Riverboarding is the lesser-known cousin of rafting, where instead of sitting in a raft, you ride down the river on a buoyant board with fins on your feet, navigating the current up close. It's an exhilarating activity for adventurous older kids and teens, and one of those experiences they'll be talking about long after the trip.

The hotels in this collection partner with operators that take river safety seriously. Think proper boards and wetsuits, helmets and PFDs, qualified guides, and routes appropriate for older kids (typically 12 and up). For the right family with the right kids, this delivers one of the most adrenalin-rich days of the entire vacation.

Below are the top family hotels with riverboarding access, sorted by overall score.