Exploring Wild Water with Kids :: Tips & Safety

There is something wonderful and unique about splashing around among the gentle rapids of a river or a creek that you just don’t get in a pool or water park. Understandably, though, taking young kids to wild water can be intimidating and raise a few common concerns. Keep reading to find why the effort is worth it, and how to keep everyone safe!

This post was first written ten years ago when my kids were 5, 3, and 1. Now as I update this post, we have a 15 year old, 13 year old, 11 year old, 9 year old, and 7 year old– and countless more hours in the water with them!

This is our first summer that our family has a pool membership. The pool has only been open a handful of days and we’ve already been twice. Each of us are very excited about the prospect of spending many afternoons poolside.

So I wasn’t surprised my middle child asked why we weren’t going to the pool instead as we headed to the river yesterday evening . The pool is new (to him) and obviously a lot of fun.

It wasn’t long, though, before all disappointment disappeared in sight of the river. We parked along the bank and unloaded our gear… ourselves, a net, and one small tote bag with a few of supplies.

UPDATE: Heading to the river is even easier now that I keep our truck prepped for spontaneous adventure, and since I created location-specific Adventure Day Bags that are ready to grab and go!

Across the river and through a small field, we came to our spot: Shallow water with plenty of rocks and small rapids to explore. 

The next hour and a half was spent searching for clams, climbing on rocks, pretending to be snapping turtles, examining wildlife, and generally loving the water.

Exploring wild water with our kids is hands down one of our favorite things to do together.

We are members at our science center, frequent players at parks, and there is seldom a week that doesn’t find us at Costco or Target or both. We enjoy doing all these things together but there is something intrinsically different about being in the wild, in nature, together.

UPDATE: Now that our kids are older, when I share us at rivers, creeks, or lakes, I’m asked for tips about what to do when your kids are younger. Even if it’s easier now when your kids can swim and are taller and stronger, it’s still very worthwhile to start the practice when your kids are little! There are so many advantages to both kids and adults, and there are practical ways you can make sure everyone stays safe while you’re out.

“Let the children once get touch with Nature, and a habit is formed which will be a source of delight through life. We were all meant to be naturalists, each in his degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things.” – Charlotte Mason

3 Reasons to Explore Wild Water with Kids

1. Solitude, scenery, & stress relief

When we arrived at the river yesterday evening, the contrast between wild water and swimming pools was clear. No one was around. The only sounds we heard were the sounds of the water splashing over the rocks and the sounds our children doing the same.

Along with the peaceful solitude of the river is its impressive scenery. Without fail, every.single.time I go out and explore rivers and streams, I’m in awe all over again of the beauty of God’s creation. The sun shining through the trees and reflecting on the water is enough to stop me in my tracks.

Studies have shown that being outdoors in such serenity is proven to be a stress reliever to kids and adults alike. If for no other reason, go out and enjoy the quiet in order to unwind and slow down the normal pace of life for a while.

2. Countless learning opportunities

As my eldest matter of factly stated when we left the river yesterday, there is more to learn about at the river than the pool because nature is there. There is no nature at the pool.

My soon-to-be five year old gets it. From the grasses on the banks to the creatures in the water to the herons in the air. Everywhere you look, there are things to admire and examine. You just have to look.

Start by simple playing and exploring freely, no pressure to make great discoveries, and learning opportunities will inevitably present themselves. Whether or not you do anything more at home, the simple act of looking and talking is a great boon to your child’s education.

UPDATE: For more on integrating natural explorations and learning at home, check out my Adventure Days Are School Days Too post for ideas and resources. We have also used and love Treehouse Schoolhouse’s seasonal nature studies for years, as well. (I spent this last year writing an intermediate level extension for older students!)

3. Greater strength and agility

Yesterday I watched my toddler standing upright in the shallow areas of the river, bending down to dig up clam shells, wading through the water, and climbing up on the rocks around her. This is just her second or third time on her own in the river.

I saw my three year old confidently crawling across rocks and over small rapids, pretending to be a turtle and using both his hands and feet to carry him safely through the water.

My tall five year old, the most capable and confident in the water of my three children, is learning how to walk sure-footed through the water. To avoid the slick rocks and to catch his balance when he doesn’t.

Our kids are learning from us to be safe in wild water and they are gaining more ability and confidence each time we go.

“When going on outdoor adventures, the temptation for many is to rope off hazardous areas and create a “safe” zone for their children. But never for a moment think that you can childproof the wilderness. It can’t be done. What’s more, it shouldn’t be done. Children learn to safely interact with wild places by interacting with them. Even toddlers...”
–Babes in the Woods

Tips to Keep Everyone Safe and Having Fun

• Stay vigilant. This is the most important and foremost practice for keeping kids safe in water. When my kids are playing in wild water, I am nearby and watching (if not also in the water with them). Once you have accessed the area to make sure there are no deep spots, they can explore independently, but it’s still crucial to keep an eye on them from a spot close enough to help as needed. I will often put a compact chair right in the water, and occasionally listen to an audiobook so I can observe and enjoy a book at the same time.
• Wear the right shoes. Leave your flip flops at home and stick to shoes with toe and heel straps, as well as a good sole. Bonus points for shoes that protect your toes. Our boys live in KEEN sandals during the summer and we have never been disappointed in them.
• Look for good access to avoid steep banks. Find a spot on the bank that will be safe to get down and to climb back up when are all wet and tired.
• Let an adult wade first. If you are in an area that is new to you, wade out first before your children to check for any drop-off or especially mucky areas in which they might sink. 
• Drink lots of water. Any time you are out in the sun is an important time to drink lots of water. But often being in the water makes us think we aren’t really thirsty. Be sure to drink water and encourage your kids to drink water whether or not you feel like you need to.
• Wear old, fast drying clothes. I have a stash of fast drying shorts and rash guard shirts that I have found over the past couple of years at Goodwill reserved for the times we are out in wild water. My kids can get dirty without concern, and I know that they will be comfortable for whatever activity they do.
• Do Bring: nets and a container for treasures. Nets aren’t really essential when hands will do just as well, but having a small bag or pail to store a few found treasures in is. Being able to bring home a few interesting finds makes the trip more special and opens up more opportunities for identification in field guides and recording memories in nature journals.
• Don’t bring: valuables or anything not meant to get wet. Leave most valuables at home or in the car. If you need to bring a phone, keep it in a safe place on the bank (not in your pocket!). You don’t want to be worried about getting it wet if you accidentally slip or be encumbered from really playing with your kids.
• Be observant. It is good to be aware of what poison ivy looks like and what potentially harmful snakes live in your area so that you can  avoid both if need arises. We have seen both and have never had a problem with either. Snakes generally do not want to be any closer to you than you want them to be. Any snakes we have seen have been quick to get away as soon as we approach. (More on snakes and other common fears outdoors)
• Make it a habit. My final safety tip is simply to make being outdoors a regular practice. Kids will learn to navigate uneven terrain, water, and safety precautions the more they are exposed to these things and given opportunity to practice. It DOES get easier and is well-worth the effort.

Don’t know where to go? Check Google maps, ask a friend, find a travel guide on water areas in your city or state, or call a local fishing shop. With an angler for a husband, I am certain that last option is able to point you in the right direction!

Want more adventuring and outdoor content? Follow me on Instagram, and check out my Outdoors page for more!

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