Maine: West Forks, Pro River Runners Offer Four Rivers of Fun. A family adventure on a river is definitely on the must do list and Pro River Runners have options for families. Take a funyak on the Middle Kennebec or ply the summertime whitewater of the Dead River. Consider rafting the West Branch of Maine's Penobscot River or get on the slower-paced Hudson River. River time is anytime, just get on and go. Rapids of fun await the next raft.

In addition to the obvious natural way to have tons of fun with your kids, the thrill of approaching a rapid and the teamwork to navigate through provide create one-of-a-kind memories. River rafting with kids has its benefits and with teens the benefits are increased. The friction which sometimes occurs between generations is erased by the sound of whitewater. For starters the river controls the speed, direction and duration of the adventure while the guide manages the experience so neither mom nor dad have any more to power than their children. Everyone is equal on the river and everyone is needed. The atmosphere is ideal for high energy fun. Add to that the obvious there is no room for no Ipods, IMs, text messages or Game Boys. Whitewater provides free-range organic fun.

About the river experience. ProRiverRunners have created a series of all-inclusive whitewater rafting packages which are very family friendly. They offer four rivers and many adventures. Each of the four rivers run by ProRiver offers a different river experience. From a relaxing pace complete wildlife viewing and picnic time to heart pounding fast paced premier whitewater; they have a river experience to fit any family mix. They even have suggestions for those who do not wish to get on the river. Bonus points: They do all of the details. A vacation on the river is an easy vacation for everyone.

The Middle Kennebec river rafting trip is the perfect blend of moderate whitewater and outdoor adventure for families with children ages 8 and older. Dead River summertime whitewater rafting trips are a perfect introduction to rafting. The West Branch of Maine's Penobscot River features heart pumping whitewater for the truly adventurous paddler. Mid-June through the fall usually finds the Hudson River a slower-paced, family adventure. The whitewater rapids are generally mild and there's plenty of opportunity for swimming and picnicking. Bonus points: Save with children’s rates on the Kennebec River.

No two days are the same. With any river it is for certain that no two days are the same; no two trips are the same. The guides have plenty of time on the river and take safety seriously while making it easy to relax, have fun, and enjoy the energy of the whitewater. ProRiver guides are not just excellent rafters, they are naturalists, musicians, storytellers, comedians and, by the end of your trip, friends. They enjoy sharing the positive energy of the river with families.

Day to day on the river. The full description may be found at the Professional River Runners website but we have included a few highlights to give you a sense of the experience.

What overnight lodging is available? At our West Forks, Maine base camp Grand View Lodging is the best bet for families. Located near the Kennebec & Dead Rivers in West Forks, the complex is open year round offering fully furnished 1 & 2 bedroom condo units and a spacious 5-bedroom Bed and Breakfast. Each condo unit sleeps 5-9 and has a living room, pullout sleeper, comfortable furniture, fully equipped kitchen with dining area, full bathrooms, private deck, VCR and linens. Nestled on 15 acres, Grand View Lodging offers panoramic mountain views, spectacular sunrises and traditional New England hospitality. The expansive four-acre lawn is adjacent to wooded walking trails and is great for a game of Frisbee, a brisk walk or raspberry picking in late summer. Bonus points: A popular swimming hole carved right out of the Kennebec River is a 3 minute walk through the woods. And during the snowy months the location is perfect for snowmobiling. It offers access to a 1,000 square mile maintained trail system. Need to know: For the other locations (the Penobscot River in Maine, Hudson and Moose Rivers in New York) they make lodging recommendations which match each river's description.

Here’s the deal. Whitewater adventures range form $25 to $220 per person with discounts for both early and late season river runs. Discounts are available on the Kennebec River for children 15 years of age or younger.

Contact details. Professional River Runners of Maine P.O. Box 92 - Route 201 National Scenic Byway West Forks, ME 04985. Toll-free 1-800-325-3911 or www.proriverrunners.com

Content researched by FamilyTravelFiles staff and /images/ezine provided by ProRiverRunners. Copyright 2009.