SR - Srpski 
Tara rafting with kids is possible from the age of 6. Children ride in the raft with a parent or another adult, every raft has a licensed skipper, and a neoprene wetsuit, life jacket and helmet are included in the price. For families with young children, the best time is the second half of June, July and August, when the river is calmer.
Parents often ask us the same thing: is the Tara the right river for a first family rafting trip? Here is everything you need to know before you bring the kids into the canyon - from age limits and gear to what a day at the camp actually looks like.
Can kids go rafting on the Tara?
They can. The minimum age for rafting with us is 6 years. Your child does not need to know anything about rafting or have any previous experience - a licensed skipper steers the raft, and before the start everyone takes part in a safety briefing that covers how to sit in the raft, how to hold the paddle and how to respond to the skipper's commands.
Children always go with a parent or another adult. That is good for safety and for the experience itself - paddling together through the deepest canyon in Europe is a memory families talk about for years.
When is the best time for family rafting on the Tara?
The Tara changes a lot through the season (May - October). In May the water is at its highest because of snowmelt from Durmitor, the rapids are at their strongest and the water is cold, around 8-12°C. That is a month for adrenaline seekers rather than the youngest paddlers.
For family rafting on the Tara we recommend the second half of June and the summer (July - August). The water level drops, the river is calmer and the water is at its warmest, around 16-20°C. July and August are peak season, so book ahead. If you prefer fewer crowds, June is a great compromise. For a full month-by-month guide, read What Is the Best Month for Rafting on the Tara River?
What does a rafting day with kids look like?
- Breakfast at the camp - the day starts slowly, with breakfast together.
- Transfer to the start - by vehicle upstream, about a 1-hour drive.
- Gear and briefing - kids and adults get a neoprene wetsuit, life jacket, helmet and paddle, and the skipper explains the rules.
- Descent through the canyon - about 4 hours through the most attractive part of the Tara Canyon, with 20+ rapids, high rock walls and a short break along the way.
- Back to the camp for lunch - tired, wet and smiling.
The descent lasts several hours, so make sure your child is rested and has eaten well.
Key facts for parents
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 6 years, with a parent or adult |
| Best time for young children | Second half of June, July and August |
| Descent duration | About 4 hours, with a short break |
| Equipment | Neoprene wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, paddle - included |
| Guide | Licensed skipper in every raft |
| Price | From 65€ per person, 20% off on weekdays |
Which package is best for families?
If you are passing through or just want to try rafting, the 1-day rafting package at 65€ per person includes a buffet breakfast and lunch, rafting with full equipment, transfer, taxes and insurance. Most families, though, enjoy staying at least one night - the 2-day package (105€, three meals and one night) is our most popular, and the 3-day package (150€, five meals and two nights) is the best value. All options are on our Tara rafting packages page.
Good to know: there is a 20% discount on all packages Monday to Friday, and weekdays are much less crowded - ideal for families. Every unit at the camp has a private bathroom, and for a bit more comfort there are A-frame cabins (supplement 30-50€ per person). The camp is pet friendly, so the family dog can come too. Vegetarian, vegan and fasting meals are available on request.
What else can kids do at the camp?
If you stay longer, you can combine rafting with other activities. Kids from 8 can try canoeing (from 25€), and the whole family can go horseback riding, on a lake cruise or hiking. There is live music at the camp on weekends. Note that Rafting 100 km and canyoning are for ages 14 and up.
Before you travel, check our list of what to bring rafting, and if it is your first time too, read our guide to Tara rafting for beginners.
The Tara's water is so clean you can drink it, and the canyon is up to about 1,300 m deep - the deepest in Europe. For kids, it is a day they will not forget.
Frequently asked questions
Can kids go rafting on the Tara?
Yes. Children from 6 years old can raft the Tara with us, accompanied by a parent or another adult in the same raft. Every raft has a licensed skipper, and children get a neoprene wetsuit, life jacket and helmet.
What is the minimum age for Tara rafting?
The minimum age for rafting is 6 years. For canoeing the minimum age is 8, and for the Rafting 100 km programme and canyoning it is 14.
When is the best time for family rafting on the Tara?
For families with young children we recommend the second half of June and the summer months (July and August). The water level drops, the river is calmer and the water is at its warmest, around 16-20°C.
How long does the rafting trip take, and is it too tiring for children?
The descent through the canyon takes about 4 hours with a short break, after a vehicle transfer to the start of about 1 hour. The skipper steers the raft, so children need no previous experience.
How much does family rafting on the Tara cost?
The 1-day package costs 65€ per person and includes breakfast, lunch, rafting with full equipment, transfer, taxes and insurance. There is a 20% discount on all packages Monday to Friday. Payment is cash only at the camp, in EUR or BAM.
Book your family rafting trip
Rafting Camp Eden is located at the confluence of the Tara and Piva rivers, where the Drina begins, at the foot of the Tara Canyon (Hum - Šćepan Polje, Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina), right next to the Šćepan Polje / Hum border crossing with Montenegro. Book online or contact us by phone or WhatsApp on +387 66 545 455 (BiH) or +381 64 266 0852 (Serbia). We reply within 24 hours and are happy to help you pick dates that suit your kids.