Best Family-Friendly Tubing Near Blue Ridge, GA
Looking for the best family-friendly places to go tubing near Blue Ridge, GA? We’ve got all the ideas listed here in one place. Get ready for some fun!
Nothing cools you off better on a hot summer day than a relaxing day in cool water. The beautiful north Georgia mountains offer some of the best tubing around on the scenic rivers of the south.
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Tubing is one of the best water activities to do as a family, regardless of your kids’ ages. This past Memorial Day, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of our arrival in Georgia by tubing a local river with our children. It was an absolutely unforgettable time!
The North Georgia area offers several great locations with anything from completely calm waters to white water rapids, all surrounded by beautiful scenery.
If your children are young, you’ll find rivers that offer a short ride and sandy bottoms. Families with older children can try river trips with more challenging and exciting rapids.
Regardless of which area you choose, you’re sure to have a great time in the great outdoors.
Take a look at our recommendations for the best places to take your whole family for a fun day of tubing in North Georgia!
Things To Note Before Tubing with Your Family
Most tubing companies are open Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day weekend.
Always check before hand to ensure the water level and weather is conducive to tubing.
Most tubing companies provide tube rentals. However, some may allow you to bring your own tubes. However, we recommend checking with the company beforehand, and note that it MUST be US Coast Guard approved.
For longer tubing trips, transportation to and from a drop-off point is often provided. Check on-line or call beforehand!
Many companies have a minimum age, and it varies depending on the location.
Cool River Tubing in Helen, GA
Up first is Helen, GA. Nestled in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains, Helen is a charming Bavarian-style town that offers a delightful tubing experience.
The Chattahoochee River flows through Helen, providing a beautiful backdrop for your tubing adventure. The calm waters are ideal for small children.
Grab your tubers and float down the river, enjoying the scenic beauty and cool rivers. Helen is known for its lively atmosphere, with shops, restaurants, and attractions that the whole family will love. Make a weekend of it and stay at one of the Bavarian-themed hotels!
Equipment provided: Yes
Age Requirements: 2 years and older
Aska Mining Company in Blue ridge, GA
For a unique twist on tubing, consider visiting the Aska Mining Company right in Blue Ridge, GA. This family-friendly attraction offers gem mining and tubing all in one place!
Start your adventure by mining for gemstones and fossils, where you and your family can sift through buckets of dirt to uncover hidden treasures. Once you’ve found your gems, head over to the tubing area where you can float down the Toccoa River on specially designed gem mining-themed tubes. How fun is that?
The gentle currents of the river make it suitable for all ages. The Aska Mining Company provides all the equipment, for both the gem mining and the tubing.
After your day on the water, you can explore the gift shop and take home your newfound gemstones as a memento of your fun filled day. The Aska Mining company offers a unique combination of activities that will delight the whole family!
During the tubing off season, gem mining is still available.
Equipment provided: Yes
Age Requirements: 4
Toccoa River Tubing Company
Located just a short drive from Blue Ridge, Toccoa River Tubing offers a relaxing and family-friendly tubing experience.
The Toccoa River is known for its calm and gentler waters, making it perfect for families with young children. As you float down the river, you can admire the stunning mountain views and even spot some wildlife along the way.
Toccoa River Tubing provides all the necessary equipment, so all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Equipment provided: Yes
Age Requirements: 5 years old
Distance: 1.5 miles
Nantahala Outdoor Center on the Nantahala, NC
If you’re up for a day trip from Blue Ridge, head to the Nantahala River in North Carolina.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and gentler rapids, the Nantahala RIver provides a thrilling yet safe tubing experience for all ages. Enjoy the stunning mountain views as you float down the river and create lasting memories with your family!
The Nantahala River Outdoor Center offers family-friendly tubing adventures in in several locations- visit their website to find the one nearest you!
Equipment provided: Yes
Age Requirements: Varies, 5 to 8 years old
Chestatee River Adventures, Dahlonega, GA
http://www.chestateeriveradventures.com
Located in Dahlonega, GA, the Chestatee River offers a fantastic tubing experience for families.
The river features calm sections for leisurely floating, as well as small rapids that add a touch of excitement. Tubing on the Chestatee River allows you to immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by lush forests and beautiful landscapes.
Don’t forget to bring a picnic and enjoy a riverside lunch (picnic tables?) lunch during your tubing adventure.
Equipment provided: Yes
Age Requirements: 4
Time: 20-25 minutes
Cartecay River Experience, Ellijay, GA
facebook.com/riverexperienceEllijayGA/
Located in the city of Ellijay, GA, the Cartecay River offers a fantastic tubing experience for families seeing a mix of relaxation and excitement. The Cartecay River experience provides all the equipment you need for a fun -filled day on the water.
As you float down the river, you’ll encounter gentle rapids that add a touch of thrill to your tubing adventure. The Cartecay RIver is known for its crystal clear waters and scenic beauty.
After your tubing trip, you can explore the charming town of Ellijay, known for its many apple orchards, quaint shops, and delicious dining options!
The Cartecay River Experience is a must-visit tubing destination for families looking to create lasting memories in the Blue Ridge area.
Equipment provided: Yes
Age Requirements: None, but strongly recommend 4 and up
Distance: 3 miles
Slow Water Tubing in Royston, GA
https://www.facebook.com/slowwater29/
For a unique tubing experience, consider visiting Royston, GA for slow water tubing.
The Broad River in Royston offers a leisurely float with minimal currents, making it ideal for families with young children or those who are looking for a lazy river experience.
Slow Water Tubing provides tubes and shuttle service to and from the river, ensuring a hassle-free experience for the whole family. Its a family run business and a peaceful location.
Equipment provided: Yes
Age Requirements: No
Distance: 4 miles
Outdoor Adventure Rafting on the Ocoee River
For families seeking a more adventurous tubing experience, the Ocoee River in Tennessee is a must-visit destination.
Located about an hour away from Blue Ridge, the Ocoee River is famous for its thrilling white water rafting, but it also offers tubing options suitable for families.
The Lower Ocoee River provides a fun and calm tubing experience. After your trip, try out some of the other activities such as paintball, high ropes course, and climbing wall!
Equipment provided: yes
Age Requirements: Check with company
Time: 90 minutes
Rolling Thunder River Company:
Rolling Thunder River Company operates on the Ocoee River, The Nantahala River, and the Toccoa River. They offer whitewater rafting trips as well as gentle float trips.
Rolling Thunder provides top-quality tubes and safety equipment, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. The experienced guides will ensure that you have a memorable and fun tubing adventure.
Rolling Thunder River company is the perfect choice for families seeking an adventure river experience.
Equipment provided: Yes
Age Requirements: Varies
Distance: Varies
What to Bring for family float trips:
While most tubing companies will provide tubes and other needed equipment, consider taking along a few items to make your trip as comfortable and fun as possible.
Waterproof Cases for Phones and valuables:
Protect your phone from water damage by bringing along a waterproof case.
We like the cases that hang around your neck, or this one that holds at least two phones and can clip to the tube.
Cooler Bags for Picnics:
Keep your snacks and drinks cool with a cooler bag. Kids always need a snack, and some companies will offer a tube specifically for cooler bags that you can strap to your tube!
Straps with carabiner to connect tubes:
Keep your group together and consider using straps with carabiners to connect everyone. Many tubing companies will offer straps that can be tied on, but we found that having a carabiner that clips and unclips easily works the best.
These handy accessories allow you to link multiple tubes, ensuring everyone stays together. They also unclip easily if anyone wants to leave the group.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker:
Have fun and create a lively atmosphere by playing music! Don’t be obnoxious, but some family-friendly music is always a hit with our kids!
We like this speaker– its waterproof and has a great sound and battery life.
Life Jackets:
Most companies will offer life jackets, but we like to bring our younger kids their own life jackets to ensure they have the right fit.
Look for life jackets that are Coast Guard approved and provide a comfortable fit for everyone. We like to use these and these for our toddler and 5 year-old.
Water Shoes:
Protect you and your littles feet from sharp rocks or slippery surfaces. Water shoes are designed to provide traction and prevent slips, making it easier to navigate the river and river banks.
Lastly, remember to stay hydrated and enjoy the beautiful surroundings as you create lasting memories for your family.
FAQs:
Do I have to be able to swim to go tubing?
You do not need to be able to swim, however, anyone unable to swim should wear a life jacket. All kids age 12 and under are required to wear a life vest.
Can we bring fishing poles while tubing?
Generally no- however each company is different- check with your individual trip for requirements.
What should I wear while tubing?
Anything that you’re ok getting wet! Even if you don’t fully immerse yourself in the water, chances are, you’ll get wet.
What sort of tubes are provided?
Most companies will provide open bottom as well as closed bottom tubes. Check with the individual company for their exact options .
To Sum Up…
There are so many options for where you can take your kids on a fun, family-friendly tubing adventure near Blue Ridge, GA!
Experiencing the rivers up close has been one of our favorite activities as a family.
We hope you find these recommendations helpful- and let us know where you go!
