If you still want to enjoy the outdoors even in the scorching summer sun, a day on the river is the perfect option. Remember to bring the essentials: water, sunscreen, a hat, and river shoes. Staying hydrated is important, and most of these locations provide cooler tubes to keep your drinks cold. Make reservations in advance for a relaxing tubing experience for family and friends.
Downriver Canoe Company
Float along the Shenandoah River with Downriver Canoe Company for a three-to-four-hour trip down the current. The State Park Trip is 2.5 or 3.5 miles and typically runs on weekends. The route — which runs parallel to the Shenandoah River State Park — offers leisurely viewing of birds and other wildlife. The Hazard Mill Trip spans 3 miles and is typically run on weekdays. The scenic float skirts Massanutten mountain and finishes at the Indian Hollow Bridge next to Downriver Canoe. Both floats last about three hours, and riders must be at least 5 years old. 884 Indian Hollow Rd., Bentonville, $35; $10 for cooler tube
Front Royal Outdoors
Whether you’re looking for a solo trip or group activity, Front Royal Outdoors has options for everyone. Relax during a three-to-four hour ride down 3 miles of the Shenandoah River, from Karo Landing to Front Royal Outdoors. Try either the standard tube or the deluxe tube with a mesh bottom, backrest, and cup holder. You can even bring your dog along to float in a custom tube with a nylon cover, mesh bottom, and strap attachment. Life vests and a shuttle service are included. Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate. 8567 Stonewall Jackson Hwy., Front Royal, $32 to $37
River & Trail Outfitters
Glide down the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers at Harpers Ferry Tubing for spectacular scenery on a hot day. Options include the one-to-two-hour Shenandoah trip on mellow waters for ages 4 and older. This is the most popular trip at Harpers Ferry. Another calm float is the three-hour Potomac Peaceful trip for ages 7 and older, where you may even spot a bald eagle or great blue heron. For more action-packed tubing, try the one-to-two-hour White Water trip down the Potomac River with Class II–III waves for an epic river adventure (for ages 12 and older). Coolers can be reserved in advance, and tube rentals for well-behaved dogs are $20. 99 Cary Lu Cir., Ste. 108, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, $30 to $53
River Riders Family Adventure Resort
Choose from three types of tubing to explore the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers for the longest tubing routes in Harpers Ferry. Flat water tubing on the Shenandoah offers a leisurely float lasting one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours. Alternatively, white water tubing on the Potomac is a more fast-paced, thrilling option in Class I–III water for two to three-and-a-half hours. Try the complete tubing experience with full-day river tubing for five to seven hours on flatwater or white water. Shuttles are available, and you can also rent or purchase cooler tubes for the day. 408 Alstadts Hill Rd., Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, starts at $31 for flat water tubing; starts at $33 for white water tubing; starts at $52 for full day tubing; $19 to $25 for cooler tube
Shenandoah River Outfitters
Enjoy a 3-mile float from Bealer’s Ferry to Foster’s Landing for a three-to-five-hour tubing experience, depending on water conditions. This trip allows you to explore the scenic Shenandoah River and its small waves and breathtaking mountain views. Life jackets and shuttles are included. Make reservations in advance, especially for weekend trips. Riders must be at least 5 years old. 6502 S Page Valley Rd., Luray, $30; $6 for cooler tube
Watermelon Park
Join Watermelon Park for a mellow trip down the Shenandoah River. The lazy float trip typically runs two to three hours, and life jackets are required for those 12 and under. Remember to tip your bus driver for the shuttle system. Pets are not allowed. 3322 Lockes Mill Rd., Berryville, $25; $15 for cooler tube
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