes in the backpack
Sun protection and cap

Food and drink:

Snacks on the go – low blood sugar makes every child cranky
Plenty of water, especially on hot days

5 tips for a successful day

Start early – crowds on the water quickly demotivate children
Keep the route short – paddling 5 to 8 km is enough for a 10-year-old child
Practice boarding at home – getting used to the equipment saves frustration on the water
Carry the heavy backpack yourself if your child is under 10
Put your phone away and paddle along – your child needs your attention more than your navigation app

Photos via Pexels

What is it like to packraften with a child?

Many parents wonder the same thing beforehand: is it fun enough, will your child keep it up, and isn't it too exciting? This is precisely why a first trip is often so surprising. As soon as you get out on the water together, the atmosphere immediately changes.

You are outside, moving through nature together and have plenty of room along the way to stop, eat something or just look around. It's not about pace, it's about being out and about together. And that's exactly what makes it so much fun for many families.

For children, it quickly feels like a mini-expedition. For parents, it is especially special to notice how quickly you are really in the moment together. No full schedule, no distractions, just adventure in a way that remains manageable and relaxed.

Often the success is precisely in the little things: paddling together, pausing along the way and hearing at the end of the day that they want another go.